Band 3 Medical Lab Assistant - Part Time - Fixed Term

Barking Havering and Redbridge University Hospitals NHS Trust; Ilford; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Part time

Job summary

A healthcare organization in Ilford is seeking an enthusiastic individual for a part-time Medical Laboratory Assistant role. Key responsibilities include receipting, sorting, and processing patient samples for laboratory analysis and ensuring accurate data entry. The ideal candidate should have a strong work ethic, attention to detail, and effective communication skills. This position has a 12-month fixed-term contract with weekend working hours after training. Opportunities for career development within the organization are available.

Qualifications

• A strong work ethic and attention to detail.
• Good IT and communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Receipting, sorting, and processing patient samples for laboratory analysis.
• Distributing samples to the correct disciplines and ensuring accurate data entry.
• Provide support and supervision to other staff in reception.

Skills

Strong work ethic

Attention to detail

Good IT skills

Good communication skills

Teamwork

Job description

Overview

A Vacancy at Barking Havering and Redbridge University Hospitals NHS Trust. We have an exciting opportunity for an enthusiastic individual to join our busy Blood Sciences Specimen Reception team as a Medical Laboratory Assistant (MLA) on a part-time fixed-term basis.

This vital role involves the accurate receipting, sorting, and processing of patient samples prior to laboratory analysis. The Specimen Reception team supports the entire Pathology service, ensuring samples are appropriately distributed to the correct disciplines and patient data is accurately entered into the laboratory information system (Winpath).

We’re an organisation that is getting better and better and our improvements are driven by a determination to deliver care we’re proud of and our patients are happy with.

Responsibilities

• Receipting, sorting, and processing patient samples for laboratory analysis
• Distributing samples to the correct disciplines and ensuring accurate data entry into the laboratory information system (Winpath)
• Provide support and supervision to other staff in reception and offer training and guidance as needed
• Work as part of a busy team in a fast-paced environment

Qualifications and Requirements

• A strong work ethic and attention to detail
• Good IT and communication skills
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team in a fast-paced environment

Working Pattern

Once trained, this will be a weekend role, with expected hours during the core hours of 8am to 8pm on Saturdays and Sundays, as advised by the Lead Supervisor. During the initial training period (approximately 2–3 months), you will work your contracted hours on consecutive weekdays to consolidate training before moving to weekend shifts. Cross-site working is expected.

Contract and Location

Two main sites: King George Hospital (KGH) in Goodmayes and Queen’s Hospital in Romford. The Trust operates multiple centres and services across the region, including Community Diagnostic Centres and specialist units. This position is a 12-month fixed-term contract; the actual duration accounts for recruitment and pre-employment checks and may be shorter than 12 months.

Application and Additional Information

Applications should be made online. If you require adjustments for applicants with a disability or have questions about the application process, please contact Sarah Wood, Recruitment Advisor, on 01708 435000 ext. 4188. Further details regarding the post may be obtained by contacting the manager as per the contact details above. Please review the attached detailed Job Description and Person Specification before submitting your application.

All new staff at the Trust are subject to a probationary period. The person specification is not the full requirement; please review the full specification in the job description prior to applying. This advert closes on Sunday 14 Dec 2025.