Medical Laboratory Assistant

Unilabs; London; On-site; GBP 22,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading laboratory service provider in London is seeking a Laboratory Assistant to join its Cellular Pathology team. The ideal candidate will assist with specimen dissection and sample reception, ensuring high-quality service. Requirements include GCSEs in English, Math and Science, and previous laboratory experience is desirable. Good IT and communication skills are essential.

Qualifications

• GCSEs including English, Math and Science required.
• BSc in Biomedical Science is desirable.
• Previous laboratory experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assist in the surgical dissection of diagnostic Category A Histology specimens.
• Receive samples and triage them for booking.
• Maintain relevant dissection laboratory equipment.

Skills

Good IT skills

Good communication skills

Ability to work effectively in a team

Attention to detail

Education

GCSEs including English, Math and Science

BSc (Hons) in Biomedical Science

HCPC registration

Job description

Join our Cellular Pathology team at Unilabs, where you'll play a key role in supporting the delivery of a high-quality, professional laboratory service. We're looking for a flexible and efficient individual to assist our histology staff and contribute to the smooth, day-to-day running of the lab.

Responsibilities

• To assist the MTO, BMS and Senior BMS dissection team with making up solutions and completing logs where required;
• To ensure that all samples are archived regularly and accurately;
• To assist in specimen reception routine duties as and when required on a rota basis: booking in and ensuring samples are received and triaged according to their criteria and contractual obligations;
• To carry out reagent change and daily maintenance of processors and embedding machines;
• Preparation of department transport bags/boxes for delivery and assist/liaise with the couriers;
• Partake in the rota for sample discard;
• Assisting Pathologist at dissection when required;
• To develop and improve professional expertise and specialist skills;
• To undertake any training courses as considered necessary;
• To maintain the relevant dissection laboratory equipment;
• To be aware of, and always comply with Health and Safety regulations and safe laboratory procedures;
• To participate in the annual staff appraisals.

Histology specimen dissection and sample reception

Participate in the surgical dissection of diagnostic Category A Histology specimens which will encompass the following:

• Receive samples in specimen reception and triage them accordingly for booking in;
• Booking in samples at specimen reception;
• Logging any discrepancies and ensuring they are followed up accordingly;
• Assist MTO, BMS.

The post holder should also:

• Be aware of knowledge and self-limitations, and have a low threshold for seeking advice;
• Keep adequate records of specimens dissected, including error logs and topical reflective practices.

Qualifications

• GCSEs including English, Math and Science;
• BSc (hons) in Biomedical Science (desirable);
• HCPC registration (desirable);
• Previous laboratory experience (experience in a large busy pathology laboratory - desired);
• Good IT skills and working knowledge of Microsoft;
• Must develop and improve your scientific expertise, which may be via CPD within an appraisal programme. Maintain a portfolio of relevant developments achieved;
• To participate in the organisation of scientific teaching programmes;
• Undertake suitable training and development programmes to successfully acquire core competencies and thereafter maintain the required standards of competence when undertaking duties;
• Good communication skills;
• Able to work effectively as part of a multi-disciplinary team;
• Ability to remain GDPR compliant.