Medical Laboratory Assistant (Bacteriology) (Band 2/3)

NHS; Lancashire; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

A healthcare institution in Lancashire is seeking two Medical Laboratory Assistants to join their Microbiology team. This role involves receiving samples, operating lab equipment, and ensuring hygiene standards. Applicants should have GCSEs in English and Maths, preferably with experience in a clinical pathology lab. The position offers flexible working patterns and a supportive environment, making it an excellent opportunity for those passionate about laboratory work in the NHS.

Qualifications

• GCSE level in English, Maths, and preferably a Science.
• Recent experience of working in a clinical pathology laboratory.
• Experience of working within a Microbiology setting.

Responsibilities

• Receive and book in microbiology specimens.
• Prepare and process specimens using aseptic technique.
• Operate basic laboratory equipment and ensure proper hygiene.
• Assist with stock control and answer basic enquiries.

Skills

Basic numeracy skills

Basic literacy skills

Able to follow instructions without deviation

Ability to work under pressure

Good organisational skills

General interest in science

Education

GCSE (O) Level English and Maths and preferably a Science or equivalent

Job description

Go back Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Medical Laboratory Assistant (Bacteriology) (Band 2/3)

The closing date is 29 December 2025

Our busy and friendly Microbiology team at Blackpool Teaching Hospitals is looking for 2 WTE Band 2 Medical Laboratory Assistants to join us as we continue to deliver high-quality diagnostics and patient care.

The post holder will work in the context of the objectives of the Pathology Directorate and the Blackpool Victoria Hospital NHS Foundation Trust within the Bacteriology department.

Applicants will need to able to work between 8am and 8pm. Participation in weekend and Bank Holiday sessions will also be required.

We welcome and encourage application from anyone with protected characteristics, as well as supporting reservists and Veterans who are looking for a rewarding and challenging career within the NHS, and especially here at Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.

Honesty with regards to the above is encouraged and appreciated during he application process to ensure the correct support if required is offered from the the start of application. This can be a challenging role, and we want to ensure the best support and well being for all of our staff.

Main duties of the job

The post holders will work in the context of the objectives of the Pathology Directorate and the Blackpool Teaching Hospital Trust as a Medical Laboratory Assistant within the Bacteriology laboratory.

The principal duty of the post holder is to perform the following:

• Receiving and booking in samples - Accepting microbiology specimens (e.g. swabs, urine, blood cultures), checking labelling, and entering data into the laboratory information system.
• Preparing and processing specimens - Plating samples onto culture media, preparing slides, or setting up tests under supervision and following aseptic technique.
• Operating basic laboratory equipment - Using automated systems (e.g. incubators, analysers), loading samples, and reporting any faults.
• Maintaining laboratory hygiene and safety - Cleaning work areas, using personal protective equipment (PPE), and disposing of clinical waste appropriately.
• Stock control and general support - Replenishing consumables, restocking media and reagents, temperature monitoring and assisting biomedical scientists and other staff with day-to-day tasks.
• Responding to telephone enquiries where no interpretation of results is required.

Duties will be carried out following established Standard Operating Procedures, under the supervision of State Registered Biomedical Scientists. Previous laboratory experience is a distinct advantage. A comprehensive training program is provided.

About us

Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is ideally situated just a 1-hour drive from Manchester & Liverpool. The Trust provides services to the 440,000 residents of Blackpool, Fylde & Wyre and North Lancashire, as well as specialist tertiary care for Cardiac and Haematology patients.

Blackpool is one of the United Kingdom's largest coastal resort, Blackpool has plenty to offer its residents -it's not just a good place to work; it's a great place to live. In addition to its bustling centre and historic seafront, the town is world famous for its many attractions, including the famous Blackpool Tower. Blackpool also offers several scenic cycling routes round our local parks and across the surrounding countryside, as well as boasting panoramic views of the coast on its picturesque Promenade. Further afield, Blackpool also benefits from less than three-hour connections via rail to Edinburgh in the North and London in the South.

Blackpool Teaching Hospitals encourages flexible working in all our roles to support staff in maintaining healthy home-life balance. Working patterns such as part time working, compressed hours, annualised hours working can be explored. We encourage applicants to state clearly on their application forms this request and discuss these options at interview.

Job responsibilities

(Please note, that visa's will not be supported for this staff grade, please see attached Job Description and Personal Specification for further details)

We recommend that all individuals employed in patient facing roles, or those located on a ward or department where patients receive a service should be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

Person Specification

Qualification Requirements

• GCSE (O) Level English and Maths and preferably a Science or equivalent

Experience and Achievements

• Experience using computers/PCs
• Recent experience of working in a clinical pathology laboratory
• Experience of working within a Microbiology setting

Skills and Knowledge

• Basic numeracy skills
• Basic literacy skills
• Able to follow instructions without deviation
• Ability to work under pressure
• Good organisational skills
• General interest in science

Personal Attributes

• Able to work as part of a dedicated team
• Honest and hard working
• Reliable, Conscientious, and Punctual

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.

Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Microbiology, Blackpool Teaching Hospital

Microbiology, Blackpool Teaching Hospital