Medical Laboratory Assistant Apprenticeship

THE ROYAL MARSDEN; Greater London; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 22,000; Full time

Job summary

The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust is offering a Medical Laboratory Assistant Apprentice role in the Cellular Therapy Laboratory in London. You will work under supervision to perform routine tasks, assist with stem cell processing, cryogenic storage, and environmental monitoring while maintaining strict aseptic standards and safety.

This Level 3 apprenticeship provides full training and career development in laboratory science and healthcare, with opportunities to learn from Biomedical

Qualifications

• GCSE Maths, English and Science (Grade 4/C or above) with evidence.
• A keen interest in science and healthcare with willingness to learn.
• Willingness to work in a regulated clean-room environment and follow procedures.

Responsibilities

• Assist with preparation, storage and monitoring of stem cell products.
• Support equipment maintenance, stock control and environmental monitoring.
• Carry out routine laboratory tasks and running controls.
• Participate in training and assessments to achieve competence.
• Maintain high standards of quality, safety and aseptic technique.
• Support day-to-day operations across laboratory, storage and office areas.

Skills

Attention to detail

Organisational skills

Team collaboration

Aseptic technique

Education

GCSE Maths, English and Science (Grade 4/C or above)

Tools

Cryogenic storage systems

Laboratory equipment handling

Job description

Join The Royal Marsden's Cellular Therapy Laboratory as a Medical Laboratory Assistant Apprentice and support the delivery of stem cell transplantation and advanced cellular therapies for cancer patients. This exciting opportunity combines hands-on experience in a highly specialised laboratory with a Level 3 apprenticeship. Working alongside Biomedical Scientists, you will assist with the preparation, storage and monitoring of stem cell products, support equipment and stock management, carry out environmental monitoring, and help maintain high standards of quality and safety. The Cellular Therapy Laboratory includes clean rooms, cryogenic storage facilities and specialist laboratories. Working in this regulated environment requires excellent attention to detail, high standards of personal hygiene and strict adherence to aseptic techniques to minimise contamination and protect patient safety. You will also gain experience working with specialist laboratory equipment, blood products and liquid nitrogen storage systems. We are looking for a motivated individual with an interest in science and healthcare, strong organisational skills and a willingness to learn. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys working accurately, following procedures and contributing to a team delivering life‑changing treatments. Full training and development will be provided, offering an excellent foundation for a career in laboratory science and healthcare. Under the supervision of the Head/Deputy Head of the Cellular Therapy Laboratory, you will:

• Work in clean-room environments, following strict aseptic procedures and laboratory standards.
• Perform routine laboratory tasks, including running controls and full blood counts.
• Support stem cell processing and the storage of cryopreserved stem cell products.
• Assist with the maintenance, cleaning and monitoring of laboratories, clean rooms and cryogenic storage facilities.
• Respond to enquiries and support the day‑to‑day operation of the service.
• Work safely within the scope of the role, seeking advice when required.
• Carry out duties across laboratory, clean-room, storage and office environments, including some physical tasks and regular movement between departments and clinical areas.
• To assist with general laboratory portering.
• To assist with the routine maintenance, cleaning and use of laboratory equipment.
• Perform clean room suite and general laboratory cleaning with biocide reagents and participate in environmental monitoring.
• Segregating all laboratory waste into defined categories and disposing appropriately.
• Managing clean-room laundry.
• Assist in regular stock control of all consumable items, batch control, lot number logging and effective stock rotation and storage.
• To participate in training and assessment for specified tasks, completing programmes to a satisfactory level of competence.
• To participate in the departmental programme of quality improvement and regulatory compliance. This will involve participation in the review and writing of SOPs, assisting with audits and validations and the generation of appropriate documentation.

• Be aged 18 or over.
• Have lived in the UK/EEA for the last three years.
• Have the legal right to live and work in the UK for the duration of the apprenticeship.
• Not be undertaking another government-funded training programme.
• Not hold a qualification in the same subject at the same level or above.
• Hold GCSE Maths, English and Science at Grade 4/C or above and be able to provide evidence.

The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust is a world‑leading cancer centre. Our role is to offer our patients the best cancer care available anywhere in the world, and to continue to make a global contribution to finding better ways of diagnosing and treating cancer. We employ over 4,500 staff in a diverse range of careers including nursing, medical, science, radiography, pharmacy, occupational therapy, finance and administrative services. We have two hospitals – one in Chelsea, London, and one in Sutton, Surrey – as well as a Medical Daycare Unit in Kingston Hospital.

At The Royal Marsden, we deal with cancer every day, so we understand how valuable life is. When people entrust their lives to us, they have the right to demand the very best. That's why the pursuit of excellence lies at the heart of everything we do. At the heart of the hospital is our dedicated team. We offer a stimulating and dynamic working environment, a wide range of staff benefits, learning and development opportunities and clear career pathways. There are opportunities to work flexibly across a range of areas and specialities and we welcome flexible working requests from point of hire to support employees work life balance. We are looking for employees who aspire to excellence, share our values and can play a crucial role in our on‑going achievements.