Medical Laboratory Assistant | Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Lancashire Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust; Preston; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is seeking a Medical Laboratory Assistant for its busy Microbiology team. The role involves handling patient specimens, supporting accuracy, speed, and quality of results in a UKAS-accredited laboratory.

No prior experience is required as comprehensive training is provided, with opportunities to learn testing methods and contribute to high-standard patient care. The environment is dynamic, supporting 24/7 operations and a shift pattern.

Qualifications

• Experience is not necessary as training is provided.

Responsibilities

• Communicate effectively with clinical staff, laboratory staff and external clients.
• Answer the telephone in a clear and concise manner and ensure results are logged.
• Assist in effective verbal and written communication.
• Work flexibly and be able to work on a shift rota including nights, weekends and bank holidays.

Skills

Communication

Teamwork

Independence

Job description

Medical Laboratory Assistant | Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Company:

Company: Lancashire Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust

Do bacteria and viruses excite you rather than repulse you? Have you ever wondered what MRSA looks like or what a fungal infection looks like under a microscope? If the answer is yes, then our friendly Microbiology team is the place for you!

In Microbiology we process a variety of patient specimens; growing organisms to diagnose infection and treat our patients quickly and efficiently. The environment is fast paced where no two days are the same.

We offer an exciting opportunity to join our close-knit Microbiology family. The environment is busy – but you will embrace this and enjoy the challenge of working to tight turnaround times and targets. You will go home after your working day and know you have made a positive difference to patients we deal with.

You will be supported in becoming fully competent in all our testing methods by our dedicated team who are extremely hard working but have fun along the way.

We are very proud of the role we played in the rapid regional response to COVID 19, which could not have happened with out the enthusiastic and flexible response of our team.

As with the majority of healthcare we run a 24/7 service, and have a shift system to cover out of hours working including nights, weekends and bank holidays

Our team is small, friendly and looking forward to welcoming you!

You will be working in a UKAS accredited medical laboratory – working to a high standard which is evident in the quality service we give to our patients, and ensuring the diagnosis and treatment they require.

Experience is not necessary as training is provided in all areas and your work day will vary, which is an attractive feature of the job role! From receiving specimens, to booking them on via the laboratory computer systems and processing them; this role will keep you interested and stimulated throughout the day.

You play an essential role in excellent patient care, assisting Biomedical Scientists, who identify infectious organisms and determine the best treatment.

Teamwork is important but the ability to work independently and use your initiative is a desirable attribute.

We have 10,000 fantastic people working hard to deliver quality services to our patients. Whatever your role, you help look after 370,000 people in our local area & give specialist care to 1.5 million people across Lancashire & Cumbria.

Working with us gives you the knowledge and sense of pride that every activity you do genuinely does make a difference to support our patients & staff, ensuring we keep thriving & delivering outstanding healthcare right across our local towns.

You’ll have access to varied development opportunities, learn new skills, meet fab people & do things you’d never have done. You’ll learn about working in a hospital, interacting with people from all different roles to build skills & enhance your career path.

You’ll make an impact, be challenged to think differently, be bold & help innovate to keep improving things. Everything we do centres around patient care which means your role is pivotal and something really to be proud of.

Duties to include but not be limited to:

• Communicate effectively with clinical staff, laboratory staff and external clients regarding advice/clarification of test requests in a professional and approachable manner.

• Answer the telephone in a clear and concise manner ensuring all results given & received are logged.

• Assist in effective verbal and written communication

• Communicate, as appropriate, using information technology.

• Work flexibly and be able to work on a shift rota, covering 24 hours, seven days a week

• Order stock from Main Stores to maintain adequate supplies of stock items.

• Supply stock to Wards/Departments and GP practices as requested in a timely manner.

• Check that the correct specimen, collected under appropriate conditions has been supplied for investigations requested.

Please see the job description for further details.

This advert closes on Tuesday 17 Nov 2026

Lancashire Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust

Lancashire Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust