Medical Laboratory Assistant

Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust; Frimley; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 23,000; Full time

Job summary

Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust invites applications for a Fixed-term full-time Medical Laboratory Assistant (MLA) in the Bacteriology Department. The role involves preparing analytical work, adhering to SOPs, and providing essential support to Biomedical Scientists while entering data into the LIMS.

The post requires accurate data handling, good IT skills, and the ability to work within a shift system across laboratory areas, with occasional site coverage to meet service needs.

Qualifications

• Follow Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) at all times.

Responsibilities

• Assist in preparation of analytical work for the Bacteriology Department under supervision.
• Follow SOPs for all tasks.
• Support BMS staff by sorting, numbering and entering data into the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS).
• Operate department waste disposal systems including autoclaves safely.
• Process specimens (e.g., blood, CSF, urine, faeces, sputum, tissues) and interpret for pathogens.
• Communicate with pathology staff, hospital staff, porters, drivers and couriers.
• Assist in maintaining temperatures and refrigerator/freezer monitoring; report deviations.
• Demonstrate IT skills and input patient/request data; maintain records.
• Work as part of a team and develop competencies across the department.

Skills

SOP adherence

Team communication

LIMS data entry

Laboratory support

Bacteriology basics

Tools

LIMS (Laboratory Information Management System)

Kiestra TLA system

Job description

Are you looking for a Fixed-term full-time Medical Laboratory Assistant (MLA) position with a desire to work as part of the largest NHS led Pathology Services in the UK?, You will be expected to work according to our working time compliant shift system and on rare occasions may be required to work at the Wexham Park Hospital site to maintain quality, training and service requirements. The laboratory is UKAS accredited to ISO 15189. The lab is well equipped with a Kiestra TLA system, Faecal PCR testing and Mast UriSystem. MALDI-TOF and GenExpert complete the picture for an efficient and highly automated Bacteriology department.

• The postholder will assist in the preparation of analytical work for the Bacteriology Department across a range of department work areas under the supervision of a Registered Biomedical Scientist.
• The postholder is required to follow Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) at all times for any tasks carried out. There is a requirement to communicate with pathology staff, hospital staff, porters, drivers and couriers.
• The postholder will provide support to the BMS staff through sorting, numbering and entering onto Laboratory Information Management System.
• The postholder will be required to operate the department waste disposal systems including use of autoclaves in a safe manner.
• The diagnostic work of the department includes processing, for example, blood, cerebrospinal fluid, urine, faeces, sputum, tissues and diverse secretions.
• Processed samples are then interpreted for the presence of pathogens, these could be bacterial, fungal or parasitic.
• Visa Sponsorship: This position isnot eligiblefor Skilled Worker visa sponsorship. Applicants must already hold theright to work in the UKfor the full duration of the contract. Why Join Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust? At Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust, our people are at the heart of everything we do. As a Disability Confident Employer and recipient of the Gold Award in the Armed Forces Employer Recognition Scheme, we actively champion equality, diversity and inclusion, creating opportunities for people from all backgrounds to build rewarding careers within the NHS. We also recognise the importance of a healthy work-life balance. By supporting flexible working arrangements wherever possible, we enable our colleagues to balance their professional and personal commitments while continuing to deliver outstanding care to our patients. Whether flexibility means adjusted hours, part-time working, hybrid arrangements or alternative working patterns, we work in partnership with our staff to meet both individual and service needs. Join Us Whether you're at the start of your career or looking for your next challenge, Frimley Health offers the opportunity to be part of an inclusive, forward-thinking organisation that is committed to excellence, innovation and compassionate care. Together, we can shape the future of healthcare and make a real difference to the lives of the communities we serve. Frimley Health Trust benefits on Vimeo
• To keep the laboratory manager informed of all matters regarding laboratory procedures and help with the smooth running of the department.
• To inform a team leader, section head or Biomedical Scientist of any refrigerator/freezer temperatures that are out of range on a daily basis.
• Displays and maintains an appropriate level of IT skills.
• Is able to input patient and request data, maintain and amend patient records, interrogate the laboratory and hospital databases and perform basic word processing and spreadsheet work.
• Demonstrates excellent personal communication and team working skills.
• To work to achieve competencies across the repertoire of the department as appropriate to grade.
• To assist in the departmental work as instructed, following SOPs under the supervision of the laboratory managers, team leaders and / or Biomedical Scientist staff.
  We are looking for an energetic, enthusiastic and well-motivated individual with good scientific background to complement our existing MLA team.

Essential qualities expected are efficiency, being well organised, having good communication skills and attention to detail. Good keyboard skills are desirable. In addition, you should be a reliable individual who is able to demonstrate good practical skills and work as part of a team. You must be keen to embrace new ways of working and develop your knowledge and skills and able to participate in the shift system.