Medical Laboratory Assistant

NBT; West of England; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 27,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

NHS pension

Staff benefits

Training & development

Progression opportunities

Learning & development

Job summary

Bristol NHS Foundation Trust seeks enthusiastic Medical Laboratory Assistants to join the Histopathology team at Southmead Hospital. No previous lab experience required as full training is provided. Starts at Band 2 with progression to Band 3 after six months and training completion.

We offer 37.5 hours per week (Mon-Fri, 7:30-17:30) with occasional Saturday rota. Flexible working may be discussed. Equal opportunities employer with NHS pensions and staff benefits.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 4 GCSEs (or equivalent), including English, Maths and Science.
• Good IT and keyboard skills.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Good communication and organisational skills.
• An interest in healthcare and Histopathology.
• Ability to work with anatomically identifiable specimens.

Responsibilities

• Receive and book specimens onto laboratory systems.
• Follow pathology legislation, health and safety, patient confidentiality.
• Prepare tissue samples for testing including dissection, processing and staining.
• Enter and check data in computer systems.
• Organise laboratory records and filing systems.
• Maintain and support laboratory equipment.

Skills

GCSEs including English, Maths and Sci

Good IT skills

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Interest in healthcare

Ability to work with specimens

Education

Minimum 4 GCSEs incl English/Maths/Science

Job description

Main area Pathology Grade Band 2/3 Contract Permanent: Starting as a Band 2, progressing to band 3 after 6 months and completion of training documents Hours

• Full time
• Part time

37.5 hours per week (4 days per week, Mon-Fri, 7:30-17:30, participation in a Saturday rota may occasionally be required) Job ref 339-CCS7903-TJW

Site Histology, Southmead Hospital Town Bristol Salary £25,272 - £27,476 per annum, pro rata for part time Salary period Yearly Closing 10/11/2026 23:59

North Bristol NHS Trust (NBT) and University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust (UHBW) have merged as of 1 st July 2026 to become Bristol NHS Foundation Trust. This creates an exciting future that brings together the best of both organisations. As a single, strong and sustainable organisation, we will not only be able to deliver better outcomes for our patients and fairer care for our population, but it will also provide greater opportunities for our people.

Bristol NHS Foundation Trust recognise the value of a healthy work-life balance. When applying, speak to us about how we might be able to accommodate flexible working, so your work life fits around your home life.

Generative artificial intelligence (AI) describes algorithms that can be used to produce new content, including audio, code, images, text, simulations, and videos. It is developing all the time and is now being used as a support mechanism for all kinds of content-based creations. Please note the use of AI is monitored and if applicants have used it then they are required to declare this.

Job overview

Are you looking for your first step into the NHS? Do you enjoy being organised, working as part of a team and learning new skills?

We are looking for enthusiastic and motivated Medical Laboratory Assistants to join our Histopathology team at Southmead Hospital. This role is ideal for school or college leavers, those looking to begin a healthcare career, or anyone genuinely interested in supporting patient care.

Previous laboratory experience is not required as full training will be provided. We are looking for reliable individuals with good attention to detail, strong organisational skills and a willingness to learn.

As a Medical Laboratory Assistant, you will support the processing of samples used in patient diagnosis and treatment. Successful applicants will start at Band 2, with the opportunity to progress to Band 3 on completion of training and competencies after six months.

What you'll need:

• Minimum of 4 GCSEs (or equivalent), including English, Maths and Science
• Good IT and keyboard skills
• Strong attention to detail
• Good communication and organisational skills
• An interest in healthcare and Histopathology
• Ability to work with anatomically identifiable specimens

Please note this is not a Biomedical Scientist training role and the IBMS registration portfolio cannot be completed within this post.

No two days are the same in this busy laboratory environment! Working alongside Biomedical Scientists and Pathologists, you'll help ensure samples are processed accurately and efficiently so they can be used to support patient care.

Your duties will include:

• Receiving and booking specimens onto laboratory systems
• Working in accordance with pathology legislations including health and safety requirements and patient confidentiality
• Preparing tissue samples ready for testing and examination, this includes assisting in dissection, processing and staining
• Entering and checking information on computer systems
• Organising laboratory records and files
• Supporting the maintenance of laboratory equipment
• Assisting with digital imaging and slide scanning activities
• Helping keep laboratory areas clean, safe and well-stocked

Full training will be provided and you'll be supported by experienced colleagues as you develop your skills and confidence in the role.

You'll join a friendly team where you'll gain valuable workplace experience, learn how hospital laboratories operate and play an important role in supporting healthcare services across the region.

We're planning ahead! We are recruiting to create a pool of suitable candidates for upcoming Medical Laboratory Assistant vacancies. While some positions may be available immediately, successful candidates who are not appointed straight away may be placed in our talent pool and contacted as vacancies arise over the coming months.

Working for our organisation

Bristol NHS Foundation Trust brings together more than 28,000 staff to deliver over 160 clinical services across thirteen hospital locations, operating from three main sites at Southmead, Bristol city centre and Weston.

