Job overview
Pathology Healthcare Science Assistant
Department: Pathology Support Unit
Band 2, £25,272 Per annum pro rata
Hours: Part time, 15 per week, Monday to Friday, 6:00pm to 9:00pm
All MKUH roles will be considered for flexible working
Do you enjoy working in a busy environment? Are you organised, reliable and take pride in doing a job well? Do you enjoy helping people and working as part of a team? Are you looking for a regular part-time evening role where your work really matters? If so, we'd love to hear from you.
We're looking for someone to join our friendly Pathology Support Unit in a permanent part-time evening role, working Monday to Friday, 6:00pm to 9:00pm. No previous laboratory experience is required – we'll provide all the training and support you need to help you settle into the role and become a valued member of the team.
If you have experience in retail, hospitality, customer service, administration or another busy workplace, you likely already have many of the transferable skills we're looking for, and we'd encourage you to apply.
'We care We communicate We collaborate We contribute'
Please note: We are unable to offer sponsorship for this role.
Interview date: 27 July 2026
Main duties of the job
As a Healthcare Science Assistant, you'll play an important role in helping our laboratories deliver timely test results by ensuring patient samples are received and accurately recorded on our computer systems. You'll support laboratory staff and healthcare professionals across the hospital, helping to ensure samples and requests are handled safely and efficiently. Every shift is different, and everything you do contributes to safe, effective patient care.
We're looking for someone who is reliable, organised and enjoys working as part of a team. You'll be confident using a computer, have good attention to detail and take pride in doing a job well. You'll enjoy working in a busy environment, be able to follow procedures accurately and remain calm when priorities change. You'll communicate confidently and professionally with colleagues and healthcare staff, understand the importance of handling information confidentially and be committed to providing a high-quality service.
Milton Keynes University Hospital is committed to investing in both its people and its laboratories. Our Pathology service has benefited from significant investment in modern equipment and facilities, and we foster a friendly, supportive culture where staff are encouraged to share ideas, contribute to service improvements and work together to provide an excellent service
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
NHS Staff Survey: Our Compassionate Culture and Leadership scores reflect a workplace where kindness, respect, and empathy are the norm—not the exception.
Maintain a professional approach to work at all times and to deal courteously with enquiries from within and outside the hospital.
Manage Pathology reception, receiving visitors and patients, dealing with enquiries and ensuring that printed results are sent to requesters at an acceptable rate.
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
Skills
Essential
- Good interpersonal and customer service skills.
- Accurate data entry and record keeping skills.
- Good organisational skills and ability to prioritise routine tasks.
- Methodical approach with attention to detail.
- Ability to follow written procedures and instructions accurately.
- Ability to identify and escalate issues appropriately.
Experience
Essential
- Experience working in a customer-facing, administrative, operational or service environment
- Experience handling information accurately and maintaining records.
- Experience working in an environment requiring accuracy and attention to detail.
Desirable
- Experience in NHS Healthcare Science
Communication
Essential
- Clear verbal and written communication skills
- Ability to communicate professionally with colleagues, service users and external contacts
- Good telephone manner.
Qualifications and knowledge
Essential
- Level 2 qualification (e.g. GCSE or equivalent) including English, Math’s or Science or equivalent experience gained in the similar laboratory role.
- Basic IT skills and ability to use Microsoft Office applications.
- Awareness of Information Governance principles, including confidentiality, data protection and the secure handling of patient information
- Awareness of health and safety responsibilities in the workplace.
Desirable
- Awareness of healthcare, laboratory, or scientific environments.
Personal and people development
Essential
- Ability to work independently within established procedures and under supervision.
- Ability to work effectively as part of a team.
- Ability to work under pressure and manage competing demands.
- Willingness to learn new skills and undertake training.
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Applying for this NHS job
This advert is for Pathology Healthcare Science Assistant with Milton Keynes University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust in Milton Keynes, East of England, England. It is listed as a Band 2 Healthcare support worker role. The advertised salary is £25,272 Per annum pro rata. The contract type is Permanent. The application deadline is 12 Jul 2026.
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