Medical Laboratory Assistant

NHS; York and North Yorkshire; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 27,000; Full time

Job summary

A healthcare organization in York is looking for a Medical Laboratory Assistant (MLA) to support its Histopathology service. The role includes tasks like data entry, specimen preparation and administrative duties. Candidates should possess GCSE level education, be adaptable, and ideally have previous clinical laboratory experience. This full-time permanent position offers a competitive salary and various employee benefits. The position emphasizes teamwork, communication skills, and attention to detail.

Benefits

NHS Pension Scheme

27 days holiday rising to 33

Paid and unpaid leave

Employee Assistance Programme

Learning and development opportunities

Discounts on restaurants and shopping

Qualifications

• Previous experience in a clinical laboratory environment.
• Fundamentals of laboratory health and safety.
• Ideally, histopathology laboratory experience.

Responsibilities

• Day‑to‑day support of the Histopathology laboratory.
• Data entry and specimen reception.
• Preparation of clinical specimens for biological testing.
• Microtomy work.
• Maintenance of laboratory equipment.
• Administrative duties related to laboratory activities.

Skills

Good written and verbal communication skills

Problem-solving skills

Attention to detail

Ability to organise and prioritise own workload

Ability to work alone or as part of a team

Methodical approach to work

Education

GCSE level or equivalent

Tools

Pathology IT systems

Job description

Job Summary

The Cellular Pathology Department at York Hospital is seeking a Medical Laboratory Assistant (MLA) to support the Histopathology service. The role involves data entry, specimen reception, specimen preparation for testing, microtomy, equipment maintenance and administrative duties related to laboratory activities. Applicants should be numerate, adaptable, communicative, and organised.

Key Responsibilities

• Day‑to‑day support of the Histopathology laboratory
• Data entry and specimen reception
• Preparation of clinical specimens for biological testing
• Microtomy work
• Maintenance of laboratory equipment
• Administrative duties related to laboratory activities

Qualifications and Experience

• GCSE level or equivalent (including Maths and English at grade 4 or above)
• Previous experience in a clinical laboratory environment
• Fundamentals of laboratory health and safety
• Awareness of the contribution of Cellular Pathology to patient care
• Good keyboard skills; working knowledge of pathology IT systems desirable (full training provided)
• Ideally, histopathology laboratory experience

Desirable

• Experience of supervising or training other staff

Skills & Attributes

• Good written and verbal communication skills
• Problem‑solving skills
• Attention to detail
• Ability to organise and prioritise own workload
• Ability to work alone or as part of a team
• Methodical approach to work and ability to remain calm under pressure
• Demonstration of the Trust’s organisational values and behaviours

Values and Behaviours

• Commitment to the Trust’s values: kindness, openness and excellence
• Support for a diverse workforce and inclusive recruitment practices
• Armed Forces Friendly Employer – Gold Award holder supporting defence personnel

Employment Details

Band: Band 3
Salary: £24,937 to £26,598 a year
Contract: Permanent
Working pattern: Full‑time
Core working hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30am – 5:00pm
Location: York Hospital, Cellular Pathology Department, Wigginton Road, York, YO31 8HE

Benefits

• NHS Pension Scheme, lump sum and pension for dependants
• 27 days holiday rising to 33 days (depending on NHS Trust service)
• Paid and unpaid leave covering emergency and planned leave
• Confidential advice and support via the Employee Assistance Programme (24/7)
• NHS Car Lease and Cycle to Work schemes
• Learning and development opportunities
• Discounts on restaurants, getaways, shopping, motoring, cinema and finance from a range of providers

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

Applicants must submit a Disclosure and Barring Service check under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975.

Application

Previous applicants need not apply. The advert may close early due to high numbers of applicants, so submit your application as soon as possible. Shortlisted candidates are encouraged to visit the department for an informal visit.