Medical Laboratory Assistant

Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust; Maidstone; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 27,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent healthcare organization in Maidstone is seeking a Medical Laboratory Assistant to support Biomedical Scientists in delivering high-quality diagnostic services. Responsibilities include processing specimens and performing clerical tasks with accuracy under pressure. Candidates should have a strong interest in science and healthcare, with a flexible approach to working hours. The position offers a salary between £24,937 and £26,598 per annum, and requires relevant qualifications. This is a great opportunity for those looking to start or advance their career in healthcare.

Benefits

At least 27 days of annual leave plus public/bank holidays.

Membership in the NHS Pension Scheme with a 20.6% employer contribution.

Blue Light card eligibility.

Qualifications

• Genuine interest in science & healthcare.
• Strong attention to detail & ability to work accurately under pressure.
• Team player with proactive and flexible approach.

Responsibilities

• Receiving & processing specimens.
• Handling enquiries professionally.
• Performing analytical, clerical, & administrative tasks.
• Maintaining high levels of accuracy under pressure.
• Ensuring smooth daily functioning of the laboratory.

Skills

Interpersonal

Communication

Basic computer skills

Organisational skills

Education

A' level or equivalent

NVQ level 3 in Laboratory Support

Job description

Are you enthusiastic about science & eager to make a difference in healthcare?

We are looking for motivated & dedicated individuals to join our friendly & supportive Blood Science team. This is a fantastic opportunity for anyone with an interest in science, whether you're just starting or looking for a new direction. Full training will be provided.

As a Medical Laboratory Assistant, you will play a vital role in supporting our Biomedical Scientists in delivering high-quality diagnostic & therapeutic services.

Key Responsibilities Include:

• Receiving & processing blood, serum, urine, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), & other specimens
• Handling telephone & face‑to‑face enquiries professionally
• Performing essential analytical, clerical, & administrative tasks
• Maintaining high levels of accuracy & professionalism under pressure
• Ensuring the smooth daily functioning of the Blood Sciences laboratory

You will work both under supervision & independently, contributing directly to patient care through timely & accurate laboratory support.

What We're Looking For

• A genuine interest in science & healthcare
• Strong attention to detail & ability to work accurately under pressure
• A team player with a proactive and flexible approach

Please note this role is currently only being advertised to staff members who are currently working within the Kent and Medway ICS.

Main duties of the job

Working Hours and Shift Pattern

A flexible approach to working hours is essential, as the department provides a 24/7/365 service.

Shifts include:

• Early: 07:45 - 15:45
• Core Day: 09:00 - 17:30
• Early Late: 12:00 - 20:00
• Late: 13:15 - 21:15

Some weekend and bank holiday working is required as part of the rota.

• Please ensure you read the job description and person specification carefully.
• Your supporting statement should clearly demonstrate how you meet the essential criteria and explain why you want to work for Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust.
• Applications will be assessed against the person specification.
• This post may attract a high number of applicants, and the closing date may be brought forward -- we encourage early submission.

Interview and Assessment

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to a face‑to‑face interview, which will include a practical data entry assessment to evaluate accuracy and attention to detail.

About us

Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust ranks among the top 10 NHS Trusts nationwide and was named the second‑best Trust to work for in the South East in the 2023 NHS Staff Survey.

We are a large acute hospital trust in south‑east England, providing general hospital services and specialist care to around 600,000 residents in West Kent and East Sussex. With a dedicated and diverse team of over 8,000 staff we are proud to offer specialised cancer services to over two million people through the Kent Oncology Centre.

Fordcombe Hospital, near Tunbridge Wells, became part of the Trust in October 2024. Specialising in planned care, it offers two operating theatres, 28 inpatient and day‑care beds, diagnostic services (X‑ray, MRI, CT, and endoscopy), and consultation/treatment rooms.

Looking for flexible working?

We are a flexible working‑friendly organisation. Whether it's adjusting your hours or exploring other flexible arrangements, we want to work with you to find the best solution for you, our patients, and the Trust. Talk to us about how we can accommodate your working needs.

Click here to hear what our staff say.

Joining us includes a comprehensive benefits package:

• At least 27 days of annual leave plus public/bank holidays (pro‑rated for part‑time staff)
• Membership in the NHS Pension Scheme, with a 20.6% employer contribution and life assurance benefits
• Blue Light card eligibility
• And more, additional benefits can be found in the benefits documents below

Job responsibilities

Weve provided all the details you need about this role in the job description and person specification. Please take a moment to review the criteria in the person specification and share specific examples in your application that demonstrate how you meet these requirements. Please also check your application for errors/omissions prior to submission.

Please note that appointment to this post will be subject to a satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service Check at Standard Level. (Enhanced level now includes regulated checks against vulnerable adults and children). If a role involves regulated activity and requires a DBS check with a barred list check, you cannot apply if you are on the barred list.

All successful applicants will be required to complete our corporate trust induction once a start date had been agreed.

Person Specification

Qualifications

• A' level or equivalent
• NVQ level 3 in Laboratory Support

Experience/ Knowledge

• Working as a member of a team
• Previous laboratory experience (may be educational)
• Interest in and awareness of science
• Health & Safety legislation and procedures.

Skills

• Interpersonal
• Communication
• Command of spoken English
• Basic computer skills
• Organisational skills

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

£24,937 to £26,598 a yearper annum pro rata