Medical Laboratory Assistant

University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust; Kemp Town Estate; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare provider in Kemp Town Estate seeks a Senior Medical Laboratory Assistant to provide essential technical and administrative support in a dynamic laboratory. Key responsibilities include preparing patient samples for analysis and ensuring high standards of quality in laboratory operations. Ideal candidates will be motivated professionals with a background in laboratory work and exceptional organizational skills. This role offers the opportunity to work in a specialized environment, supporting the provision of critical testing services.

Qualifications

• Motivated and experienced individual required for a Senior Medical Laboratory Assistant role.
• Previous experience in a diagnostic laboratory is essential.
• Professionalism in handling sensitive patient information is crucial.

Responsibilities

• Receipt and booking-in of clinical and coroner samples.
• Preparation of patient samples for analysis.
• Routine maintenance and troubleshooting of laboratory equipment.

Skills

Organizational skills

Attention to detail

Professionalism

Resilience

Education

Experience as a medical laboratory assistant

Job description

Overview

The successful candidate will play a key role in daily work, providing technical and administrative support to scientific staff, assisting with analysis of patient samples (including drugs of abuse, tacrolimus, FIT testing, amongst others), ensuring high standards of quality and service.

Responsibilities

• Receipt and booking‑in of samples, including coroner and clinical toxicology specimens.
• Preparation of reagents and patient samples for analysis.
• Stock taking, ordering, and general stock control to support smooth laboratory operation.
• Routine maintenance and basic troubleshooting of analysers and laboratory equipment.
• Assisting with, and undertaking, routine and specialist analysis of patient samples under the supervision of a Biomedical Scientist – including drugs of abuse, tacrolimus analysis, and FIT testing among other tests.
• Active participation in the training and support of other staff within the department.
• Participation in quality management processes including raising non‑conformances, assisting with audits and record keeping.
• Maintaining high standards of laboratory housekeeping, health and safety, and quality assurance in line with departmental policies procedures.
• May need to participate in additional weekend cover in the main automated lab, following competency assessment, as required.

Qualifications / Experience

We are seeking a motivated and experienced Senior Medical Laboratory Assistant to join our Toxicology & Specialist Biochemistry team.

This role offers the opportunity to work within a highly specialised and dynamic laboratory environment, supporting the work of biomedical scientists to provide testing of clinical and coroner samples.

Some of the work involves handling clinical and post‑mortem samples, which can occasionally include sensitive or distressing information. It is therefore important that you can approach this aspect of the job with professionalism, resilience and discretion.

This role is ideal for a proactive individual with strong organisational skills, attention to detail, and previous experience working within a diagnostic laboratory. A commitment to patient‑centred service, continuous improvement, and collaborative working is essential.

This role would particularly suit someone with experience as a medical laboratory assistant, science technician, or similar, who is looking to build on their skills and develop further within a specialist clinical laboratory environment.

Please note this role is not a training role for biomedical scientists.

About UHSussex

At UHSussex we’re proud to be at the heart of the NHS. As one of the UK’s largest acute trusts, we are a leading example of the excellence, ambition and values embodied by the NHS for over 70 years.

Our hard‑working, talented and dedicated people work together towards a common goal – to deliver Excellent Care Everywhere for our patients, our people and our communities. Whatever your role here at UHSussex you will play a part in driving us forwards and improving the lives of patients across Sussex.

At UHSussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us deliver Excellent Care Everywhere. 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 3) and a Veteran Aware Trust.

We value compassion, inclusion and respect as our core values. 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, including 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 grow and develop. We hope that in choosing UHSussex you are choosing a long and happy career where you can see the difference you make and feel valued for all that you do.

Application Process

As part of our commitment to access for all, please see the different ways you can access the application form: https://apps.trac.jobs/accessibility?_ts=1.

Applications that rely heavily on AI‑generated content may misrepresent your abilities and could result in your application being rejected. We encourage you to take the time to present your genuine self, as this helps us better understand your potential and ensures a transparent selection process.

Closing adverts early: In the event of exceptional interest, we may close adverts earlier than specified.

Some of our adverts are capped for a limited number of applications; therefore, the advert will close once the cap has been reached. We encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible if you are interested in the position to prevent you from missing out on applying for the opportunity.

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 the roles that meet the Visa and Immigrations eligibility criteria. For further information please visit the gov.uk website searching for Skilled Worker. It is your responsibility as the applicant to ensure that you meet this criteria.

U we receive a high volume of applications.