Laboratory Support Worker

OUH; Oxford; Hybrid; GBP 25,000 - 27,000; Full time

Job summary

Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust in Oxford is seeking a Laboratory Support Worker (Band 2/3) to join the Haematology laboratory. The role involves basic sample preparation and data entry as part of a busy team. The post is full time, 37.5 hours per week, with a flexible pattern to cover a 24/7 service.

Band 2/3 depending on experience. Prospective applicants should read the job description and person specification; references from current or recent supervisor will be requested

Qualifications

• Previous NHS experience
• Data entry experience
• Flexible approach to hours of work

Responsibilities

• Act as first point of contact for pathology department enquiries.
• Receive and assess the suitability of laboratory specimens for analysis.
• Check patient identification details and assign a laboratory number.
• Input patient demographics and assay requests into the laboratory computer system.
• Prepare samples for diagnostic testing and basic analyses.
• Maintain confidentiality and support a clean, orderly workspace.

Job description

Main area Lab Haematology Grade Band 2/3 Contract Permanent Hours Full time - 37.5 hours per week (37.5 hours) Job ref 321-CSS-8315102-B2/3

Site John Radcliffe Hospital Town Oxford Salary £25,272 - £27,476 per annum/ pro-rata Salary period Yearly Closing 12/11/2026 23:59

Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is one of the largest NHS teaching trusts in the country. It provides a wide range of general and specialist clinical services and is a base for medical education, training and research.

The Trust comprises of four hospitals - the John Radcliffe Hospital, Churchill Hospital and Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre in Headington and the Horton General Hospital in Banbury.

Our values, standards and behaviours define the quality of clinical care we offer and the professional relationships we make with our patients, colleagues and the wider community. We call thisDelivering Compassionate Excellenceand its focus is on our values of compassion, respect, learning, delivery, improvement and excellence.

Many of our recruitment programmes useValue Based Interviewingto identify those who have the skills we seek, who share our values and who are able to deliver compassionate excellence from the outset. We know that this makes a significant difference to your job satisfaction and above all the outcomes and experience of our patients and their families. For more information about our Values and Value Based Interviewing please visit www.ouh.nhs.uk/about/vision-and-values

Job overview

Laboratory Support Workers (Band 2/ 3)

We require laboratory support staff to work with qualified scientists to perform basic sample preparation and data entry.

Band 2/3 dependant on any previous relevant experience.

A flexible approach to working hours is required as the Department provides a 24/7/365 service.

Main duties of the job

The successful candidate(s) will work as part of a busy multidisciplinary team and have a positive professional approach to patient care.

Please make sure that you read the job description and person specification attached below, and that your statement in support reflects this as your application will be judged against these criteria.

When providing employment reference details please provide correct work related email addresses so references can be sought promptly when we are looking to progress your application. Your first referee will need to be your line manager, supervisor or clinical lead from your current or most recent post or place of study. This information is essential if your offer of employment is to be confirmed.

• To act as the first point of contact for the pathology department, dealing with a wide range of enquiries including confidential matters.
• To receive and assess the suitability of laboratory pathological specimens for analysis.
• To check patient identification details and assign a laboratory number.
• To distribute specimens to relevant pathology sections, fast-tracking urgent, clinic, and labile samples as appropriate.
• To input patient demographics, clinical details and assay requests into the laboratory computer system.
• Preparation of samples for diagnostic testing, including centrifugation, aliquoting and allocation to appropriate analyser racking.
• Analysis of specimens using simple benchtop analysers, including quality control of these instruments under the supervision of qualified Biomedical Scientists.
• Printing, sorting and despatching of laboratory reports.
• Collection of data for audits.
• Distribution of Pathology consumables from main stores.
• To maintain confidentiality of information regarding the patient at all times
• To assist in keeping the workplace clean and tidy, including preparation of laboratory disinfectants.
• To work within the Pathology Reception Standard Operating Procedures and general laboratory policies and procedures.

Working for our organisation

The Departments of Laboratory Haematology and Clinical Biochemistry are spread across 4 sites at 3 hospitals in Oxford and Banbury, and the successful candidates would work as part of a team at the Banbury site of the Trust.

The Departments are both UKAS and HCPC accredited.

The Oxford Universi ty Hospital has a more diverse range of testing being carried out than many other Hospitals with a variety of specialist workload being referred in, and training in appropriate specialist sections may be given, over time, as required, but this will not be the priority in this role.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

To act as the first point of contact for the pathology department, dealing with a wide range of enquiries including confidential matters.

To receive and assess the suitability of laboratory pathological specimens for analysis.

To check patient identification details and assign a laboratory number.

To distribute specimens to relevant pathology sections, fast-tracking urgent, clinic, and labile samples as appropriate.

