Band 3 Medical Laboratory Assistant - Microbiology (Part Time)

Barking Havering and Redbridge University Hospitals NHS Trust; Ilford, Greater London, Romford; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 25,000; Part time

Job summary

A healthcare organization in the UK is seeking a part-time staff member for the Microbiology Department. The role involves the preparation and processing of clinical specimens and requires flexibility to work weekends and across two sites. Ideal candidates will have A-Level or equivalent in a science field and strong communication skills. This role is crucial for maintaining high standards in a busy laboratory environment.

Benefits

Training opportunities

Supportive team environment

Flexible working hours

Qualifications

• A-Level or NVQ Level 3 qualifications ideally in a science-related subject or equivalent experience.
• Strong communication skills and computer literacy.
• Flexibility to work across two sites and during weekends and bank holidays.

Responsibilities

• Receive, prepare and process clinical specimens for testing.
• Work across sections of the laboratory on a rotational basis.
• Engage in regular competence assessments.

Skills

Computer literacy

Strong written and verbal communication skills

Ability to follow standard operating procedures

Teamwork

Flexibility

Education

A-Level or NVQ Level 3 in a science-related subject

Job description

Overview

A Vacancy at Barking Havering and Redbridge University Hospitals NHS Trust. We are looking for part-time (Saturday, Sunday and Monday: 22.5 hours/week) staff member who is enthusiastic, well-motivated, and reliable to join our friendly team in the Microbiology Department at BHR University Hospitals Trust. The department operates across two sites: Queen’s Hospital in Romford and King George Hospital in Goodmayes. While the primary base will be Queens Hospital, the successful candidate will also be required to work at King George Hospital as needed.

The post holder will receive, prepare and process clinical specimens for testing, within standard operating procedures. They will work in all areas of the laboratory on a rotational basis, including cross-site working between Queen’s Hospital and King George Hospital. Specimen processing will include manual methods and basic maintenance, loading and troubleshooting of analysers within the boundary of the role. The post holder will be expected to undertake regular competence assessment to assure delivery of a high quality service and facilitate personal development.

As a busy department, we require team members who are flexible and collaborative to help us manage and process a high daily workload efficiently. The post also involves working flexible hours during the week, as well as weekends and bank holidays.

Responsibilities

• Receive, prepare and process clinical specimens for testing in accordance with standard operating procedures.
• Work across sections of the laboratory on a rotational basis and across two sites (Queen’s Hospital and King George Hospital).
• Perform manual specimen processing and basic maintenance, loading and troubleshooting of analysers within the role’s boundary.
• Engage in regular competence assessments to ensure delivery of a high quality service and support personal development.
• Attend training and development opportunities provided by the Trust and Microbiology Department.

Qualifications and Requirements

• A-Level or NVQ Level 3 qualifications ideally in a science-related subject or equivalent experience in a similar role.
• Computer literate; able to follow standard operating procedures; strong written and verbal communication skills; willing to learn.
• Part-time weekend availability (Saturday, Sunday and Monday) for 22.5 hours per week.
• Flexibility to work across two sites and during weekends and bank holidays; ability to work collaboratively in a busy department.
• Ongoing formal training within the Trust and the Microbiology Department; performance monitored through regular appraisals and laboratory-based competency assessments.

Additional Information

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. We’re no longer in special measures; we’ve opened two new theatres at our Elective Surgical Hub in King George Hospital (KGH); and Matthew Trainer, our Chief Executive, has been named the top CEO by the Health Service Journal.

We operate from two main sites – KGH in Goodmayes and Queen’s Hospital in Romford. We have two busy emergency departments with more than 330,000 people visiting them last year. We’re campaigning to secure the £35m we need to transform the A&E at Queen’s and get rid of corridor care.

Our patients are benefitting from our Women’s Health Hub in Ilford; an Ageing Well Centre in Hornchurch; and Community Diagnostic Centres (CDCs) at Barking Community Hospital and at St George’s Health and Wellbeing Hub in Hornchurch. These CDCs are open 12 hours a day, 7 days a week and are providing an extra 88,000 scans a year. The majority of our 8,000 staff – who come from 146 different countries - live in the three diverse London boroughs we serve and are from black, Asian and minority ethnic groups. Many can work flexibly and more than 400 of them are on our Ofsted accredited apprenticeship programmes. We’re proud to be a London Living Wage employer.

We’re looking forward to introducing an electronic patient record that will be transformative for our staff and beneficial for our patients.

For further information on this role, please see the attached detailed Job Description and Person Specification. The person specification listed below is not the full specification requirements for the role. Please review the full specification on the job description prior to submitting your application. All new staff appointed at the Trust are subject to a probationary period.

Applications should be made online. If you require any adjustments (for applicants with a disability) or have queries regarding the application process, please contact Amanda Vickers, Recruitment Advisor, on 01708 435000 ext. 5926. Further details regarding the post may be obtained by contacting the manager as per the contact details above.

This advert closes on Tuesday 14 Oct 2025