Associate Practitioner with role in Quality | Milton Keynes University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust

The Microbiology Department at Milton Keynes University Hospital receives over 210,000 clinical sample requests each year, providing a comprehensive diagnostic service covering bacteriology, molecular diagnostics, virology, serology, mycobacteriology, and parasitology.

The department has recently undergone a successful UKAS assessment against the ISO15189:2022 standard and has been recommended for accreditation, recognising our commitment to delivering safe, effective, and high-quality diagnostic services for our patients. We are also an IBMS/HCPC accredited training laboratory, supporting the development of future Biomedical Scientists and laboratory professionals.

We are seeking an enthusiastic and motivated Band 4 Quality Associate Practitioner to join our Microbiology team. This is an exciting opportunity for an individual who has a genuine interest in microbiology laboratory, quality improvement, and delivering excellent patient-focused services.

The successful candidate will have excellent attention to detail and a commitment to maintaining high standards of laboratory practice. This role provides a varied and rewarding opportunity, combining technical microbiology duties with a key focus on quality support activities that contribute towards maintaining and continuously improving our accredited service.

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.

NHS Staff Survey: With high scores in Team Working and Line Management, our teams collaborate, communicate, and care for one another—because we’re stronger together.

• Supporting the delivery of a high-quality microbiology diagnostic service across all laboratory sections.
• Performing technical laboratory duties including specimen preparation, culture setup, microscopy, and interpretation of microbiological investigations under appropriate supervision.
• Processing a wide range of clinical specimens including blood, faeces, urine, sputum, swabs, and other clinical samples.
• Operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting laboratory analysers and equipment in accordance with departmental procedures.
• Supporting quality management activities, including:
• Maintaining accurate quality records using the laboratory quality management system.
• Supporting internal audits and compliance monitoring against ISO15189:2022 requirements.
• Assisting with corrective and preventative actions (CAPA).
• Monitoring equipment performance, turnaround times, and quality indicators.
• Supporting reagent and consumable stock control.
• Maintaining training and competency documentation.
• Ensuring all laboratory activities are performed in accordance with Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), infection prevention policies, Health and Safety requirements, and professional standards.
• Communicating effectively with laboratory colleagues, Biomedical Scientists, clinicians, and other healthcare professionals including South 4 Pathology Partners.

The post holder will work flexibly across the Microbiology Department and may be required to support different laboratory sections according to service requirements. The role may involve participation in variable shift patterns, including weekends, public holidays, late evenings, and night shifts (subject to service requirements).

Applicants with previous microbiology laboratory experience will be advantageous; however, individuals with transferable laboratory skills and a willingness to learn are encouraged to apply.

Milton Keynes University Hospital is committed to supporting staff development and continuous learning. The successful candidate will have opportunities to expand their technical skills, contribute to quality improvement activities, and work alongside experienced Biomedical Scientists within a supportive and progressive laboratory environment.

The selection process will be based on application shortlisting, followed by an interview for successful candidates.