Job summary
A fantastic opportunity has arisen for a Laboratory Administrator Team Lead to join the North West Genomic Laboratory Hub (NW GLH) at Manchester Foundation Trust (MFT) and be part of one of the largest Acute Trusts in the UK, employing over 20,000 staff.

The NW GLH is a highly regarded, UKAS accredited, NHS clinical service provider of Genomics to a population of 7.2 million people in the North west of England, as well as a wide range of national and international specialist referrals.

The NW GLH is currently undergoing a significant transformational change program and is in the process of implementing a Whole Genome Sequencing service as well as multiple ancillary projects to support the national genomics service reorganisation.

We are looking for individuals with an enthusiastic and flexible attitude who can support our expanding Sample Reception service. You will have previous experience in the work performed within our Sample Reception team and demonstrate excellent communication and organisational skills.

Main duties of the job
The postholder will support the efficient administration of a Genetics laboratory, including booking and processing clinical samples, maintaining accurate records and data, preparing samples and documentation for referral to external laboratories, and handling sensitive and confidential information. They will act as a key point of contact for laboratory teams, support the management and supervision of Specimen Reception staff, including training, induction, performance and development, and help maintain high standards of service delivery. The role will also involve coordinating projects and departmental activities, undertaking audits, maintaining stock levels and records, managing the receipt and distribution of supplies, and ensuring compliance with relevant policies and procedures.

The NW GLH operates a 6 day delivery model and therefore new applicants should be aware that any future postholder will be required to work a pattern to support this; which could include occasional Saturday and Bank Holiday working.

About us
Join Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT), the largest provider of specialist services, and our Oxford Road Campus in Manchester, the largest health academic campus in Europe - a great place to shape your career.With a workforce of over 30,000 colleagues, we work together to deliver exceptional care to more than 1 million people every year.Behind every patient cared for are people like you - keeping services running smoothly, supporting clinical teams, and helping create safe, welcoming environments for patients and our people alike.At MFT, we believe in the power of teamwork, respect, and inclusion. Our People Plan reflects our commitment to making MFT a place where everyone feels they belong, where your ideas are heard, and your contribution is truly valued. Join us and work smarter with our digital technology and thrive in a collaborative culture that empowers you to deliver your best to ensure that your work behind the scenes creates seamless, high-quality care and exceptional patient outcomes.Whether you're just starting out or looking to grow, we offer clear pathways for development and a culture that supports your wellbeing, ambition, and success. Everything you do makes a real difference to the lives of others.At MFT, your role matters, your impact is real, and you're part of something bigger from day one.

Job responsibilities
To find out more about the key responsibilities and the specific skills and experience youll need for this role, take a look at the Job Description & Person Specification attachments under the Documents to download heading.

Explore Inside MFT Your Candidate Place
To help you feel confident, prepared and fully informed before you apply, we invite you to explore Inside MFT Your Candidate Place. This welcoming onestop hub gives you a real sense of who we are, what we stand for, how we reward and support you, and the many ways we care for you as you care for others. Youll also find practical hints and tips for submitting a great application, along with the essential information you need to know before you apply.

To access Inside MFT Your Candidate Place, simply click on the relevant PDF document under the Documents to download heading and once opened, you can either scan QR code or click on the link provided.

Closing vacancy listings early
We welcome applications from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences.To help us manage applications fairly and give each one the time it deserves, our adverts may close early if we receive a high level of interest. Early applications are therefore encouraged.

Diversity Matters MFT is committed to promoting equality of opportunity, celebrating and valuing diversity and eliminating any form of unlawful discrimination across our workforce, ensuring our people are truly representative of the communities we serve. All individuals regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation are encouraged to apply for this post. As an inclusive employer, we are here to support you. If you have any special requirements to help you with your application, please contact the manager named below.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in your application
Here at Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, were proud to be ALL HERE FOR YOU, for our patients, our communities, and each other.As part of our commitment to fairness, transparency, and personal integrity, we ask all applicants to ensure that their job applications reflect their own experiences, skills, and motivations. While AI tools can support spelling, grammar, or formatting, we expect that the content of your application, especially personal statements and responses to role specific questions is written by you. This helps us get to know the real you and ensures that our recruitment process remains equitable and meaningful for everyone.

Thank you for helping us uphold the values that make our Trust a place where people belong, grow, and thrive. We look forward to receiving your application.

Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check
As part of our commitment to safeguarding patients and staff, many roles at Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT) require a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. This is a standard process across the NHS and helps us ensure a safe environment for everyone.

What is a DBS Check?
A DBS check is a background check that reveals any criminal convictions, cautions, reprimands, or warnings. The level of check required depends on the role:

• Standard DBS: Checks for spent and unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands, and final warnings.
• Enhanced DBS: Includes the above, plus any additional information held by local police thats considered relevant to the role.
• Enhanced with Barred Lists: Includes all of the above, plus checks against the childrens and/or adults barred lists.

Who Needs a DBS Check
Most roles involving direct patient contact, working with children or vulnerable adults, or access to sensitive information will require a DBS check. The job advert and recruitment team will let you know if this applies to your role.

The Costs for a DBS
At Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT), roles that require a DBS check are subject to a cost recovery policy. This means that the cost of submitting and processing a DBS application if you are successful and join us, will be deducted from your salary within the first three months of employment. If, however, you withdraw from a conditional offer after the DBS process has begun, you will still be liable for the cost incurred.

For more information about the cost of the various types of DBS, please visit: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/dbs-fees-are-changing-in-december

DBS Update Service
Candidates are also expected to register with the DBS Update Service which must be completed within 30 days of the certificate being issued. This helps streamline future employment checks and supports safer recruitment practices. For more information, please visit the DBS Update Service.

Person Specification
Skills
Essential

• Competent user of MS Office Word, Excel; Email, internet, databases
• Ability to follow written protocol
• Ability to prioritise work and supervise a team effectively and to work well within a team
• Enthusiasm, drive, flexibility and the ability to deliver to agreed time scales
• Accuracy and attention to detail
• Ability to maintain confidentiality at all times
• Able to communicate both verbally and in writing in a clear and concise manner
• Evidence of working as part of a team
• Effective at prioritising competing workloads, using time management skills
• Able to show self-motivation and use initiative, recognising when to refer upwards
• Able to keep clear and accurate records, showing attention to detail and perform basic calculations
• Ability to recognise and understand what good standards of quality are and apply them at all times
• Experience of using IT software for data entry and result entry

Desirable

• Experience with Q Pulse
• Previous development of appropriate interpretative skills
• Previous experience of using laboratory IT systems e.g. iGene, DLIMS

Qualifications
Essential

• 5 GCSE grade C or above including English and Maths
• Level 3 qualification in Administration or Management or equivalent experience

Desirable

• General Management qualification
• Evidence of Ongoing CPD
• Foundation Degree in Healthcare Science, Apprenticeship Level 4 or Certificate of Achievement Part 2, or equivalent experience in a diagnostic laboratory setting

Knowledge & Experience
Essential

• Experience of working in a busy and pressured environment
• Demonstrate sufficient knowledge and skills to be able to train other staff
• Evidence of training & development within a relevant discipline
• Evidence of using complex equipment
• Understanding of Laboratory Health and Safety procedures and protocols

Desirable

• Previous experience dealing with stock control and ordering
• Experience of working with Trust ordering / procurement systems e.g. Integra2 and NHS Supply Chain.
• Previous supervisory and training experience within a Laboratory environment.
• Understanding of laboratory accreditation standards
• Experience of working in a pathology laboratory

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).