Medical Laboratory Assistant

University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust; Brighton; On-site; GBP 22,000 - 27,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare provider is seeking an enthusiastic laboratory assistant to join their busy Histopathology team in Brighton. This full-time position offers opportunities for training and development while supporting crucial diagnostic services in a dynamic environment. Candidates passionate about healthcare and teamwork are encouraged to apply.

Benefits

Flexible working options

Extensive Wellbeing Programme for staff

Training and development opportunities

Qualifications

• Conscientious and enthusiastic with ability to work under pressure.
• Previous pathology laboratory experience preferred but not essential.

Responsibilities

• Support diagnostic Cellular Pathology services including data entry and specimen preparation.
• Assist medical and scientific teams during specimen dissection and ensure quality control checks.

Skills

Attention to Detail

Good Communication

IT Skills

Good Hand-Eye Coordination

Education

GCSE grade C or above in English and Maths

NVQ3 or equivalent

Job description

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University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust

Location:

Brighton, United Kingdom

Job Category:

Other

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EU work permit required:

Yes

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Job Reference:

85b857bf2634

Job Views:

13

Posted:

18.06.2025

Expiry Date:

02.08.2025

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Job Description:

Job overview

The Cellular Pathology laboratory at the Royal Sussex County Hospital, Brighton is looking for a enthusiastic and self motivated laboratory assistant to join our busy Histopathology team.

UHSx East Cellular pathology receives approximately 34,000 Histology requests and 5,000 Cytology requests per annum, with all the routine technical work being performed at RSCH.

The post will involve supporting the department in providing diagnostic services including specimen data entry, specimen preparation and handling, dealing with telephone enquiries, equipment maintenance, stock control, laboratory waste control and some semi automated and automated technical procedures.

The successful applicant must be conscientious and enthusiastic and able to work well as part of a team and under pressure. Good hand eye coordination, good keyboard skills and attention to detail are essential requirements.

The successful applicant must also have good communication and IT skills and willbe expected to participate fully in the accreditation activities of the department.

Relevant experience would be an advantage but full training will be provided.

Candidates looking for a Trainee Biomedical Scientist position or a progressional career post need not apply.

This is a full time position with working hours of Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm

Main duties of the job

The post will involve supporting the department in providing diagnostic Cellular Pathology services and includes specimen data entry, specimen preparation, assisting the medical and scientific team during specimen dissection, matching completed cases for final quality control check, machine operation and maintenance, dealing with telephone enquiries; stock control; and laboratory waste disposal.

This position will be based at the Royal Sussex County Hospital, working and the post-holder will be held accountable to the HR policies and procedures of UHSx.

Working for our organisation

At UHSussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us always put the Patient First. Your uniqueness and experiences will be part of our creative and innovative community where everyone is encouraged to succeed. We have a range of Staff Networks to help break down barriers, and can offer a buddy to help new members settle in. We’re proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2) and a Veteran Aware Trust.

We treat our patients and staff with the same compassion and empathy we expect for ourselves. We’re here for them when they need us, and we go above and beyond to meet their needs. This can be seen in ourWellbeing Programme for staff which is extensive and designed to support you when you need it, including where possible, flexible working to support work life balance - because we know that to look after others we must first look after ourselves.

As a university trust and a leader in healthcare research, we value learning, teaching and training so that we can be the best that we can be. From the moment you start with us and throughout your career we will help you to grow and develop. We hope that in choosing UHSussex you are choosing a long and happy career where you will be able to see the difference you make and feel valued for all that you do.

We look forward to receiving your application and the start of your journey with UHSussex.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

• Follows standard operating procedures at all times
• Participates in data entry for cellular pathology samples.
• Understand the urgency of requests; prioritising work according to SOP’s.
• Checks samples before processing for identification, status and suitability for diagnostic investigations, referring to a BMS when necessary.
• Prepare specimens, making decisions from a range of options on the type of process to be used e.g. fixation, wet preparations, referral to another area of Pathology if appropriate.
• Assist the Consultant Pathologist, Registrar or BMS at the specimen dissection bench, recording details and check specimen details.
• Undertake routine maintenance and troubleshooting on complex equipment to ensure correct functioning
• Load slide scanners as and when directed
• Matchs completed cases for final quality control check
• Prepare reagents, stock solutions and laboratory disinfectants as directed.
• Cleans and disinfects equipment and work areas as appropriate
• Report anomalies to senior staff according to SOP’s.
• Help maintain the filing system of slides and blocks.
• To be aware of and work within own technical competence
• Suggests changes to protocols/ Policies where appropriate.

Information management & technology

• Works within SOPs and policies to ensure high quality data, thus maintaining the integrity and accuracy of laboratory databases. Recognises data quality problems and brings to the attention of senior staff.
• Attends training on the use of display screen equipment and ensures that working practices comply.
• Reports any non-functional hardware to senior staff.
• Uses the laboratory information management system according to authorised protocols. Uses quality management system for read only access
• Complies with local and national policies for the safe, secure and confidential processing and storage of patient and other laboratory information.
• Uses the laboratory information management systems

Person specification

Qualifications

• GCSE grade c or above in English and maths
• NVQ3 or equivalent
• Evidence within the application of any transferable skills they can bring to the role
• Previous pathology laboratory experience
• IBMS NVQ3

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

• Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues
• Evidence of having championed diversity in previous roles (as appropriate to role).

Important information for applicants

Flexible Working: If you would like to explore potential options regarding flexible working please speak with the appropriate recruiting/line manager.

DBS Checks: As part of our commitment to a safe working environment, we undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service check on all new employees where the role is eligible for a criminal record check . We make offers in line with the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1975.

Skilled Worker Visa: Applications for Skilled Worker sponsorship are welcome for those that meet the Visa and Immigrations eligibility criteria. For further information please visit the gov.uk website searching for Skilled Worker.

Closing adverts early: Please apply as early as you're able for this role. In the event of exceptional interest we may close adverts earlier than specified.

UHSussex reserves the right to close the role early if we receive a high volume of applications