About this role
Job summary
Associate Practitioner with role in Quality
Department: Microbiology
Band 4, £28,392 - £31,157 Per annum pro rata
Hours: Full time, 37.5 per week, all MKUH roles will be considered for flexible working
The Microbiology Department at Milton Keynes University Hospital receives over 210,000 clinical sample requests each year, providing a comprehensive diagnostic service covering bacteriology, molecular diagnostics, virology, serology, mycobacteriology, and parasitology.The department has recently undergone a successful UKAS assessment against the ISO15189:2022 standard and has been recommended for accreditation, recognising our commitment to delivering safe, effective, and high-quality diagnostic services for our patients. We are also an IBMS/HCPC accredited training laboratory, supporting the development of future Biomedical Scientists and laboratory professionals.
'We care We communicate We collaborate We contribute'
Pleasenote:We are unable to offer sponsorship for this role.
Interview date: 14 August 2026
Main duties of the job
We are seeking an enthusiastic and motivated Band 4 Quality Associate Practitioner to join our Microbiology team. This is an exciting opportunity for an individual who has a genuine interest in microbiology laboratory, quality improvement, and delivering excellent patient-focused services.
The successful candidate will have excellent attention to detail and a commitment to maintaining high standards of laboratory practice. This role provides a varied and rewarding opportunity, combining technical microbiology duties with a key focus on quality support activities that contribute towards maintaining and continuously improving our accredited service.
About us
Milton Keynes University Hospital, in proud partnership with the University of Buckingham, is a University Teaching Hospital committed to advancing patient care through cutting-edge research and education. With a "Good" rating from the CQC and significant investment underway, this is an exciting time to join our team and grow your career.
As a medium sized general hospital, we provide a full range of general medical and surgical services, including a busy Emergency Department, Maternity, and Paediatrics. As the population of our city and surrounding areas continues to grow rapidly, we are expanding and enhancing our facilities to meet rising demand and improve access to care for all our communities.
We are also proud to offer a growing portfolio of specialist services. In January 2025 we opened our state-of-the-art Radiotherapy Centre, bringing advanced cancer treatment closer to home. Our services also include neonatology, specialist surgical care, and a wide range of diagnostics, supported by the new Community Diagnostic Centre at Whitehouse Health Centre. We have just opened the Oak Wards - a new ward block featuring two 24-bed wards.
Further investment is underway, including the recently approved Women and Children's Centre, set to open by 2030.
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For further information about Milton Keynes please visit - Visit Milton Keynes
Job description Job responsibilities
NHS Staff Survey: With high scores in Team Working and Line Management, our teams collaborate, communicate, and care for one another because we know were stronger together.
Supporting the delivery of a high-quality microbiology diagnostic service across all laboratory sections.
Performing technical laboratory duties including specimen preparation, culture setup, microscopy, and interpretation of microbiological investigations under appropriate supervision.
Processing a wide range of clinical specimens including blood, faeces, urine, sputum, swabs, and other clinical samples.
Operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting laboratory analysers and equipment in accordance with departmental procedures.
Supporting quality management activities, including: - Maintaining accurate quality records using the laboratory quality management system.
Supporting internal audits and compliance monitoring against ISO15189:2022 requirements.
Assisting with corrective and preventative actions (CAPA). - Monitoring equipment performance, turnaround times, and quality indicators.
Supporting reagent and consumable stock control.
Maintaining training and competency documentation.
Ensuring all laboratory activities are performed in accordance with Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), infection prevention policies, Health and Safety requirements, and professional standards.
Communicating effectively with laboratory colleagues, Biomedical Scientists, clinicians, and other healthcare professionals including South 4 Pathology Partners. The post holder will work flexibly across the Microbiology Department and may be required to support different laboratory sections according to service requirements. The role may involve participation in variable shift patterns, including weekends, public holidays, late evenings, and night shifts (subject to service requirements). Applicants with previous microbiology laboratory experience will be advantageous; however, individuals with transferable laboratory skills and a willingness to learn are encouraged to apply. Milton Keynes University Hospital is committed to supporting staff development and continuous learning. The successful candidate will have opportunities to expand their technical skills, contribute to quality improvement activities, and work alongside experienced Biomedical Scientists within a supportive and progressive laboratory environment. The selection process will be based on application shortlisting, followed by an interview for successful candidates.
Please refer to attached Job description for further information.
Person Specification
Qualifications and knowledge Essential
Minimum of five GCSEs (A-C) including English Language, mathematics and a science subject Level 3 qualification (A-level equivalent) in a science subject OR NVQ3 or equivalent experience in relevant discipline Foundation degree or degree in Biomedical Science or accredited degree Willingness to undertake mandatory training. Knowledge of UKAS ISO15189 Experience using a Quality Management System (QPulse or equivalent) Experience participating in audits. Understanding of Corrective and Preventive Action (CAPA) processes Experience monitoring quality indicators/KPIs. Understanding of External Quality Assessment (EQA) and Internal Quality Control (IQC) principles
Desirable
Courses attended in Quality, Auditing, Data protection, Health & Safety etc. current legislation awareness Previous NHS mandatory training completed.
Experience Essential
Clinical laboratory knowledge & experience Experience of working with a laboratory computer system Experience of Quality Management Systems Practical experience of a range of diagnostic pathology techniques and equipment
Desirable
Experience supporting or assisting in training colleagues
Skills Essential
Excellent verbal and written communication skills Intermediate level of computer skills. Keyboard and computer skills acquired through laboratory training and computer skills courses as appropriate. Must include use of QPulse, LIMS such as WinPath, Word and Excel. Ability to plan and prioritize allocated work Ability to use complex automated equipment and associated computer software systems Ability to maintain concentration for long periods
Desirable
Team working skills and alongside ability to work alone
Personal and people development Essential
Ability to demonstrate confidentiality and trustworthiness Ability to demonstrate a high degree of concentration and attention to detail Deal calmly and politely with members of hospital staff who are working in areas of extreme pressure Ability to juggle priorities simultaneously, whilst remaining calm Personal maturity and enthusiastic approach.
Communication Essential
Ability to communicate technical information clearly and appropriately, escalating complex queries to Biomedical Scientists where necessary. Understand and apply instructions, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and policies To participate in departmental meetings and contribute
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.
Employer details Employer name Milton Keynes University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
Address Microbiology (Dept)
Milton Keynes
MK6 5LD
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://www.mkuh.nhs.uk/working-at-mkuh (Opens in a new tab)