Medical Laboratory Assistant / Healthcare Science Assistant

University Hospitals of Derby and Burton NHS Foundation Trust; Nottingham; On-site; GBP 23,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare institution in Nottingham is seeking a full-time Medical Laboratory Assistant to support the Biomedical Scientists in providing an efficient diagnostic microbiology service. The ideal candidate will have previous laboratory experience and will be responsible for processing and testing specimens. The role offers an opportunity to work in a collaborative environment among a large team. Applications close on 30 September 2025.

Qualifications

• Previous experience in laboratories is essential.

Responsibilities

• Work effectively following policies and procedures.
• Prepare and process patient specimens.
• Prepare urine samples for microscopy.
• Inoculate patient specimens onto culture media for incubation.
• Maintain accurate records of patient/specimen details.

Job description

Overview

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a full time position as a Medical Laboratory Assistant / Healthcare Science Assistant. You will support the Biomedical Scientists and microbiology team in providing a clinical technical service to achieve efficient and effective patient care. Working as part of a team, to carry out the receipt, booking-in, processing and testing of specimens to provide a diagnostic microbiology service. Previous experience in laboratories is essential. You will be working in a team of 26 Biomedical Scientists, 6 Associate Practitioners and 24 MLAs, to process approx. 500,000 microbiology requests per annum.

Closing date of applications: 30 September 2025 | Interview date: 14 October 2025.

Responsibilities

• To work in an effective and efficient way following the appropriate Trust and directorate policies, procedures and guidelines including the departmental Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Prepares and processes patient specimens.
• Prepares urine samples for microscopy.
• Prepares mycology specimens for sendaway.
• Inoculates patient specimen onto culture media for incubation.
• Separates blood samples and sets up tests.
• Prepares chlamydia specimens for immunoassay machine.
• Selects single colonies and inoculates test cards for processing through the VITEK identification machine.
• Perform specimen reception tasks including entering accurately patient/specimen details onto the departmental computer system maintaining a valid database.
• Maintain and support the effective use of available resources (equipment and stock) in an efficient way.

Qualifications

Previous experience in laboratories is essential.

Organisation and culture

Band 3. As a trusted organisation at the heart of our communities, we recognise the important role we can play in supporting the public, patients, our own people and local partners in achieving the best of health for the local population and the communities in which they live by providing Exceptional Care Together. Our fundamental Values of Compassion, Openness and Excellence underpin how we intend to work as a Trust and the associated behaviours are becoming embedded in all aspects of how we work. We are committed to inclusion, equality, diversity and human rights in employment and delivery of services, and to providing an environment where all employees, patients, carers and visitors experience equality of opportunity by means of understanding and appreciating the value of diversity. The Trust actively encourages applications from diverse backgrounds and supports Guaranteed Interview Schemes for Armed Forces personnel and for candidates who disclose a disability under the Equality Act 2010. Reasonable adjustments will be considered on request. Details on DBS checks and application communications are provided below.

For more information on flexible working options, the Trust discusses available possibilities at interview and aims to accommodate flexible arrangements where possible. Most posts are subject to DBS checks; the cost may be charged to the employee if required for the role. Communications regarding applications will be via the Trust’s trac.system account. Applicants from outside the UK may require visa/entry clearance.

Privacy notice: The University Hospitals of Derby and Burton NHS Foundation Trust collects, stores and processes personal information about prospective, current and former staff. Refer to the Privacy Notice on the Trust website for details.