About this role
Job summary
Job title: Associate Practitioner
Department: Blood Sciences - Chemical Pathology
Band 4 -£28,392 - £31,157 per annum
Fixed term contract until 31 December 2026Hours: 37.5 per week
An opportunity has arisen within this busy Pathology service to join the Blood Science (Chemical Pathology) team for 12 months. Do you have good organisational and practical skills and would you like to work behind the scenes in a laboratory?
'We care We communicate We collaborate We contribute'
Pleasenote:We are unable to offer sponsorship for this role.
The vacancy may close early due high applications received.
Interview Date: w/c 08 June 2026
Main duties of the job
An Associate Practitioner in an NHS Chemical Pathology laboratory is responsible for the efficient receipt, checking, and logging of patient samples on the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS), ensuring all specimens meet acceptance criteria and are correctly prioritised. They prepare, centrifuge, aliquot, and store samples appropriately while assisting with referrals to external laboratories. Under the supervision of Biomedical Scientists, they operate and maintain automated chemistry analysers to perform routine biochemical tests such as electrolytes, liver function, and lipid profiles, ensuring compliance with SOPs and quality control requirements. They accurately enter and verify patient data and results on LIMS, escalate any discrepancies, and contribute to troubleshooting flagged results. Additionally, they maintain stock levels of reagents and consumables, ensure proper reagent storage and equipment cleanliness, and uphold safety and infection control standards within the laboratory environment.
We are committed to the quality of service we provide our patients and users and have been awarded ISO15189 accreditation for Haematology/Blood Transfusion and Chemistry repertoires.
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.
Further investment is underway, including the construction of Oak Wards - a new ward block featuring two 24-bed wards - and the recently approved Women and Children's Centre, set to open by 2030.
Visit our website to explore the latest news and opportunities at MKUH - News - Milton Keynes University Hospital -
For further information about Milton Keynes please visit - Visit Milton Keynes
Job description Job responsibilities
NHS Staff Survey: Our Compassionate Culture and Leadership scores reflect a workplace where kindness, respect, and empathy are the normnot the exception.
We have committed leadership who engage our staff, listen to innovative ideas, and involve our people in the challenges and improvements that our organisation faces. Continuing professional and personal development is encouraged and supported. We provide a comprehensive 24/7 service which the successful candidate will support through flexible rostering.
Please refer to attached Job description for further information.
We believe success lies in the diversity of our employees and are committed to promoting equality, encouraging diversity, and embracing inclusion. We welcome applications from everyone interested in working for us.
MKUH is committed to equal opportunities and improving the working lives of our staff and as such we offer a range of flexible working practices.
We reserve the right to expire vacancies prior to the advertised closing date once enough applications have been received.
MKUH uses identification scanning technology to confirm the authenticity of documents; all prospective employees of MKUH will have their original documents verified using this technology.
By applying for this role, you accept if successful, that information from your application will be transferred into the national NHS Electronic Staff Record (ESR) system. Your personal data may be transferred from the Trust to another NHS organisation where your employment transfers within the NHS. This is in accordance with the streamlining programme which aims at saving you time and improving efficiencies within the NHS when your employment transfers.
Upon commencing employment with the Trust,all employees (except Medical & Dental Staff on national terms and conditions) are subject to a probationary period lasting a period of six months with an option to extend for a further six months to a total of 12 months.
Person Specification
Qualifications and knowledge Essential
Good standard of general education Science/Math studied to A Level or equivalent, i.e.: -NVQ level 3 or -an approved Foundation Course in Science, -the IBMS Certificate of Achievement.
Desirable
Foundation degree or degree in Biomedical Science or accredited degree Knowledge of the principles of Health & Safety at Work
Experience Essential
Experience in Pathology laboratory Experience to Vocational Qualification Level 3 or equivalent level plus additional theoretical or applied training in specific discipline to diploma equivalent level
Desirable
Experience of working unsocial hours shift patterns
Skills Essential
Good organizational skills Able to achieve high standards of technical duties Clear and accurate written and verbal communication skills Hand eye co-ordination and accuracy when performing tests. Ability to work autonomously under supervision
Personal and people development Essential
Ability to work under pressure Ability to work in a team and be supportive to other team members Concentration and attention to detail Flexible approach Forward thinking Able and willing to work unsocial hours as required of the role
Communication Essential
Good communication skills including a clear command of written and spoken English Must have Information Technology skills
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 Chemical Pathology (Dept)
Milton Keynes
MK6 5LD
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://www.mkuh.nhs.uk/working-at-mkuh (Opens in a new tab)