Bank Medical Lab Assistant - Microbiology

Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust; Essex; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 30,000; Part time

Job summary

A healthcare organization in Essex is seeking a Bank Medical Lab Assistant in Microbiology. The successful candidate will be involved in the analysis of biological samples, supporting HCPC registered staff, and managing clerical tasks. Qualifications include at least 5 GCSEs or an NVQ level 3, along with experience in a laboratory setting. This position offers a unique opportunity to work in various laboratory sections, ensuring a safe and efficient testing environment.

Qualifications

• At least 5 GCSEs or equivalent to include mathematics and English.
• Good knowledge of Microsoft Office applications.
• Demonstrable experience working in a laboratory setting.

Responsibilities

• Participate in analysis of biological samples under supervision.
• Assist HCPC registered staff with basic tests and assays.
• Reception of samples and preparation for analysis.

Skills

Good knowledge of Microsoft Office applications

Experience in a clinical laboratory setting

Communication skills

Education

5 GCSEs including mathematics and English or equivalent

NVQ level 3 or equivalent

Job description

Bank Medical Lab Assistant - Microbiology

The closing date is 29 December 2025

In accordance with agreed protocols and standard operational procedures, the post-holder will participate in the analysis of biological samples by receiving, preparing and processing samples under the supervision of Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) registered staff. This includes clerical input of patient and test details into the laboratory computer system and performing required supportive duties, for example preparation of reagents, administrative and clerical tasks, and maintenance of equipment. Participation in out-of-hours working may be expected, depending upon the needs of the service. This post is subject to the Trust's Probationary Policy.

The post-holder will work in one or more sections within Blood Sciences which may include:

• Blood Sciences Office
• Blood Transfusion
• Haematology
• Point of Care
• Sample Reception

The duties required in different sections of the laboratory vary but will include a selection of the following:

Main duties of the job

• To partake in the reception of samples and the preparation for analysis.
• To select test profiles according to agreed protocols for specimen type and clinical details.
• To use the laboratory information system to input patient test requests efficiently and accurately to manage high volume workload.

About us

With a workforce of approximately 15,000 staff, we can now do more and go further in delivering health services to our local communities. Our ambition is to deliver excellent local and specialist services, to improve the health and wellbeing of our patients, and provide a vibrant place for staff to develop, innovate and build careers. Patients will experience improved care as well as fewer delays and cancellations. We are able to provide more once-in-a-lifetime specialist care region-wide. With our new trust size will come more opportunities for development, research, networking and innovation. We aim to make the most of our skills and experiences so we can become the best we can be. As one organisation we will recruit the finest and retain more specialist staff due to more employment opportunities across our Trust.

Job responsibilities

• To receive phone calls from hospital staff, community-based NHS staff, other health care professionals and the general public and to communicate authorised results by telephone when appropriate and refer more complex queries to HCPC registered staff.
• To assist in the provision of a Point of Care Testing service, as required. This includes answering queries from hospital staff, visiting wards, administrative tasks and use of the devices.
• To regularly liaise with peers, colleagues, managerial staff and customers of the Blood Sciences Laboratories to ensure the smooth running of personal area of responsibility.
• To assist with clerical duties both in the laboratories and in the Blood Sciences Office when required.

Analytical and Planning

• To partake in the reception of samples and the preparation for analysis.
• To select test profiles according to agreed protocols for specimen type and clinical details.

Clinical Duties

• To assist HCPC registered staff with basic tests and assays, and the maintenance and operation of automated instruments following standard operating procedures, for relevant departments.
• To ensure a safe environment by maintaining adequate levels of safety and security within the laboratory according to the Department, Directorate and Trust policies and procedures.
• To prepare and process specimens for referral by post or courier to external laboratories.
• To store processed specimens and assist in retrieval as necessary.
• To comply with risk assessments for work areas and adhere to COSHH assessments.
• Report all accidents, incidents or near misses, dangerous situations according to the Departmental and Trusts risk events procedure.

Please see JD for full Job Description

Person Specification

Qualifications

• To have at least 5 GCSEs or equivalent to include mathematics and English OR to hold an NVQ level 3 or equivalent OR to have demonstrable experience in a clinical laboratory setting

Experience

• Good knowledge of Microsoft Office applications
• To have demonstrable experience working in a laboratory setting

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Employer name

Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust