Medical Laboratory Assistant

Bristol NHS Foundation Trust; West of England; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

Southmead Hospital, part of Bristol NHS Foundation Trust, is recruiting a Medical Laboratory Assistant to join the Histopathology team. Initial training will be provided, with progression from Band 2 to Band 3 after six months of training and competencies.

No prior laboratory experience is required; reliable individuals with strong organisational skills and a willingness to learn are encouraged to apply.

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

• 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.

Skills

IT skills

Attention to detail

Communication

Organisational skills

Healthcare interest

Histopathology interest

Education

GCSEs including English, Maths and Science

Job description

Education/Qualifications

Essential criteria

North Bristol NHS Trust (NBT) and University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust (UHBW) have merged as of 1st 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.

We particularly welcome applications from Black, Asian and minority ethnic candidates as they are under-represented within the Trust.

Our job adverts may close as soon as sufficient applications have been received.

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.

To learn more about Pathology at Southmead Hospital watch our video.

Main duties of the job

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