To input patient demographics, clinical details and assay requests into the laboratory computer system.

Preparation of samples for diagnostic testing, including centrifugation, aliquoting and allocation to appropriate analyser racking.

Analysis of specimens using simple benchtop analysers, including quality control of these instruments under the supervision of qualified Biomedical Scientists.

Printing, sorting and despatching of laboratory reports.

Collection of data for audits.

Distribution of Pathology consumables from main stores.

To maintain confidentiality of information regarding the patient at all times

To assist in keeping the workplace clean and tidy, including preparation of laboratory disinfectants.

To work within the Pathology Reception Standard Operating Procedures and general laboratory policies and procedures.

Person specification

Education and Qualifications

• Education and Qualifications

Experience and Knowledge

• Previous NHS Experience
• Data Entry Experience

Skills and Abilities

• Basic Keyboard Skills
• Timely accurate working. Methodical. Well organised

Personal Qualities

• Reliable and trustworthy
• Able to work as team member. Self-motivation.
• Able to perform light physical work
• Capable of intense periods of concentration
• Ability to learn from experience.

Other Requirements

• Prepared to work with biological materials and a variety of sample types.
• Flexible approach to hours of work

Sexual Safety Charter : In 2023 NHS England launched its first sexual safety charter, and our Trust proudly signed it. We pledge zero tolerance for inappropriate sexual behaviour and commit tothe ten core principles

Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust promotes a safe, respectful hiring environment.

If you want to make a difference with us, come and join our team. Together, we will uphold the highest standards of care and professionalism.

Vacancy Closures: Please note, this vacancy may close early if a high volume of applications are received.

Visa and Immigration: Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is able to offer Certificates of Sponsorship for all eligible roles for a Skilled Worker Visa without exception, provided the role meets the minimum salary and skill level criteria set by the Home Office (UKVI). All eligible candidates will be considered with equal consideration at all stages of the application and recruitment process. Skilled worker: Health and Care Visa | NHS Employers / Work in the UK - GOV.UK

COVID-19: The COVID-19 vaccination remains the best way to protect yourself, your family, your colleagues and of course our patients from the virus when working in our healthcare settings. Whilst COVID-19 vaccination is not a condition of employment, we do encourage our staff to get vaccinated. If you are unvaccinated there is helpful advice and information at Oxfordshire County Council Website where you can also find out more about how to access vaccination.

Probation Period: This post is subject to a 6 month probationary period. If you currently hold a contract of employment with the Oxford University Hospitals, this will not apply. This statement does not apply to Medical staff or Executive Appointments.

Referencing: When providing employment reference details please provide correct work related email addresses so references can be sought promptly when we are looking to progress your application. Your first referee will need to be your line manager, supervisor or clinical lead from your current or most recent post or place of study. Please note that if you have previously worked for the Trust we will require a reference from your last Manager, this information is essential if your offer of employment is to be confirmed.

To note: Applicants must write their own applications. If AI tools are used, the application may be rejected as this document is crucial for assessment. This does not prevent you from seeking support via AI with applications for the purposes of any disability and/or long-term health conditions.

When using AI to help write your application, it is important to personalise it, especially your supporting statement. While AI can simplify the process, it will not fully understand the job's requirements and/or be able to showcase your skills, knowledge, and experience. Write your statement to show why you are interested in the role and how you would be a valued member of the team/OUH employee.

No unsolicited recruitment agency telephone calls or emails.

Employer certification / accreditation badges

Application numbers

Please note that this job advertisement will close automatically once the application limit is reached, regardless of whether this occurs before the advertised closing date.

Band 5 Nurse and Band 2 Healthcare Support Worker recruitment is centralised, meaning when you apply you will be considered for a number of roles across the Trust. If you have any questions please email: [e-mail] .

Vacancies with our PFI partners

Domestic / catering / portering services at the John Radcliffe Hospital are provided by Mitie.

Domestic / catering / portering / maintenance engineer services at the Churchill Hospital and Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre are provided by G4S.

Maintenance engineer services at the John Radcliffe Hospital are provided by Equans.

Fraudulent recruiters have been using social media platforms to dupe potential job seekers into divulging personal and financial information. Sophisticated frauds, involving grooming of targeted individuals, shows the fake recruiter asking the unsuspecting job seeker to take part in a fake job interview, either over the phone or via WhatsApp, and also sending fraudulent follow-up correspondence offering job positions.

All meetings and interviews will be scheduled on Microsoft Teams from a verified OUH email account.

To use ReachDeck to listen to or translate this site you must

Departments and services

You can view our departments and services alphabetically. Some areas also have dedicated microsites, which are featured in the linked images below.

"Oxford University" is a registered trade mark of the University of Oxford, and is used with the University's permission.