Medical Laboratory Assistant

York and Scarborough Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust; York and North Yorkshire; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent healthcare institution in York seeks a dedicated Medical Laboratory Assistant to join their Cellular Pathology Department. This role involves supporting daily lab operations, preparing specimens for testing, and maintaining equipment. Ideal candidates should possess strong communication skills, a methodical work approach, and experience in a clinical lab environment. The position offers extensive training, a collaborative team setting, and opportunities for professional growth. Apply soon, as the vacancy may close early due to high interest.

Benefits

NHS Pension Scheme

27 days holiday rising to 33 days

Paid and unpaid leave options

Employee Assistance Programme

Car Lease and Cycle to Work schemes

Learning and development opportunities

Discounts on various services and products

Qualifications

• Experience in a clinical laboratory environment is preferred.
• Understanding of laboratory health and safety.
• Ability to train and supervise other staff.

Responsibilities

• Support the Histopathology laboratory with data entry and specimen reception.
• Prepare clinical specimens for biological testing and perform microtomy.
• Maintain laboratory equipment and handle administrative duties.

Skills

Good communication skills

Organisational skills

Ability to work in a team

Methodical approach

Education

GCSE Level or equivalent (4 GCSE's including Maths and English at grade 4)

Tools

Pathology IT systems

Job description

York and Scarborough Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Medical Laboratory Assistant

The closing date is 04 February 2026

The Cellular Pathology Department is seeking applications for an enthusiastic and capable individual to join the team as a Medical Laboratory Assistant (MLA).

Applications are invited from adaptable individuals who would enjoy working as part of a friendly team, providing the Histopathology service in this busy department.

Previous applicants need not apply.

Please note this vacancy may close early due to high numbers of applicants and we suggest submitting your application as soon as possible.

Shortlisted candidates are encouraged to visit the department for an informal visit.

Main duties of the job

You will be involved in the day-to-day support work of the Histopathology laboratory, including data-entry, specimen reception, preparation of clinical specimens for biological testing, microtomy, maintenance of equipment and administrative duties relating to laboratory activities.

For this varied and interesting post, you will need to be numerate and will be able to work as part of a team, be able to demonstrate adaptability and initiative and have good communication and organisational skills.

Applicants are required to have good keyboard skills, and a working knowledge of pathology IT systems would be desirable, although full training will be provided. Ideally applicants should have histopathology laboratory experience.

The core working hours are Monday to Friday, 8:30am-17:00pm.

About us

For more information about our Trust, please visit:

We offer a range of benefits to support our staff including:

• Access to the NHS Pension Scheme, providing generous benefits upon retirement, as well as a lump sum and pension for dependants
• 27 days holiday rising to 33 days (depending on NHS Trust service)
• A variety of different types of paid and unpaid leave covering emergency and planned leave
• Confidential advice and support on personal, work, family and relationship issues, 24/7, from our Employee Assistance Programme
• NHS Car Lease scheme and Cycle to Work scheme
• An extensive range of learning and development opportunities
• Discounts on restaurants, getaways, shopping, motoring, cinema and finance from a range of providers

For further information on the fantastic range of benefits we offer please visit the Trust's dedicated Staff Benefits pages.

Job responsibilities

A full description of the role is available in the attachment: job description.

Please note that if a high number of applications are received this advert may close early. You are advised to submit your application at the earliest opportunity.

Working for the Trust

Across our organisation, people are guided by values that were co-developed with staff: we are kind; we are open; and we pursue excellence.

Our values play into our ambition to develop a more diverse workforce, truly representative of our communities. We welcome applications from everyone, while working with our Staff Networks - including our Race Equality, LGBTQ+, Disability and Carers Networks - to increase the number of applications we receive from different backgrounds. If there is anything we can do to make our application process more accessible to you, please contact:[e-mail].

As part of seeking to become more inclusive, we will consider requests for flexible working from the start of your employment. It may not be suitable for every role, but we will try and be supportive where we can. We would encourage you to speak to the recruiting manager named within this advert to discuss any requirements you may have.

Armed Forces Friendly Employer

We are holders of the Gold Award from the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme, which is helping actively promote SaBRE- Supporting Britain's Reservists and Employers. This means that we have made a statement of intent to support all Defence personnel, including with applications for employment.

Person Specification

Education, Qualifications and Training

• Educated to GCSE Level or equivalent. 4 GCSE's including Maths and English at grade 4 (C) or above

Experience and Knowledge

• Previous experience of working within a clinical laboratory environment
• Fundamentals of laboratory health and safety
• Awareness of the contribution of Cellular Pathology to patient care
• Experience of supervision and training of other staff.

Skills & Attributes

• Good written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to organise and prioritise own workload

Aptitude & Personal Qualities

• Ability to work alone or as part of a team.
• Methodical approach to work and an ability to remain calm under pressure

Values and Behaviours

• Ability to demonstrate our organisational values and behaviours.

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.

Employer name

York and Scarborough Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Address

York Hospital

Cellular Pathology Department, Wigginton Road