Job overview

This is an exciting opportunity to join one of the largest microbiology departments in England. The Manchester Medical Microbiology Partnership (MMMP) is a collaboration between Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust and the UK Health Security Agency.

Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT) is the leading Trust for teaching, research and specialist services in the North West of England. The Microbiology delivered from the Manchester Royal Infirmary site employs around 130 staff and has a workload of approximately 1.2 million tests. The department embraces all aspects of a modern clinical bacteriology service combining traditional methodologies with laboratory automation.

Main duties of the job

The scope of this role is to learn and maintain good laboratory practice in the interests of the departmental commitment to provide an efficient service and to become a positive member of a team or teams in the function of service provision. No formal qualifications are required although a good standard of education (to GCSE level or equivalent) is necessary and as the department is computerised, keyboard skills would be a great advantage. You should be methodical and organised; with good communication skills and the ability to work effectively. Full training will be provided. You will be assisting Biomedical Scientists in receiving, preparing and examining clinical specimens and your duties will include the preparation of reagents, stock and record maintenance. Other duties include general clerical tasks, telephone enquiries and post. The laboratory is accredited by UKAS and we actively encourage CPD activities.

In return we will provide a comprehensive induction programme and you will be appraised on a yearly basis with a view to developing knowledge and skills where appropriate.

The department requires staff to support the delivery of a comprehensive Microbiology service within a rotational shift pattern which will include shifts throughout the department 24 hours a day / 7days per week.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

IMPORTANT CANDIDATE INFORMATION

To find out more about the key responsibilities and the specific skills and experience you’ll need for this role, take a look at the Job Description & Person Specification attachments under the ‘Documents to download’ heading.

Explore ‘Inside MFT – Your Candidate Place’

To help you feel confident, prepared and fully informed before you apply, we invite you to explore Inside MFT – Your Candidate Place. This welcoming one‑stop hub gives you a real sense of who we are, what we stand for, how we reward and support you, and the many ways we care for you as you care for others. You’ll also find practical hints and tips for submitting a great application, along with the essential information you need to know before you apply.

To access ‘Inside MFT – Your Candidate Place’, simply click on the relevant PDF document under the ‘Documents to download’ heading and once opened, you can either scan QR code or click on the link provided.

Closing vacancy listings early

We welcome applications from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences. To help us manage applications fairly and give each one the time it deserves, our adverts may close early if we receive a high level of interest. Early applications are therefore encouraged.

Diversity Matters MFT is committed to promoting equality of opportunity, celebrating and valuing diversity and eliminating any form of unlawful discrimination across our workforce, ensuring our people are truly representative of the communities we serve. All individuals regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation are encouraged to apply for this post. As an inclusive employer, we are here to support you. If you have any special requirements to help you with your application, please contact the manager named below.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in your application

Here at Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, we’re proud to be ALL HERE FOR YOU, for our patients, our communities, and each other. As part of our commitment to fairness, transparency, and personal integrity, we ask all applicants to ensure that their job applications reflect their own experiences, skills, and motivations. While AI tools can support spelling, grammar, or formatting, we expect that the content of your application, especially personal statements and responses to role specific questions is written by you. This helps us get to know the real you and ensures that our recruitment process remains equitable and meaningful for everyone.

Thank you for helping us uphold the values that make our Trust a place where people belong, grow, and thrive. We look forward to receiving your application.

Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check

As part of our commitment to safeguarding patients and staff, many roles at Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT) require a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. This is a standard process across the NHS and helps us ensure a safe environment for everyone.

What is a DBS Check?

A DBS check is a background check that reveals any criminal convictions, cautions, reprimands, or warnings. The level of check required depends on the role:

Standard DBS: Checks for spent and unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands, and final warnings.

Enhanced DBS: Includes the above, plus any additional information held by local police that’s considered relevant to the role.

Enhanced with Barred Lists: Includes all of the above, plus checks against the children’s and/or adults’ barred lists.

Who Needs a DBS Check

Most roles involving direct patient contact, working with children or vulnerable adults, or access to sensitive information will require a DBS check. The job advert and recruitment team will let you know if this applies to your role.

The Costs for a DBS

At Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT), roles that require a DBS check are subject to a cost recovery policy. This means that the cost of submitting and processing a DBS application if you are successful and join us, will be deducted from your salary within the first three months of employment. If, however, you withdraw from a conditional offer after the DBS process has begun, you will still be liable for the cost incurred.

For more information about the cost of the various types of DBS, please visit: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/dbs-fees-are-changing-in-december

DBS Update Service

Candidates are also expected to register with the DBS Update Service which must be completed within 30 days of the certificate being issued. This helps streamline future employment checks and supports safer recruitment practices. For more information, please visit the DBS Update Service.

Person specification:

Skills

Essential

• Good verbal and written verbal communication skills.
• Evidence of working as part of a team
• Ability to follow written protocol
• It skills: use of spreadsheets, data bases and word processing

Qualifications

Essential

• Basic numeracy and Literacy
• GCSE (or equivalent) Grade C or above, with English, Maths and at least one science

Desirable

• NVQ level 2 Or similar qualifications

Knowledge and Experience

Essential

• Knowledge and interest in Healthcare Science
• Understanding of laboratory Health & Safety procedures.

Desirable

• Previously worked in Laboratory
• Evidence of ongoing training & development
• Previous work experience