Healthcare Support Worker/Medical Laboratory Assistant

Job summary
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 UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and the Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust

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 specimens. 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.

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.

About us
We pride ourselves as being an employer of choice, where Everyone Matters promoting equality of opportunity to actively encourage applications from everyone, including groups currently underrepresented in our workforce.

UKHSA ethos is to be an inclusive organisation for all our staff and stakeholders. To create, nurture and sustain an inclusive culture, where differences drive innovative solutions to meet the needs of our workforce and wider communities. We do this through celebrating and protecting differences by removing barriers and promoting equity and equality of opportunity for all.

Please visit our careers site for more information

Details
Date posted: 30 October 2026
Pay scheme: Other
Salary: £25,651 to £27,220 a year per annum pro rata
Contract: Permanent
Working pattern: Full-time, Part-time, Job share, Flexible working
Reference number: 919-CA-309450-EXT

Job responsibilities

• work under remote supervision of a Registered Biomedical Scientist following defined Examination Procedures (EPs) and would be expected to refer non routine issues to their supervisor
• exercise judgement and interpretation to generate laboratory reports in accordance with departmental policies and procedures
• ensure prompt notification or referral of unusual and urgent results to medical staff, BMS and Nursing staff, report by telephone urgent results to medical or nursing staff, GPs and other hospitals according to departmental policies
• be responsible for generating worksheets and checking for outstanding work using the laboratory computer systems
• perform manual and automated tests according to protocols following EPs, to a high degree of accuracy and precision, under the supervision of a BMS
• perform initial review of quality control/assay performance data prior to BMS approval
• assess the suitability and appropriateness of samples received and liaise with scientific and nursing staff for action or advice following departmental sample acceptance policy
• maintain confidentiality of sensitive patient information gained within the department
• ensure data integrity when entering demographics and results into the laboratory information system according to local procedures and protocols
• do sample preparation, processing bodily fluids and materials, including high-risk specimens and reagent preparation following protocols
• be responsible for selection of appropriate reagents, calibrators for laboratory tests to be performed following departmental EPs
• process specimens, sub culturing of specimens, cleaning and maintenance of equipment, assisting BMS staff in analytical techniques, and use of automated equipment within Containment Level 3 laboratory
• be responsible for sending samples to external reference laboratories, selecting tests, appropriate labs and ensuring paperwork is correct and UKAS compliant
• monitor, routine maintenance, minor trouble shooting and correction of minor faults of automated equipment
• clean and disinfection of equipment and laboratory areas
• dispose of tissue and patient samples in accordance with relevant guidelines
• monitor and maintain appropriate stock levels, receipt of deliveries and preparation of orders
• work within a rotational shift pattern, which may include shifts throughout 24 hours a day/7days per week period, to meet the service needs of the department
• deal with patients, visitors and deliveries as required
• be responsible for the preparation of identification tests and antimicrobial susceptibility tests
• use microscopes for identification of microorganisms

Research and development
To assist in any agreed research projects undertaken by the department, including clinical trials. To participate in the evaluation of new items of equipment and diagnostic reagents, under supervision

Please be aware this list is not exhaustive

Essential criteria

• GCSE or equivalent qualification in Maths and English and Sciences or equivalent experience in a lab based environment
• Previously worked in Laboratory
• Previous work experience
• Experience of working in a health care environment
• Clear communicator with good writing, data entry and telephone skills ensuring accuracy
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team
• Ability to follow written protocols

Selection Process Details
This vacancy will be assessed using a competency-based framework which will assess your qualifications, knowledge and experience and / or skills and abilities outlined in the essential criteria.

Stage 1: Application
You will be required to complete an application form. You will be assessed on the listed essential criteria, and this will be in the form of a:

• Application form (Employer/ Activity history section on the application)
• 500 word Supporting Statement

This should outline how you consider your skills, experience and knowledge provide evidence of your suitability for the role, with reference to the essential criteria.

Healthjobs UK has a word limit of 1,500 but your supporting statement must be no more than 500 words.

You will receive a joint score for your application form and statement. The application form is the kind of information you would put into your CV. Please be advised you will not be able to upload your CV. Please complete the application form in as much detail as possible. Please do not email us your CV.

Longlisting
In the event of a large number of applications we will longlist into 3 piles of:

• Meets all essential criteria
• Meets some essential criteria
• Meets no essential criteria

If used, the pile(s) Meets all essential criteria and will proceed to shortlisting.

Shortlisting
In the event of a large number of applications we may conduct an initial sift, on the lead criteria of: GCSE or equivalent qualification in Maths and English and Sciences or equivalent experience in a lab based environment

If you are successful at this stage, you will progress to interview.

Feedback will not be provided at this stage.

Stage 2: Interview
You will be invited to a (single) face to face interview at UKHSA Manchester Lab. In exceptional circumstances, we may be able to offer a remote interview.

Knowledge, Experience Skills & abilities will be tested at interview.

Please note that UKHSA is exploring options for the future of the Clinical Network Laboratories service and that further information will be shared as the review progresses.

Eligibility Criteria - External
Open to all external applicants (anyone) from outside the Civil Service (including internal applicants).

Location - Lab only Manchester
This role is being offered as lab based at our site in Manchester.

You will be required to have a Counter Terrorism Check security vetting check as a minimum. For meaningful National Security Vetting checks to be carried out individuals need to have lived in the UK for a sufficient period of time. You should normally have been resident in the United Kingdom for the last 3 years as the role requires Counter Terrorism Check (CTC) clearance. In exceptional circumstances UK residency less than the outlined periods may not necessarily bar you from gaining national security vetting and applicants should contact the Vacancy Holder/Recruiting Manager listed in the advert for further advice.

Security Clearance Level Requirement - Basic DBS + CTC
Successful candidates must pass a basic disclosure and barring security check before they can be appointed. Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is:

• Baseline Personnel Security Standard
• Counter Terrorist Check

Salary Information
If you are successful at interview, and are moving from another government department, NHS, or Local Authority, the relevant starting salary principles for level transfers or promotions will apply. Otherwise, roles are offered at the pay scale minimum for the grade, but in exceptional circumstances there may be flexibility if you are able to demonstrate you are already in receipt of an existing, higher salary.

Pay increases are through the relevant annual pay award for the role and terms.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check: This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Certificate of Sponsorship: Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement.

Employer details
Employer name: UK Health Security Agency
Address: UKHSA Manchester Lab, Manchester, M13 9WL, United Kingdom

For questions about the job, contact: Resourcing Officer, Conny Agyei, View email address on meeveem.com