Job summary
Assistant Technical Officer (ATO)
Cellular Pathology Department
Band 3 £22,816 - £24,336 per annum, pro rata if
Hours: 30 per week, all MKUH roles will be considered for flexible working
Our Cellular Pathology is a busy but friendly department processing more than 21,000 specimens per year and plays a vital role in the Trust's diagnostics cancer service.
We are looking for a competent and versatile individual with a 'can do' attitude and willing to learn new skills to join our team.
The successful candidate will participate in core duties within the laboratory including receiving and processing patient's samples, data entry, equipment operation and maintenance, managing laboratory waste disposal and microtomy among other tasks. Training will be given where necessary.
Ideally you will have GCSEs in Science, Maths, and English, and/or an NVQ level 3 or equivalent level qualification or qualifications with a laboratory relevance/ equivalent laboratory experience. In addition to this, you must also have good verbal and written communication skills, enjoy working individually or in a team. The role requires some lifting and handling tasks.
For more information, please contact Amanda Brice on 01908 995820
Interview: 05/03/24
Main duties of the job
Working as part of a team of staff within the department to assist in the provision of aspects of a Cellular Pathology service, including both Histological and Diagnostic Cytology specimens.
The post holder will work independently, guided by the Trust health and safety policy as well as Standard Operational Procedures, seeking advice from seniors within the department, as necessary.
They will organise their own day to day work tasks or activities, prioritising their workload.
About us
You can expect a warm welcome at Milton Keynes University Hospital, our staff are friendly and welcoming. We listen to each other and work together to embed our Trusts values and behaviours. At MKUH we appreciate our staff and reward them with an outstanding benefits package including:
- Free on-site parking
- Free tea and coffee
- Great flexible workingopportunities
- Discounted gym membership
- Lease car scheme
- Generous annual leave and pension scheme
- On site nursery (chargeable)
- Extensive staff health and well-being programme
Milton Keynes University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, in partnership with the University of Buckingham, is a University Teaching Hospital; we conduct research and teaching on site to improve the care of our patients. The hospital is undergoing significant investment, and we are proud to be rated good by the CQC. Visit our website to catch up on our latest news.
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 promote an inclusive workforce and encourage applications from applicants from all backgrounds.
We reserve the right to expire vacancies prior to the advertised closing date once a sufficient number of 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.
Job description
Job responsibilities
- To be become familiar with the laboratory and hospital computer systems.
- To receive specimens for laboratory investigation.
- To fill and otherwise prepare formalin specimen containers for use in theatres
- To be responsible for the initial investigation of mislabelled or missing samples
- To scan request cards, as necessary.
- To prepare specimens, reagents, instruments, and consumables prior to biomedical testing.
- To be responsible for making accurate dissection notes, and updating IT systems, when assisting consultant pathologists or Biomedical Scientists at tissue dissection.
Please refer to the attached Job Description for more details on the role and responsibilities.
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.
Job description
Job responsibilities
- To be become familiar with the laboratory and hospital computer systems.
- To receive specimens for laboratory investigation.
- To fill and otherwise prepare formalin specimen containers for use in theatres
- To be responsible for the initial investigation of mislabelled or missing samples
- To scan request cards, as necessary.
- To prepare specimens, reagents, instruments, and consumables prior to biomedical testing.
- To be responsible for making accurate dissection notes, and updating IT systems, when assisting consultant pathologists or Biomedical Scientists at tissue dissection.
Please refer to the attached Job Description for more details on the role and responsibilities.
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
- Science, English and Maths GCSEs at C or above (or equivalent)
- NVQ level 3 or equivalent level or Qualifications with a laboratory relevance
Desirable
- Knowledge of anatomical / medical terminology
Experience
Desirable
- Experience of working in a laboratory
- Experience of data entry into information management systems
Skills
Essential
- Communicate effectively and sensitively
- Follow detailed protocols and procedures
- Good time management and organisational skills with an ability to prioritise
- Proficient IT skills
- Effective team worker
Desirable
- Competent at embedding and microtomy
- Competent in using WinPath or Pathology IT system
Personal and people development
Essential
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Ability to work under pressure
- Be confident, diplomatic and have personal & professional maturity
- Self motivated and patient focused
- Flexible approach
- Enthusiastic
- Demonstrate reliabilty and commitment
Communication
Essential
- Good communication skills including a clear command of written and spoken English
- Effective listening skills
- Good interpersonal skills
Specific requirements
Essential
- Able to perform the duties of the post with reasonable aids and adaptations
- To carry out the lifting and handling requirements of the post
Person Specification
Qualifications and knowledge
Essential
- Science, English and Maths GCSEs at C or above (or equivalent)
- NVQ level 3 or equivalent level or Qualifications with a laboratory relevance
Desirable
- Knowledge of anatomical / medical terminology
Experience
Desirable
- Experience of working in a laboratory
- Experience of data entry into information management systems
Skills
Essential
- Communicate effectively and sensitively
- Follow detailed protocols and procedures
- Good time management and organisational skills with an ability to prioritise
- Proficient IT skills
- Effective team worker
Desirable
- Competent at embedding and microtomy
- Competent in using WinPath or Pathology IT system
Personal and people development
Essential
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Ability to work under pressure
- Be confident, diplomatic and have personal & professional maturity
- Self motivated and patient focused
- Flexible approach
- Enthusiastic
- Demonstrate reliabilty and commitment
Communication
Essential
- Good communication skills including a clear command of written and spoken English
- Effective listening skills
- Good interpersonal skills
Specific requirements
Essential
- Able to perform the duties of the post with reasonable aids and adaptations
- 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.
