Medical laboratory Assistant | Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust

Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust; Frimley; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Part time

Job summary

A leading NHS Foundation Trust in England is seeking a part-time Medical Laboratory Assistant for a late shift role in the Microbiology Department. The successful candidate will assist in analytical tasks, follow SOPs, and contribute to a team-oriented environment. Strong attention to detail and good communication skills are essential. This role supports career growth with flexible working patterns.

Benefits

First-class development opportunities

Support for career growth

Healthy work-life balance

Qualifications

• Solid scientific background is essential.
• Good keyboard skills are desirable.
• Ability to work in a team and embrace new working methods.

Responsibilities

• Assist in the preparation of analytical work under supervision.
• Follow Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for all tasks.
• Communicate effectively with staff and support team activities.
• Process samples and test for pathogens.
• Maintain laboratory safety by adhering to Risk Assessments.

Skills

Attention to detail

Good communication skills

Organizational skills

Team-oriented attitude

Job description

The NHS is seeking a permanent part-time Medical Laboratory Assistant (MLA) for a late shift role (5pm‑10pm, Monday to Friday) in the Microbiology (Bacteriology) Department at Frimley Park Hospital. The MLA may occasionally work at the Wexham Park Hospital site to meet service and training needs. The position requires flexibility to participate in the shift system, which ensures working time compliance.

Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust is committed to being an inclusive and disability confident employer and has been awarded the Gold for the Armed Forces Employment Recognition Scheme. We provide first‑class development opportunities for all staff and have a wide range of professional, management and leadership, and clinical skills training available. Here at Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust, we know how important it is to have a healthy work‑life balance; this benefits not only individuals but the patients we care for too. We encourage applications from people who wish to work on a flexible basis, recognising that flexibility may mean a range of different working patterns and hours; we do our utmost to work with our staff to meet their needs and the needs of our service and its users.

Responsibilities

• Assist in the preparation of analytical work across various department areas under the supervision of a Registered Biomedical Scientist (BMS).
• Follow Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) meticulously for all tasks performed.
• Communicate effectively with pathology and hospital staff, as well as porters, drivers, and couriers.
• Support BMS staff by sorting, numbering, and entering data into the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS).
• Safely operate waste disposal systems and autoclaves within the department.
• Process samples such as blood, cerebrospinal fluid, urine, faeces, sputum, tissues, and various secretions.
• Test processed samples for the presence of pathogens, including bacterial, fungal, and parasitic organisms.
• Keep the laboratory manager informed of all issues related to laboratory procedures and assist in the smooth running of the department.
• Collaborate with BMS staff to ensure workload is processed efficiently and within designated timeframes.
• Demonstrate excellent communication and team‑working abilities, contributing to a positive, effective work environment.
• Work as part of a team to meet departmental performance targets by consistently assessing and prioritizing tasks.
• Attend mandatory training courses and complete necessary programmes to achieve competence in all areas of the role under supervision.
• Assist with departmental tasks under the supervision of laboratory managers, team leaders, and BMS staff, always adhering to SOPs.
• Ensure the safety of staff, visitors, and the department by adhering to Risk Assessments, COSHH, and Local Rules, and report any potential risks to the laboratory manager.
• Perform other reasonable tasks as requested by senior staff, contributing to the overall functioning of the department.

Candidate Profile

The successful candidate will be energetic, well‑organised, and possess a solid scientific background, with strong attention to detail and good communication skills. Good keyboard skills are desirable, and a reliable, team‑oriented attitude is essential. The role involves embracing new working methods and developing knowledge and skills, with support provided for career growth.