About this role
Job summary
Assistant Technical Officer (ATO)
Department: Cellular Pathology
Band 3 £25,760 - £27,476 per annum
Hours: 37.5 per week, all MKUH roles will be considered for flexible working
We are looking for a competent and versatile individual with a positive 'can do' attitude who is willing to learn new skills to join our team in the role of Assistant Technical Officer (ATO).
The Cellular Pathology department at #TeamMKUH have recently had a business case approved to expand our workforce due to our popular and growing services. As the demand for pathology services increases, we are investing in our workforce, welcoming talented Biomedical Scientists, Associate Practitioners, Assistant Technical Officers, administration staff and other registered healthcare professionals who bring fresh expertise and innovation to the department. This investment in service will support a move to a 6-day working week.
Cellular Pathology is a busy but friendly department processing more than 23,000 histology specimens and 1200 cytology specimens per year and plays a vital role in the Trust's diagnostics cancer service.
For more information, please contact Amanda Brice, the Laboratory Manager or Marie Delaney, Operational Manager / Chief Biomedical Scientist on 01908 995820.
"We care We communicate We collaborate We contribute"
Please note that we are unable to provide sponsorship for this role
Interview date: 9 November 2026
Main duties of the job
The successful candidate will have GCSEs in Science, Maths, and English, and/or an NVQ level 3 or equivalent level qualification or qualifications with a laboratory relevance. In addition to this, you must also have good verbal and written communication skills, have basic IT skills, enjoy working individually and as part of a team and be able to manage some lifting and handling tasks.
To support the delivery of a high quality, responsive and comprehensive Cellular Pathology service for the trust and its users. To be part of a team of Biomedical Support workers delivering technical and administrative support to ensure the provision of an efficient and effective diagnostic service. To work with the laboratory management and technical team to ensure compliance with regulatory standards including those of ISO 15189, the Human Tissue Authority (HTA) and screening programmes. Help the Cellular Pathology team to meet departmental and trust KPI's. To work safely in accordance with trust health and safety policy and departmental policies to deliver a safe, high-quality service for its users. To comply with clinical governance and risk management policies and ensure all mandatory training is completed in accordance with the trust guidelines.
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
The successful candidate will participate in core laboratory duties including receiving and processing patients samples, data entry, assisting at tissue dissection, equipment operation and maintenance, managing laboratory waste disposal, digital scanning of slides, referrals to specialist centres and microtomy among other tasks. Training will be given to achieve competency.
Communication and relationship skills:
Demonstrate excellent verbal and written communication skills. Liaise closely with departmental technical, administrative, and clinical staff to ensure that all technical work is performed to required standards.
Core responsibilities:
To establish effective and collaborative working relationships with key staff. To organise and prioritise your daily duties in the provision of a quality service. To be accountable for your actions and maintain high personal standards of work. Work in a safe manner in accordance with department and trust health and safety and risk management policies. To maintain a high standard of confidentiality and always comply with relevant Trust policies. Perform requested tests in accordance with laboratory Standard Operating Procedures. Please refer to the Job Description for further details.
Person Specification
Qualifications and knowledge Essential
Science, English and Maths GCSEs at C or above (or equivalent) NVQ level 3 or equivalent level qualification Basic computer skills Knowledge of importance of confidentiality
Desirable
Qualifications with a laboratory relevance Knowledge of anatomical / medical terminology
Experience Desirable
NHS experience Experience of working in a health care environment Experience of working in a laboratory Experience of data entry into information management systems
Skills Essential
Possess excellent communication skills - communicate effectively and sensitively Follow detailed protocols and procedures. Good time management skills with an ability to prioritise Good use of initiative Well developed organisational skills Good people skills Effective team worker Ability to work under pressure
Desirable
Ability to prioritise and manage conflicting priorities.
Personal and people development Essential
Work on own or as part of a team. Be confident, diplomatic and have personal & professional maturity. Be enthusiastic. Polite and courteous Be self-motivated and patient focused. Initiative and common sense Willing to learn
Desirable
Commitment to personal development
Communication Essential
Clear, accurate written and verbal communication Effective listening skills Good interpersonal skills. Participate in departmental meetings
Specific requirements Essential
To perform the duties of the post with reasonable aids and adaptations Demonstrate reliability and commitment To carry out the lifting and handling requirements of the post
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 Histopathology (Dept)
Milton Keynes
MK6 5LD
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://www.mkuh.nhs.uk/working-at-mkuh (Opens in a new tab)