BANK Medical Laboratory Assistant (Bacteriology) (Band 2)

Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust; Lancashire; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 25,000; Part time

Job summary

A leading NHS Trust in the United Kingdom seeks a Band 2 BANK Medical Laboratory Assistant to join their busy Microbiology team. The role includes receiving, processing specimens, and maintaining laboratory safety standards, providing a chance to contribute to quality diagnostics and patient care. The position encourages flexible working patterns to support work-life balance. Interested candidates should apply before November 5, 2025.

Benefits

Flexible working patterns

Comprehensive training program

Qualifications

• Previous laboratory experience is a distinct advantage.
• Duties will be carried out under the supervision of State Registered Biomedical Scientists.
• Comprehensive training program provided.

Responsibilities

• Receiving and booking in samples.
• Preparing and processing specimens.
• Operating basic laboratory equipment.
• Maintaining laboratory hygiene and safety.
• Stock control and general support.
• Responding to telephone enquiries.

Skills

Laboratory experience

Data entry

Aseptic technique

Tools

Automated systems

Laboratory information system

Job description

Overview

A Vacancy at Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.

Our busy and friendly Microbiology team at Blackpool Teaching Hospitals is looking for a Band 2 BANK Medical Laboratory Assistant to join us as we continue to deliver high-quality diagnostics and patient care.

The post holder will work in the context of the objectives of the Pathology Directorate and the Blackpool Victoria Hospital NHS Foundation Trust within the Bacteriology department.

Applicants will need to be able to work between 8am and 8pm. Participation in weekend and Bank Holiday sessions will also be required.

We welcome and encourage application from anyone with protected characteristics, as well as supporting reservists and Veterans who are looking for a rewarding and challenging career within the NHS, and especially here at Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.

Responsibilities

• Receiving and booking in samples – Accepting microbiology specimens (e.g. swabs, urine, blood cultures), checking labelling, and entering data into the laboratory information system.
• Preparing and processing specimens – Plating samples onto culture media, preparing slides, or setting up tests under supervision and following aseptic technique.
• Operating basic laboratory equipment – Using automated systems (e.g. incubators, analysers), loading samples, and reporting any faults.
• Maintaining laboratory hygiene and safety – Cleaning work areas, using personal protective equipment (PPE), and disposing of clinical waste appropriately.
• Stock control and general support – Replenishing consumables, restocking media and reagents, temperature monitoring and assisting biomedical scientists and other staff with day-to-day tasks.
• Responding to telephone enquiries where no interpretation of results is required.

Qualifications and Requirements

• Duties will be carried out following established Standard Operating Procedures, under the supervision of State Registered Biomedical Scientists.
• Previous laboratory experience is a distinct advantage.
• A comprehensive training program is provided.
• Full details of the role are described in the Job Description and Personal Specification.

About the Trust and Location

Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is ideally situated just a 1-hour drive from Manchester & Liverpool. The Trust provides services to the 440,000 residents of Blackpool, Fylde & Wyre and North Lancashire, as well as specialist tertiary care for Cardiac and Haematology patients. As one of the United Kingdom’s largest coastal resorts, Blackpool has plenty to offer its residents – it’s not just a good place to work; it’s a great place to live. In addition to its bustling centre and historic seafront, the town is world famous for its many attractions, including the famous Blackpool Tower. Blackpool also offers several scenic cycling routes round our local parks and across the surrounding countryside, as well as boasting panoramic views of the coast on its picturesque Promenade. Further afield, Blackpool also benefits from less than three-hour connections via rail to Edinburgh in the North and London in the South.

Additional Information

Blackpool Teaching Hospitals encourages flexible working in all roles to support staff in maintaining healthy work-life balance. Working patterns such as part-time working, compressed hours, and annualised hours can be explored. Applicants should state any such requests clearly on their application and discuss them at interview.

(Please note that visas will not be supported for this staff grade. See attached Job Description and Personal Specification for further details.)

We recommend that all individuals employed in patient-facing roles or those located on a ward or department where patients receive a service should be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

This advert closes on Wednesday 5 Nov 2025