Medical Laboratory Assistant - Blood Sciences

The Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust; Greater London; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading NHS Trust in Greater London is seeking two permanent, full-time Medical Laboratory Assistants to support the Pathology Specimen Reception team. Ideal candidates will have excellent attention to detail and communication skills. The role involves a variety of duties including handling patient samples, preparing solutions, and maintaining laboratory equipment. Full training is provided for those without experience. Flexibility in working hours is essential due to the 7-day rota.

Qualifications

• Good level of secondary education required, specifically English, Maths, and Science.
• Previous experience in a NHS clinical laboratory is advantageous but not essential.
• Self-motivated and conscientious with an organised approach.

Responsibilities

• Support the scientific staff in the receipt, data entry, and pre-analytic preparation of patient samples.
• Maintain stocks of consumable items and prepare chemical solutions.
• Dispose of chemical and biological waste appropriately.

Skills

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Teamwork

Calm under pressure

Education

GCSE English, Maths and Science (grades 9-4 or equivalent)

Job description

Job Overview

An exciting opportunity has arisen to recruit two permanent, full-time Medical Laboratory Assistants to join our Pathology Specimen Reception team, based at The Royal Shrewsbury Hospital. Please note that these are not trainee Biomedical Scientist posts and are unlikely to lead to one.

We want to employ individuals who are looking for a long‑term career as a Medical Laboratory Assistant. The posts are therefore more suitable for individuals who have not already got a degree qualification. We are seeking self‑motivated and conscientious individuals who have an organised approach with good attention to detail and who can remain calm in stressful situations. You will need excellent communication and observation skills and should enjoy working as part of a team.

Previous experience in a NHS clinical laboratory or in analytical techniques would be an advantage but not essential as full training will be provided. A good level of secondary education is required with English, Maths and Science to GCSE grade 9‑4 (or equivalent).

IMPORTANT: Please can applicants state their GCSE grades fully on their application form and comply with the person specification or their application may not be considered.

Main Duties

The role of a Medical Laboratory Assistant is varied and involves supporting the scientific staff in the receipt, data entry and pre‑analytic preparation of patient samples, preparing chemical solutions, maintaining stocks of consumable items, disposal of chemical and/or biological waste, and maintaining and decontamination of complex laboratory equipment and as such is a key role in supporting a diagnostic service.

Working Hours

Both posts are for 37.5 hours a week. Core working hours will be from 09:00 to 17:30 (Monday‑Friday), with approximately 1 late shift 12:30‑21:00 and 1 partial late shift 11:30‑20:00 every other week. You will be required to support a 7 day working rota which will include out of hours work such as evenings, nights, weekends and Bank / Public holidays, according to service needs. Flexibility is therefore essential.

Working for our Organisation

Our vision is to put patients at the centre of everything we do. In the Blood Sciences department you will be working alongside a friendly, expert and energetic team of Consultants, Clinical Scientists, Biomedical Scientists and Associate Practitioners. Visits to the department are welcome and can be arranged. Please note, for vacancies that receive a high number of applications, we reserve the right to close the post before the stated closing date, so please apply as soon as possible.

Detailed Job Description And Main Responsibilities

For full duties and responsibilities please refer to the attached document entitled Job Description.