Medical Laboratory Assistant

UDML College of Engineering, JECRC Founadation, Jaipur; Reading; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 27,000; Full time

Job summary

A healthcare provider in Reading seeks a Senior Medical Laboratory Assistant for their Cellular Pathology department. The role involves handling histology specimens, operating laboratory equipment, and supporting junior staff. Candidates should have an education to A Levels in science and experience in the NHS. Full-time position with comprehensive staff benefits and a focus on work-life balance. Salary ranges from £24,937 to £26,598 plus additional perks.

Benefits

Flexible working opportunities

Annual leave starting at 27 days

NHS pension scheme

Employee Assistance Programme

Cycle-to-work scheme

Qualifications

• Experience working in a busy laboratory dealing with high-risk specimens and complex scientific techniques.
• Ability to train, support, and advise trainees and junior staff.

Responsibilities

• Provide a range of scientific and diagnostic services.
• Operate automated laboratory equipment and perform scientific techniques.
• Communicate with healthcare professionals and handle body fluids.

Skills

Good education to A Levels, including science subject

Experience working in the NHS

Education

A Levels or NVQ 4 or IBMS Certificate of Achievement (Part 2) or Foundation degree

Job description

Position

Senior Medical Laboratory Assistant

Reference

193-7584939NCG

Location

Harborne House, Car Park 13, Reading

Salary

£24,937 - £26,598 (plus 5% Fringe) per annum

Contract and Hours

Permanent, Full time – 37.5 hours per week

Closing Date

23/11/2025 23:59

Organisation Overview

At the Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust we put our patients at the heart of every element of health and care that we provide. The Trust works together as a community to deliver its vision which is "Working together to provide outstanding care for our community."

The Trust was rated Good by CQC.

We are C ompassionate, A spirational, R esourceful, E xcellent.

Job Overview

The Cellular Pathology department has a vacancy for an Advanced Practioner within the Histology department at Band 3.

This is a busy department, handling 55,000 histology specimens per annum and 3,000 non‑gynae specimens, performing a wide range of immunohistochemistry techniques. We have full UKAS accreditation.

We cover the workload for RBH and Wexham Park Hospital in a new facility located at the University of Reading on the White Knights Campus.

The post is full time, 8.30 am – 5 pm Monday to Friday with rotational coverage at Wexham Park Hospital during annual and sick leave, and extended shift patterns including weekends pending consultation.

Main Duties of the Job

• Participate in the provision of a comprehensive range of scientific and diagnostic services across a range of scientific disciplines.
• Liaise with line manager as part of a team delivering high‑quality protocol‑based technical service under the supervision of Registered Biomedical Scientist staff.
• Communicate with hospital clinicians, general practitioners, other healthcare professionals, patients and their representatives, and commercial suppliers.
• Operate sophisticated, automated laboratory equipment and perform scientific techniques under supervision.
• Appropriately handle body fluids and tissue, including high‑risk specimens.
• Train, support and advise less‑experienced staff, such as trainees, students and MLA's.

Qualifications

Essential criteria

• Good education to A Levels, including science subject or NVQ 4 or IBMS Certificate of Achievement (Part 2) or Foundation degree.

Desirable criteria

• ECDL

Experience And Skills

Essential criteria

• Experience working in the NHS.

Desirable criteria

• Experience in Hospital Laboratory.

Sponsorship

This is an approved sponsoring organisation. Applications will be considered from applicants requiring sponsorship alongside all other applications. Please review the list of eligible roles and requirements on the government website.

Staff Benefits

• Flexible working opportunities and a strong emphasis on work‑life balance
• Annual leave – 27 days for new starters, plus bank holidays, increasing to 29 days after 5 years and 33 days after 10 years NHS service. Pro‑rata for part‑time staff
• NHS pension scheme
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Money Advice Service
• Generous maternity, paternity and adoption leave for eligible staff
• On‑site nursery (based at RBH)
• Full educational library services
• Cycle‑to‑work scheme, lockable storage for cycles
• Bus to work scheme
• Excellent rail and bus links
• A huge range of Health Service Discounts at hundreds of big brands from holidays to gadgets and restaurants to retail

Additional Information

By applying for this post you are agreeing to Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust transferring the information contained in this application to its preferred applicant management system. Appointment to any position is conditional on the satisfactory completion of the core NHS Employment Checks Standards. Information disclosed in your application will be checked and any offer of appointment may be withdrawn if you knowingly withhold information or provide false or misleading information. All new appointments to the Trust, with the exception of executive positions, are subject to a 6‑month probationary period. The Trust may close any vacancy prior to the advertised closing date due to the high level of responses we receive for some of our vacancies. The Trust is committed to improving the health of its staff, patients and the wider community by providing a smoke‑free environment. Smoking is not permitted on any of the Trust's sites. The Trust is also committed to safeguarding children, young people and vulnerable adults and requires all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.