About this role
Job summary
Building on the NHS contribution to the 100,000 Genomes Project, the introduction of a national genomic medicine service has created 7 Genomic Laboratory Hubs (GLHs). The North West GLH will be hosted by Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust.
An exciting opportunity has arisen for an Assistant Genetic Technologist to join the North West GLH. This is an excellent opportunity to work in a laboratory environment and be part of a team delivering specialist diagnostic genomic services.
The post will operate from the Genomic Diagnostics Laboratory (GDL), Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust. The GDL is one of the largest and most comprehensive clinical genomics labs in the UK, consisting of biochemical, cytogenetic and molecular genetics laboratories which together provide diagnostic services to a population of over 5 million people.
The labs employ over 100 staff including clinical scientists, genetic technologists, bioinformaticians and administrative staff. The Genomic Diagnostics Laboratory is a well-established, UKAS-accredited service.
The Genomic Diagnostics Laboratory aims to continue to deliver a patient-focussed service with an international reputation and be a premier supplier of laboratory testing in the NHS. We are implementing ambitious plans for modernising and improving service delivery.
Main duties of the job
As an Assistant Genetic Technologist, you will work in the laboratory on one of our Technical Teams (Pre-analytical, Cell Culture and Karyotyping, Molecular Cytogenetics, Fragment or Sequencing/NGS) under the supervision of a Senior Genetic Technologist performing a range of protocol driven tasks.
You should ideally possess A levels in relevant subject areas or be able to demonstrate equivalent literacy and numeracy skills. Experience in a Genetics laboratory environment is desirable; alternatively a diagnostic laboratory. Computer literacy is also required. You should have good communication skills, be able to work well in a team, remain calm under pressure, and be able to take the initiative and prioritise workload.
This is a highly skilled job for which specific training will be given. You will be fully trained to carry out your duties and you will be appraised on a yearly basis with a view to developing knowledge and skills where appropriate.
The work requires constant attention to detail and good organisational / multi-tasking skills. You will work under supervision. Some essential tasks are repetitive and require specific unbroken time periods. You need good concentration and manual dexterity. You must be willing to be part of a flexible working rota. A flexible attitude is essential as is the ability to work to tight deadlines to meet professional reporting time guidelines.
About us
Join Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT) and become part of a 30,000 plus strong team, delivering exceptional care to over 1 million people every year. As the largest provider of specialist services, and our Oxford Road Campus in Manchester, the largest health academic campus in Europe, we are forward-thinking, committed to clinical excellence and driven to deliver innovation, and continuous improvement.Whether you're beginning your career or taking the next step, MFT offers a stimulating and supportive environment where your contribution truly matters. Our Hive Electronic Patient Record system enables safer, smarter, and more efficient ways of working - empowering you to deliver the best possible outcomes for our patients.You'll be part of a collaborative, multi-disciplinary community, working alongside professionals from a wide range of clinical backgrounds. Together, we push boundaries, share knowledge, and deliver care that transforms lives.At MFT, you'll find a workplace where everyone is respected, supported, and encouraged to thrive. We offer clear clinical pathways for professional development, helping you grow your skills and achieve your ambitions.Your journey at MFT is more than a job - it's an opportunity to make a lasting impact. We'll support you as you shape the future of healthcare, one patient at a time.
Job description Job responsibilities
To find out more about the key responsibilities and the specific skills and experience youll 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 onestop 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. Youll 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 MattersMFT 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, were 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 thats considered relevant to the role.
Enhanced with Barred Lists: Includes all of the above, plus checks against the childrens 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
Qualifications Essential
GCSE level qualifications in English, Maths & Science or equivalent experience
Desirable
A level qualifications in relevant subject(s)
Skills Essential
Able to work accurately and follow detailed instructions Able and willing to adapt to changes in working practices Able to work as a member of a team Able to motivate self Able to recognise and manage priorities Able to use the computer to enter and retrieve patient information Able to demonstrate literacy and numeracy skills equivalent to GCSE level Able to communicate effectively verbally
Knowledge Essential
Able to demonstrate basic knowledge and awareness of NHS diagnostic laboratory work
Experience Desirable
Previous laboratory experience
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 Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust
Address Genomics Laboratory - St.Mary's Hospital
Oxford Road
Manchester
M13 9WL
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://mft.nhs.uk/careers/ (Opens in a new tab)