Biomedical Lab Assistant

MCS Group; Northern Ireland; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 21,000; Full time

Job summary

MCS Group is partnering with a leading healthcare organisation to recruit a Healthcare Lab Assistant. You will support specimen reception, processing and preparation for analysis, helping maintain high-quality patient care.

The role involves routine lab tasks, data entry and operating lab equipment, with a focus on safety and quality in a fast-paced environment. Equity and inclusion are emphasised by the employer.

Qualifications

• Five GCSEs (or equivalent), including English Language and one science subject at grades A-C, plus at least two years' relevant laboratory experience working in a hospital laboratory.
• Five GCSEs (or equivalent), including English Language and one science subject at grades A-C, and hold the IBMS Certificate of Achievement Part I, or be willing to achieve this within 18 months of employment by completing the relevant support staff training portfolio.

Responsibilities

• Receiving, prioritising and preparing clinical samples for analysis, ensuring urgent specimens are handled in line with departmental requirements.
• Carrying out routine laboratory procedures, including sample preparation, centrifuging, pipetting and manual testing where required.
• Accurately entering and maintaining patient and laboratory information across relevant systems.
• Operating, monitoring and maintaining laboratory equipment, including centrifuges, refrigerators and freezers.
• Supporting quality management processes, including daily quality control checks, maintaining records and following standard operating procedures.
• Ensuring samples are correctly labelled, stored and packaged for referral to other laboratories in line with relevant regulations.
• Communicating with clinicians and other service users regarding sample requirements and any issues with specimens.
• Maintaining a safe, clean and organised laboratory environment, adhering to health and safety, confidentiality and infection prevention procedures.
• Supporting the wider laboratory team and contributing to the continuity of a 24-hour, 7-day service.

Education

GCSEs incl English Language and one science subject

IBMS Certificate of Achievement Part I or willingness to achieve within 18 months

Job description

Healthcare Lab Assistant

Are you looking to begin or develop your career within laboratory services? This is an excellent opportunity to join a busy laboratory team, supporting the delivery of a high-quality service and playing an important role in patient care.

MCS Group are proud to be partnering with a leading healthcare organisation in their search for a Healthcare Lab Assistant. This role would suit someone with a scientific background or relevant laboratory experience who is organised, detail-oriented and enjoys working as part of a team in a fast-paced environment.

The Role

Working within Pathology, primarily in Specimen Reception, you will support the efficient processing and preparation of samples for laboratory analysis. Key responsibilities will include:

• Receiving, prioritising and preparing clinical samples for analysis, ensuring urgent specimens are handled in line with departmental requirements.

• Carrying out routine laboratory procedures, including sample preparation, centrifuging, pipetting and manual testing where required.

• Accurately entering and maintaining patient and laboratory information across relevant systems.

• Operating, monitoring and maintaining laboratory equipment, including centrifuges, refrigerators and freezers.

• Supporting quality management processes, including daily quality control checks, maintaining records and following standard operating procedures.

• Ensuring samples are correctly labelled, stored and packaged for referral to other laboratories in line with relevant regulations.

• Communicating with clinicians and other service users regarding sample requirements and any issues with specimens.

• Maintaining a safe, clean and organised laboratory environment, adhering to health and safety, confidentiality and infection prevention procedures.

• Supporting the wider laboratory team and contributing to the continuity of a 24-hour, 7-day service.

The Person

To be considered for this opportunity, you must meet one of the following essential criteria:

• Five GCSEs (or equivalent), including English Language and one science subject at grades A-C, plus at least two years' relevant laboratory experience working in a hospital laboratory; OR

• Five GCSEs (or equivalent), including English Language and one science subject at grades A-C, and hold the IBMS Certificate of Achievement Part I, or be willing to achieve this within 18 months of employment by completing the relevant support staff training portfolio.

What's in it for you?

• Valuable laboratory experience: Develop your skills within a busy Pathology service.

• Professional development: Opportunity to work towards a recognised laboratory support qualification and develop your technical knowledge.

• Varied responsibilities: Gain exposure to specimen reception, sample preparation, quality processes and laboratory equipment.

• Meaningful contribution: Support the delivery of an effective laboratory service that plays an important role in patient care.

• Team environment: Work alongside experienced laboratory professionals and develop your technical and practical skills.

MCS Group is committed to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion for all, being the first recruitment agency in Northern Ireland to achieve Bronze Diversity Mark accreditation. If you have a disability which means you require a reasonable adjustment to be considered at any stage of the recruitment process, please contact us and we will endeavour to facilitate your request.