Medical Laboratory Assistant

NHS; Greater London; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 33,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare provider is seeking a Medical Laboratory Assistant at Kings College Hospital. Candidates should have good GCSEs in English and Mathematics, along with experience in a laboratory environment. Responsibilities include handling samples, maintaining laboratory equipment, and supporting clinical colleagues. The role offers a competitive salary ranging from £30,546 to £32,207 per annum. This is a full-time, permanent position with opportunities for progression in a fast-paced setting.

Qualifications

• Previous experience working in a laboratory, healthcare or scientific environment.
• Experience handling specimens or working with biological material.
• Good written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Safely handle and dispose of blood or hazardous materials under supervision.
• Perform maintenance on laboratory instruments and equipment.
• Process samples under supervision for clinical trials.

Skills

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Ability to work independently

Ability to work in a team

Education

Good GCSE level in English and Mathematics

Foundation Degree or equivalent

Tools

Laboratory equipment

Job description

Job Summary

You don't need a Biomedical Science degree to work as a Medical Laboratory Assistant – all you need is a good eye for detail, great communication and good organisational skills. If you’re curious about how medical results are produced and the impact they have, this role gives you the chance to support the work of Biomedical Scientists and other clinical colleagues in the Synnovis Blood Sciences Laboratories at Kings College Hospital. It offers a steady, secure career with opportunities to progress to supervisor or manager levels, working in a fast‑paced laboratory environment that is varied and challenging every day. You will cover a 24/7/365 service, working flexibly across core hours, evenings, nights and weekends.

Key Responsibilities

• Safely handle, use and dispose of blood or other body fluids or hazardous chemicals under supervision.
• Advise service users on sample preservation and transportation to the laboratory.
• Perform preventative maintenance on laboratory instruments and equipment prior to use for patient investigations.
• Prepare, store and use reagents required for laboratory investigations.
• Assist with stock management and maintain reagent inventories.
• Carry out manual, semi‑automated and fully‑automated laboratory investigations.
• Process samples under supervision for clinical trials and research projects.
• Implement quality control measures to monitor analytical performance; take corrective action and report failures to senior staff.
• Participate in internal and external quality assurance programmes.
• Report to the section supervisor any instance or event that may cause a service delivery failure.
• File samples and keep accurate records according to protocols.
• Dispose of excess and tested samples following departmental protocols.
• Attend and support clinics and satellite laboratories as required.
• Receive, sort and log patient samples into the laboratory information system.
• Store, process or dispatch patient samples according to laboratory procedures.
• Ensure all records are stored safely and kept up‑to‑date in line with UKAS ISO 15189 standards.
• Manage work files to ensure all results are reported within agreed turnaround times.
• Advise the section supervisor when reagent and consumable stocks approach minimum levels.
• Input EQA sample data and maintain database integrity.
• Ensure compliance with local and national health and safety policies.
• Maintain a clean and tidy workplace and workbenches.
• Promote effective teamwork and maintain good relations with all staff.
• Observe national and local guidance on patient and commercial confidentiality.
• Maintain accurate records of all communications.
• Propose changes to standard operating procedures and aid in implementing them.
• Represent and promote the professional image of Blood Sciences, Synnovis, Pathology and Kings College Hospital NHS Trust.
• Participate in and contribute to the Performance Planning and Review (PPR) process.

Essential Criteria

• Educated to good GCSE level in English and Mathematics.
• Previous experience working in a laboratory, healthcare or other scientific/technical environment.
• Experience handling specimens or working with biological material.
• Basic understanding of the role of a medical laboratory and the importance of quality and accuracy.
• Good written and verbal communication, interpersonal skills.
• Excellent accuracy and attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to thrive in a busy environment.

Desirable Criteria

• Foundation Degree or equivalent.
• Experience using laboratory equipment.
• Previous experience as an MLA in blood sciences (haematology, biochemistry, or transfusion).
• Knowledge of laboratory accreditation standards (e.g., UKAS/ISO15189).
• Understanding of infection prevention and control measures.

Details

• Date posted: 24 November 2025
• Pay scheme: Agenda for change
• Band: 3
• Salary: £30,546 to £32,207 per annum, dependent on experience
• Contract: Permanent
• Working pattern: Full-time
• Reference number: VIS7156
• Job location: Kings College Hospital, Denmark Hill, London, SE5 9RS

Employer

Synnovis Analytics
Kings College Hospital
Denmark Hill
London
SE5 9RS
Website: http://www.synnovis.co.uk/

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