Assistant Technical Officer - Histopathology

Job overview

Assistant Technical Officer

Cellular Pathology Department

Band 3  £24,937 - £26,598 pa

Hours: 37.5 per week, all MKUH roles will be considered for flexible working

Cellular Pathology is a busy but friendly department processing more than 22,000 histology specimens and 1200 cytology specimens per year and plays a vital role in the Trust’s diagnostics cancer service.

We are looking for competent and versatile individuals with a positive ‘can do’ attitude who are willing to learn new skills to join our team in the role of Assistant Technical Officer (ATO).

The successful candidates will participate in core laboratory duties including receiving and processing patient’s samples, data entry, assisting at tissue dissection, equipment operation and maintenance, managing laboratory waste disposal and microtomy among other tasks. Training will be given to achieve competency.

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. 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.

For more information, please contact Amanda Brice, the Laboratory Manager or Marie Delaney, Operational Manager / Chief Biomedical Scientist on 01908 995820.

Interview date: 08/01/2026

We are unable to offer sponsorship for this role

Main duties of the job

''NHS Survey, 2024''A notable 91% believe their roles significantly impact patients and service users.

We care We communicate We collaborate We contribute

• 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

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

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.
• To liaise with other healthcare professionals in a professional and competent manner providing approved departmental information as appropriate, using verbal and electronic communication.
• Be able to work both independently and as part of a departmental team.
• To attend departmental and other meetings as required.
• Always maintain a professional approach to work behaving courteously and with professional maturity.

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.
• To receive specimens for laboratory investigation and accurately enter patient and sample data on the laboratory LIMS. Please refer to the job description for further details.