HPC registered Biomedical Scientist

Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust; Cheltenham; On-site; GBP 22,000 - 27,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare institution in Cheltenham seeks a Medical Laboratory Assistant to ensure timely results for cancer patients. Responsibilities include specimen processing, lab information management, and direct support in histology. Ideal candidates will have strong attention to detail and the ability to work efficiently under pressure. The role offers a supportive and professional environment with opportunities for career progression.

Benefits

Flexible working opportunities

Generous annual leave

NHS pension scheme

Health and wellbeing initiatives

Qualifications

• Experience in laboratory settings preferred.
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks effectively.
• Competence in regulations and standards in laboratory practices.

Responsibilities

• Receive specimens and book them into the laboratory system.
• Check sample types and labels for compliance with policies.
• Prioritize urgent samples for patient treatment.
• Embed tissue blocks and perform microtome sectioning.
• Maintain equipment and keep accurate records.

Skills

Handling tissue samples

Laboratory information system

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Job description

Medical Laboratory Assistant

We are looking for a Medical Laboratory Assistant to join our team. You will be working with us to provide a service to cancer patients to ensure that they receive their results in a timely manner. You will be handling tissue samples and preparing chemicals and reagents. Saturday working will be required.

Responsibilities

• Receive specimens and book them into the laboratory information system.
• Check that the correct sample type has been received, correct sample labelling and suitability for diagnostic investigations in accordance with Pathology laboratory policies and standard operating procedures (SOP); take appropriate action for non‑compliances.
• Recognise, prioritise and fast‑track urgent samples to ensure minimal delay to patient treatment and waiting times.
• Ensure that tissue taken is secured and safe for processing – many samples are unrepeatable.
• Input test requests, including tests, patient demographics, requesting clinician and location for report onto laboratory computer system in a timely fashion to maintain efficient workflow and laboratory turnaround times and taking into account the urgency of the request.
• Carry out embedding of paraffin wax processed tissue blocks under indirect supervision of an HPC registered Biomedical Scientist.
• Carry out paraffin block tissue sectioning using a microtome under indirect supervision of an HPC registered Biomedical Scientist.
• Perform regular maintenance of equipment, including instrument set up and shutdown, weekly/monthly maintenance and keep accurate maintenance records.
• Act as the first point of contact for the Histology Department dealing with diverse and complex telephone enquiries from a variety of sources in a professional and polite manner and act appropriately upon information given.

Application Process

We reserve the right to expire vacancies prior to the advertised closing date once a sufficient number of applications have been received. You will only be contacted by the Recruitment Team via email if you are shortlisted for this post. Please ensure therefore that you check your e‑mail account regularly. If you require sponsorship for a visa to work in the UK, please confirm your eligibility under the UKVI points based system.

About Gloucestershire Hospitals

At Gloucestershire Hospitals, our people are at the heart of everything we do. As the county's largest employer, we provide high‑quality acute, elective, and specialist services to more than 650,000 people across Gloucestershire. Our care is delivered across Gloucestershire Royal, Cheltenham General and Stroud Maternity Hospital. With over 9,000 employees representing more than 95 nationalities, bringing together a mix of cultures and experiences to the care that we deliver. Whether you're beginning your NHS journey or looking to take the next step in your career, this is an exciting time to join us. We're investing heavily in innovation, research, and transformation, with more than 100 active clinical studies and major developments underway across our hospitals. We take pride in working as one team, driven by a shared ambition to grow, develop, and continually improve. Every contribution is valued and by combining our collective strengths, we support not only our diverse communities but one another. You can expect a warm, supportive culture and colleagues who are passionate about teamwork, professional development and delivering exceptional care. We offer structured development programmes, mentoring and leadership opportunities to help you progress in your career. We are committed to fostering an inclusive environment where everyone feels they belong. By joining our Trust, you will benefit from a comprehensive package that includes flexible working opportunities, generous annual leave, the NHS pension scheme, competitive bank rates, local discounts, access to on‑site nurseries, reduced public transport costs, reward and recognition schemes and a wide range of health and wellbeing initiatives. Be part of Gloucestershire Hospitals, explore your future with us today. Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust has a staff of around 9000 and is dedicated to providing the Best Care for Everyone. The Histology Department is based within the Pathology Department at Cheltenham General Hospital and is one of the biggest within the South West. We have a team of medical staff, scientists and support staff working in a busy environment and are focused on providing a high quality efficient service.