Medical Laboratory Assistant

Esneft; Colchester; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 27,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Staff benefits

Job summary

East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust (ESNEFT) in Colchester is seeking a Medical Laboratory Assistant to join the Blood Sciences Pathology Department. The role handles receipt and pre-analytics processing of samples, ensuring accurate lab data entry and smooth handover to other specialties.

You will work various shifts to support the team in a 24-hour service, with training provided. A background in pathology is helpful, and sponsorship is not available for this post.

Qualifications

• GCSE Maths and English (A-C) or equivalent.
• Demonstrable knowledge of a range of routine and non-routine healthcare science duties equivalent to an NVQ level 3/diploma.
• Knowledge of Pathology IT systems and Quality Management Systems.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for sample receipt, numbering and data entry on to the computer system.
• Identify, action and report mislabelled or mislaid specimens, unsuitable sample or process failure.
• Participate in day-to-day management of stock control and usage.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Teamwork

Cross training

Supervision

Education

GCSE Maths & English (A-C) or equivalent

NVQ level 3 / diploma in Healthcare Science or similar

Tools

Pathology IT systems

Quality Management Systems

Job description

Main area Blood Sciences - Pathology Grade NHS AfC: Band 3 Contract 8 months (Fixed term until 26th July 2027) Hours Full time - 37.5 hours per week (Flexible shift working including evenings, weekends and nights) Job ref 432-HR967-26

Site Colchester Hospital Town Colchester Salary £25,760 - £27,476 per annum pro rata Salary period Yearly Closing Today at 23:59 Interview date 26/10/2026

We are one of the largest NHS organisation in England. Our scale provides exciting opportunities for development, innovation, research, education and training.

Talk to us about our range of flexible working opportunities, apprenticeships and staff benefits

Equality Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) is at the heart of all we do; and it forms part of ESNEFT’s core activities. The Trust operates and relies on everyone treating each other with dignity and respect, to receive equitable and fair treatment in the implementation of Policies, Procedures and in its Practices, to foster positive work relationships, and finally to act with integrity as a professional within ESNEFT as well as a representative of the NHS as a whole. The EDI Agenda reflects the Trust values such as Optimistic, Appreciative and Kind. In line with the NHS Long Term Plan, People Plan, People Promise and a Model Employer intrinsic in the Equality Diversity and Inclusion Agenda, we consistently strive to improve, to take the learning into Action for a better ESNEFT.

Job overview

This post is fixed term until 26th July 2027.

We are looking for a Medical Laboratory Assistant to join our specimen reception team in the Blood Sciences Pathology Department at Colchester Hospital

This role is based in our pathology labs and you will work with the team and be responsible for receipt and pre-analytics processing of pathology samples which are then passes on to our other specialities.

You will be required to work a variety of shifts over a 24 hour period to help support the technical staff to maintain a safe and effective service. Flexible shift working including evenings, weekends and nights is essential for this role.

We are looking for a Healthcare professional who can understand the changing services of pathology and represent the new service going forward.

Training will be provided however knowledge of pathology would be advantageous.

Please note we are unable to provide sponsorship for this post.

For this fixed term post, internal applicants currently employed by ESNEFT will be offered on a secondment basis only

Our vision is to deliver innovations and high-performing pathology services that are focussed on our customers whilst delivering high quality and fully compliant services.We are clinically led and designed to achieve the benefits of scale that can be achieved by working together, while remaining close enough to our customers to meet their needs and support the excellent clinical care provided by our hospitals.

Responsible for sample receipt, numbering and data entry on to the computer system.

Identify, action and report mislabelled or mislaid specimens, unsuitable sample or process failure.

Participate in the day to day management of stock control and usage.

Working for our organisation

We are ESNEFT and we provide hospital and community health services to almost one million people across east Suffolk and north Essex. Our dedicated staff deliver care from acute hospitals in Colchester and Ipswich, community hospitals, surgeries, community clinics and in patients’ own homes.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

For full details of the responsibilities and duties of this role please see the attached job description.

Person specification

Education

• GCSE Maths and English (A-C) or equivalent

Knowledge and Experience

• Demonstrable knowledge of a range of routine and non-routine healthcare science duties equivalent to an NVQ level 3/diploma
• Practical experience of working in a Biomedical Science laboratory
• Knowledge of Pathology IT systems
• Knowledge of Quality Management Systems
• Previous relevant experience of working in the NHS

Skills and Aptitude

• Willingness to undertake cross training to extend skill set to deliver role
• Demonstrable interpersonal skills - can work as part of a team.
• Ability to supervise less experienced staff, e.g. can demonstrate own work.

Please note that where response levels are exceptional we may close the post before the specified date, therefore early application is recommended.

When providing reference details please provide email addresses so references can be sought promptly to cover the last 3 years of employment.

Successful candidates may be charged for their DBS check. Please ensure you read the information found in the attached DBS Information document

The Trust is committed to its staff and their development and to equal opportunities and diversity. Applications are welcomed from all sections of the community.

Whilst we welcome applications from all and your application will be considered on individual merit, if you are offered a position and require a Skilled Worker Certificate of Sponsorship we may not be able to process your application to the final stage due to Home Office eligibility. Please note Band 2 roles are not eligible for sponsorship.

In submitting an application form, you authorise East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust to confirm any previous NHS service details via the Inter Authority Transfer (IAT) process should you be appointed to the post.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your interest in East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust; we look forward to receiving your application for employment.

We do not charge any fees at any stage of our recruitment process, including job applications, interviews, sponsorship arrangements or employment offers