Laboratory Administrative Assistant

Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust; Manchester; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 27,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare provider in Manchester is seeking a Laboratory Administrative Assistant to join the North West Genomic Laboratory Hub at St. Mary's Hospital. This full-time role involves managing clinical samples, ensuring accurate data transfer, and providing administrative support in a fast-paced environment. The ideal candidate will possess excellent keyboard skills, familiarity with Microsoft Office, and the ability to work autonomously. With a commitment to confidentiality and strong organizational skills, you will be a key asset in delivering efficient services to clinical teams and patients alike.

Qualifications

• Experience of working in an area where confidentiality is high.
• Previous administration experience required.
• Ability to work on own initiative and unsupervised.

Responsibilities

• Book in clinical samples for Genetics laboratory services.
• Prepare documentation for exporting samples to 3rd party labs.
• Act as main point of contact for service users.

Skills

Accurate keyboard skills

Experience working with Microsoft Office

Ability to manage a heavy workload

Strong organisational skills

Ability to communicate with staff at all levels

Education

NVQ/diploma in administration or business Level 3

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Laboratory Administrative Assistant

The closing date is 28 January 2026

We are looking for an enthusiastic and conscientious person to join the North West Genomic Laboratory Hub (NWGLH) laboratory administrative team at St. Mary's Hospital.

The successful applicant will work in the Specimen Reception and Pre-Analytical Laboratory area, and will need to be self-motivated, hard working and capable of working within a team, together with the ability to work on your own initiative. You will also have good organisational skills and the ability to prioritise your workload. Good communication and administrative skills are essential, together with the commitment to demonstrate the Trust's Values and Behaviours framework.

Main duties of the job

• Book in clinical samples for Genetics laboratory services.
• Maintain accuracy in data transfer and carry out routine checks of sample and data transfer by other staff.
• Preparation of documentation required in the export of samples to 3rd party laboratories.
• Creating and sending letters as required using appropriate templates.
• Deal with a variety of sensitive and highly confidential material, producing confidential reports and correspondence as required.
• Undertake defined administrative tasks to assist in the delivery of a safe, effective and efficient Laboratory Genetics Service.
• Act as a main point of contact for service users, answering telephone calls and responding to emails.
• Dispatch letters and clinical reports by post or email.
• Archive and/or scan paper filing of clinical referrals, reports and other laboratory documents.
• Provide other general administrative duties as required within the team and appropriate to the grade.
• Collaborate with other members of the department to achieve an effective and reliable service.
• Receive incoming requests for services and co-ordinate test submission according to laboratory protocol.
• Paper filing of clinical referrals, reports and associated laboratory paperwork.
• Scan a variety of laboratory and staff documents as appropriate for long-term digital storage. Prepare laboratory documents for off-site scanning and storage.
• Provide sickness and annual leave cover for essential duties of other administrative staff.

About us

Join Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT), the largest provider of specialist services, and our Oxford Road Campus in Manchester, the largest health academic campus in Europe - a great place to shape your career.With a workforce of over 30,000 colleagues, we work together to deliver exceptional care to more than 1 million people every year.Behind every patient cared for are people like you - keeping services running smoothly, supporting clinical teams, and helping create safe, welcoming environments for patients and our people alike.At MFT, we believe in the power of teamwork, respect, and inclusion. Our People Plan reflects our commitment to making MFT a place where everyone feels they belong, where your ideas are heard, and your contribution is truly valued. Join us and work smarter with our digital technology and thrive in a collaborative culture that empowers you to deliver your best to ensure that your work behind the scenes creates seamless, high-quality care and exceptional patient outcomes. Whether you're just starting out or looking to grow, we offer clear pathways for development and a culture that supports your wellbeing, ambition, and success. Everything you do makes a real difference to the lives of others.At MFT, your role matters, your impact is real, and you're part of something bigger from day one.

Person Specification

Experience

• Experience of accurate keyboard skills
• Experience of working on computers/keyboards
• Experience of using Microsoft Office packages, Word, Excel etc
• Experience in an area where confidentiality is a high priority
• Previous administration experience
• NVQ/diploma in administration or business Level 3, or equivalent, plus experience in administrative management
• Previous experience of working in the NHS
• Ability to work in high pressure environment and multi-task accurately and effectively
• Ability to display strong organisations skills and to prioritise workload to meet deadlines
• Ability to communicate with staff at all levels
• Ability to problem solve
• Ability to manage a heavy workload within a busy environment
• Ability to work on own initiative and unsupervised
• Time and workload management
• Ability to follow trust/departmental policies and implement policies relevant to the Working knowledge of trust ESR/OLM System
• Working knowledge of Oracle financial systems
• IT Qualification
• Knowledge of Q Pulse and document controller work
• Ability to take minutes

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

Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust

Address

North West Genomic Laboratory Hub, St. Mary's Hospital

£24,937 to £26,598 a year per annum (pro rata)

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

349-SMH-7584763-RL4

Job locations

North West Genomic Laboratory Hub, St. Mary's Hospital