Medical Laboratory Assistant | Barts Health NHS Trust

Barts Health NHS Trust; London; On-site; GBP 22,000 - 26,000; Full time

Job summary

A busy hospital department is seeking a Band 2 Medical Laboratory Assistant to handle laboratory tasks like sorting samples and assisting Biomedical Scientists. The ideal candidate will have GCSEs in Maths, Science, and English, along with a keen eye for detail. This position promises to be dynamic and challenging within a supportive team environment.

Qualifications

• Minimum of GCSEs in Maths, Science and English at A-C level.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to follow written protocols.

Responsibilities

• Rotate between reception, sort and number incoming samples.
• Assist Biomedical Scientists and dentist at dissection benches.
• Clean and maintain laboratory equipment and collect samples.

Skills

Attention to detail

Ability to work under pressure

Common sense

Education

GCSEs in Maths, Science, and English at A-C level

Job description

Overview

We are looking for a band 2 Medical Laboratory Assistant for this very busy hospital department. The duties will be varied, but we need a person who can work accurately when under pressure to meet deadlines.

We have a team of MLA’s who undertake tasks on a rotational basis. This post would suit an individual with a minimum of maths, science and English GCSE’s at A-C level. They should have common sense, an ability to follow written protocol and an interest in science. The post will require an ability to work with human tissues of all kinds and the successful applicant must have a keen eye for detail and accuracy.

Responsibilities

• Rotate between reception where they will receive, sort and number incoming samples and request forms before entering onto the Laboratory Information Management System and assist Biomedical Scientists and resident doctors at the dissection benches.
• Make up solutions, maintain stock around the department, clean and maintain laboratory equipment and collect samples from theatres and wards at The Royal London.
• Filing of material and the completion of paperwork on a daily basis as an integral part of the post.

About the Pathology Partnership

The NHS East and South East London Pathology Partnership is an arms-length organisation providing pathology services to Barts Health NHS Trust, Homerton Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust and Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust. The Pathology Partnership is hosted by Barts Health. The Pathology Partnership was formed in May 2021. Between 2021 and 2024 the Partnership undertook a complex transformation programme to establish a single network of laboratories, underpinned by a single Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) and single Quality Management System (QMS). The Partnership has a main hub laboratory at the Royal London Hospital and Essential Service Laboratories (ESL) as a minimum at the six other hospital sites served by the Partnership. The Partnership has three operational divisions: Blood Sciences including Haematology, Blood Transfusion and Biochemistry; Microbiology and Virology; Cellular Pathology and Cancer Diagnostics.

The 2024/25 total operating costs across the Partnership were c. £121m per annum with a workforce establishment of circa. 860 WTE.

Values and Diversity

We strive to live by our WeCare values and are committed to promoting inclusion, where every staff member has a sense of belonging. We value our differences and fully advocate, cultivate and support an inclusive working environment. We particularly welcome applications from Black, Asian and minority ethnic candidates as they are underrepresented within the Pathology Partnership and Barts Health at this band. We are dedicated to being an outstanding place to work and will work with you to get the best experience. We know flexible working is not a one size fits all and will mean something different to everyone. We are inclusive, so if you are interested in flexible working, please speak to the recruiting manager.

Recruitment and Eligibility

The full job description provides an overview of the key tasks and responsibilities of the role, and the person specification outlines the qualifications, skills, experience, and knowledge required. For both documents, please view the attachment/s below.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy prior to the advertised closing date, once a sufficient number of applications has been received and we regret that we are unable to provide notification if your application is unsuccessful. We are unable to provide sponsorship for this role. Following the recent update on UK immigration policy for Health and Care Visa or Skilled Worker Visa, please check eligibility before applying.

Application Closing

This advert closes on Wednesday 1 Oct 2025