About this role
Job summary
MFT is looking for an enthusiastic and motivated individual to work in the Therapeutic Stem Cell Laboratory in a Band 3 Medical Laboratory Assistant role. This is a unique opportunity to be part of the stem cell laboratory service in one of the biggest Haematological transplant centres in the UK.
The laboratory, which is HTA and JACIE accredited, provides specialist clinical and technical services to support our busy transplant programmes. The laboratory receives, processes, cryopreserves and issues haematopoietic stem cells for therapeutic use in both adult and paediatric patients.
Main duties of the job
Our Stem Cell Therapeutics Laboratory is based at our Oxford Road Campus and is an integral part of the Trust's Haematology/Oncology stem cell transplant programme. The laboratory, which is HTA and JACIE accredited, provides specialist clinical and technical services to support these busy transplant programs. The laboratory receives, processes, cryopreserves, stores, and issues haematopoietic stem cells for therapeutic use in both adult and paediatric patients. This is a small team dedicated to meeting the current clinical demands on the service, developing the next generation of processing techniques and also participating in clinical trials.
Due to the work demands of the laboratory this post does not currently include shift rota participation, however some flexibility around daily start/finish times will be required and there is the potential for working hours to change to support the needs of the clinical service in the future. The 15 hours are expected to be worked equally across two days.
You will be based in the stem cell laboratory, but will also have regular interaction with our clinical teams, on our Haematology day unit, and inpatient wards. Previous laboratory experience is helpful, but not essential.
We will provide a comprehensive induction Programme and full training will be provided. You will be appraised on a yearly basis with a view to developing knowledge and skills where appropriate
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
IMPORTANT CANDIDATE INFORMATION
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
- Appropriate Science NVQ level 3, HCS Apprenticeship Level 2, Certificate of Achievement Part 1 or equivalent experience and/or completed competency documentation
Knowledge and Experience
Essential
- Evidence of training & development within a relevant pathology discipline
- Have working knowledge of laboratory areas, including both practical and basic theoretical knowledge of the various methods employed
- Competent to process a range of tests/ processes on a variety of different specimens
- Demonstrate sufficient knowledge and skills to be able to train other staff
- Evidence of using complex laboratory equipment
- Understanding of Laboratory Health and Safety procedures and protocols
Desirable
- Experience of supervision and training
Skills
Essential
- Able to communicate information both verbally and in writing in a clear and concise manner
- Evidence of working as part of a team
- Effective at prioritising competing workloads, using time management skills
- Manual dexterity for procedures where precision is required
- Able to show self motivation and use initiative, and able to escalate problems appropriately
- Able to keep clear and accurate records, showing attention to detail and perform basic calculations
- Able to read, understand and follow written instructions and apply knowledge so as to undertake and assist in reporting on biomedical investigations
- Ability to recognise and understand what good standards of quality are and apply them at all times
- Experience of laboratory IT programmes for data entry and result entry
- IT skills: use of spreadsheets, data bases and word processing
- Ability to reflect on feedback contructively and strive for improvement
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
Oxford Road Campus
Oxford Road
Manchester
M13 9WL
United Kingdom
Employer's website
https://mft.nhs.uk/careers/ (Opens in a new tab)