With an annual turnover of £2.3 billion, we are now one of the largest NHS trusts in the United Kingdom. Our hospitals are spread across Bristol and Weston, join us and you can enjoy the very best of both worlds; city living within a stone’s throw of the countryside or beside the seaside, both with easy access to all that the South West has to offer.

Bristol NHS Foundation Trust values all people as individuals. As an equal opportunities employer actively working towards a diverse workforce we aim to recruit and retain a workforce which represents the rich diversity of the local population at all levels and are committed to designing our services around the needs of individual patients and those around them. Anonymous information will be used from your application in order to ensure we’re meeting our pledge.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Please refer to the job description attached for a full list of responsibilities

• a) Participate in the receipt and recording of specimens
• b) Participate in data input to laboratory computer
• c) Assist Pathologists and Biomedical Scientists at cut-up ensuring efficient use of workspace, providing effective support and accurate recording of information
• d) Undertake the storage and disposal of tissues in accordance with departmental procedures
• e) In the main laboratory undertake the routine staining of microscope slides and the management of the instruments on which this is performed
• f) Undertake the receipt and management of additional work requests to the laboratory
• g) Participate in and assist others in the preparation, cleaning, decontamination of equipment and working areas and maintenance of laboratory equipment
• h) To perform general laboratory duties, e.g. checking instruments, recording temperatures
• i) Participate in departmental digital imaging activities
• j) Participate in the management of supplies in the department
• k) Be responsible for the day to day maintenance and cleanliness of the equipment and environment with which she/he is working
• l) Accurately maintain filing systems for request forms, reports, slides and tissue blocks and facilitate their transportation to archive sites within the hospital but outside the department. File and retrieve records and slides
• m) Despatch, and receive when returned, slides, blocks and other material as requested and maintain records of all such activities
• n) May be required to deputise in the absence of the Audit Clerk, collating materials to support MDT meetings
• o) Input and retrieve data from departmental and other IT systems
• p) Deal with telephone enquiries to the department and from within the department
• q) Assist in training of staff
• r) Notify senior staff of all problems encountered in the performance of duties
• s) Work according to the Standard Operating Procedures as documented
• t) Work within established Health and Safety guidelines
• u) To maintain safe and efficient standards of work, following codes of practice
• v) To participate in staff appraisal / PDP according to Trust policies and procedures
• w) The post holder may be required to work at the Essential Services Laboratory based at the Bristol Royal Infirmary

Whether you're leaving school, finishing college or looking for a new direction, this role offers the opportunity to develop valuable workplace skills, gain experience in healthcare and become part of a supportive team.

What you'll get

• Full training and support from an experienced team
• A great first step into a healthcare career
• Opportunity for progression
• NHS pension and staff benefits
• Ongoing learning and development opportunities
• Experience working in a hospital laboratory environment
• A role that contributes to patient care every day

Person specification

Education/Qualifications

• Numerate and literate (minimum 4 GCSE’s, or equivalent, incl. Maths & English & a Science)

Work Experience

• Ability to work as part of a team
• Experience of working in a laboratory, preferably Histology
• Demonstrate understanding of health and safety risks relevant to the department
• Working knowledge of the appropriate protocols and SOP used within the Department

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

• Understanding of the need for confidentiality and data protection
• Knowledge of MS office including Outlook, Word and Excel
• Knowledge of Histopathology and its role in healthcare
• Knowledge of basic medical terminology
• Good organisational skills
• Effective communication skills written and verballi>
• Effective key board skills including data input experience

Personal Qualities

• A desire to work in healthcare

We hope that you will decide to join us and become part of this exciting journey, helping us to shape our future together.

As an equal opportunities employer actively working towards a diverse workforce we aim to recruit and retain a workforce which represents the rich diversity of the local population at all levels and are committed to designing our services around the needs of individual patients and those around them. Anonymous information will be used from your application to ensure we’re meeting our pledge.

The Trust is committed to investing in and caring for all our staff. We will support you in maintaining and improving your health and wellbeing, as well as your career development through management and training support - developing exceptional people for exceptional careers.

BFT is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults.

To comply with Part 7 of the Immigration Act 2016 all applicants must be able to speak fluent English to an appropriate standard which will be assessed at Interview.

If you require sponsorship for a visa to work in the UK, to avoid disappointment, please check to ensure you are eligible under the UKVI points based system.

The Trust uses electronic new starter forms on Trac to collect personal details. Information collected is securely stored and used to set up the employee record on the ESR HR system.

By applying for this post, you are agreeing to Bristol NHS Foundation Trust transferring the information contained in this application to its preferred applicant management system. If you are offered a job, information will also be transferred into the national NHS Electronic Staff Records system.

Please note that if you apply for a position with this Trust, you may be contacted via Trac or via email. This includes invites for job interviews. We therefore recommend that you regularly check your Trac account and email accounts. We may also contact you by texting the mobile number, if provided, on the application form.

Only those candidates who clearly demonstrate how they meet the person specification will be shortlisted for this job.

As a guide interviews should usually take place within 3 weeks of the closing date.

When providing employment reference details, please provide correct work-related email addresses so references can be sought promptly when we are looking to progress your application. Your referee must all be known to you in a line manager or professional lead capacity.