Laboratory Support Worker (Cellular Pathology)

EAST LANCASHIRE HOSPITALS NHS TRUST; Lancashire; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A healthcare organization in Lancashire is seeking two enthusiastic staff for a permanent role in their Histology Department. The position involves preparing and processing clinical specimens, maintaining records, and ensuring quality management. Candidates should have A levels in science and relevant experience. The role requires a commitment to health and safety, and preference is given to those with previous laboratory experience.

Qualifications

• Experience of applying working practices in line with health and safety legislation.
• Experience of contributing to service development and quality improvement.
• Experience of working in a cellular pathology laboratory preferred.

Responsibilities

• Block scraping and filing in numerical order.
• Filing, archiving, and retrieving of laboratory slides and blocks.
• Maintain laboratory equipment according to department procedures.

Skills

Experience in clinical environments

Computer literacy and keyboard skills

Good manual skills

Education

2 A level passes including a science subject

IBMS support staff CoA part 1

Tools

LIMS

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Overview

Prepares and processes clinical specimens for cellular pathology analysis. Maintains specimen records using paper and electronic systems. Maintains records and documentation as part of the laboratory's quality management system.

Responsibilities

• Block scraping and filing in numerical order.
• Filing, archiving and retrieving of laboratory slides and blocks.
• Maintain laboratory equipment according to department procedures (e.g. tissue processor, staining machine).
• Prepare and package material for dispatch to external providers.
• Prepare solutions and reagents (e.g. staining solutions, buffers).
• Housekeeping duties such as: discard specimens, wash buckets, bagging up specimens.

Qualifications

• Essential criteria
  • 2 A level passes including a science subject
  • IBMS support staff CoA part 1
  • Experience of applying working practices in line with health and safety legislation
  • Experience of contributing to service development and quality improvement within a workplace or organisation
• Desirable criteria
  • Experience of working in a cellular pathology laboratory
  • Aware of key safety legislation and accreditation
  • Computer literate with good keyboard skills including use of LIMS
  • Good manual skills able to manipulate fine instruments
  • Good working knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel

About East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust

At East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust our vision is to be widely recognised for providing safe, personal and effective care. We currently provide high quality services and treat over 600,000 people across East Lancashire and the surrounding area. We employ over 9,500 staff, many of whom are internationally renowned and have won awards for their work. The Trust is an equal opportunities employer, committed to improving the working lives of our staff and operates a "Zero Tolerance" policy to aggression, violence, bullying and harassment. In addition, our aim is to help protect children and vulnerable adults by providing a first-class service to the recruitment of people into positions of trust.

We aim to employ a workforce that reflects the diverse communities we serve. We welcome applications from everyone irrespective of ethnic origin, gender, age, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, marital status, disability or social background. We especially welcome applications from members of our black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) communities, as we have identified that ELHT has an under-representation of BAME employees. Appointments will be made on merit.

Role details

We are looking for 2 enthusiastic full time staff to fill a new and exciting role in our Histology Department. The post is permanent. Hours are 37.5 per week. The department handles over 53,000 Histology samples per annum, with a high proportion of complex cases including Breast, Head and Neck, Hepatobiliary and Urology. The post is permanent. Hours are 37.5 per week. The department handles over 53,000 Histology samples per annum, with a high proportion of complex cases including Breast, Head and Neck, Hepatobiliary and Urology. This post may TUPE into LTHTR as the hosting employer in early 2026, and is based at Royal Blackburn Teaching Hospital. Within current timelines, future changes may reorganise services.

Aligned to national strategy, East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust is working with 3 local Trusts to form a single Pathology Service for Lancashire and South Cumbria. Whilst the post is based at Royal Blackburn Teaching Hospital, it may relocate or change hosting arrangements in the future.

Working arrangements

Hours: 37.5 per week. The salary advertised is for full-time hours; pro-rata salary applies for less than 37.5 hours.

Additional information

• Disclosure and Barring Scheme (DBS): If the role is identified as controlled or regulated activity, offers are provisional upon a satisfactory DBS check. The cost of DBS checks may be charged to the candidate.
• Please note that shortlisting is completed anonymously with candidates assessed against essential criteria. Only applicants who clearly demonstrate how they meet criteria will be shortlisted.
• Application notes: Check email regularly for communications, and complete applications as early as possible to avoid disappointment.
• Vacancy may close before the closing date if sufficient applications are received.
• Please note salary details and progression guidance are provided for full-time roles (pro-rata for part-time).