Medical Laboratory Assistant | Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust

Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust; Pembury; On-site; GBP 22,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare provider in the UK is seeking a motivated Medical Laboratory Assistant to join their Blood Science team. This role involves processing various specimens and performing essential laboratory tasks. Ideal candidates will have a strong interest in healthcare and demonstrate excellent attention to detail. Full training is provided, with flexible working hours to accommodate a 24/7 service requirement. Applications are encouraged from current staff members in Kent and Medway ICT.

Benefits

27 days annual leave

NHS Pension Scheme

Blue Light card eligibility

Qualifications

• Genuine interest in science and healthcare.
• Ability to work accurately under pressure.
• Polite and confident communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Process blood, serum, urine, and other specimens.
• Handle telephone and face-to-face enquiries.
• Perform analytical, clerical, and administrative tasks.
• Maintain the functioning of the Blood Sciences laboratory.

Skills

Attention to detail

Professional communication

Team player

Flexible approach

Job description

Join Our Blood Sciences Team!

Are you enthusiastic about science & eager to make a difference in healthcare?

We are looking for motivated & dedicated individuals to join our friendly & supportive Blood Science team. This is a fantastic opportunity for anyone with an interest in science, whether you're just starting out or looking for a new direction. Full training will be provided.

As a Medical Laboratory Assistant, you will play a vital role in supporting our Biomedical Scientists in delivering high-quality diagnostic & therapeutic services.

Key Responsibilities

• Receiving & processing blood, serum, urine, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), & other specimens
• Handling telephone & face-to-face enquiries professionally
• Performing essential analytical, clerical, & administrative tasks
• Maintaining high levels of accuracy & professionalism under pressure
• Ensuring smooth daily functioning of the Blood Sciences laboratory

You will work both under supervision & independently, contributing directly to patient care through timely & accurate laboratory support.

What We’re Looking For

• A genuine interest in science & healthcare
• Strong attention to detail & ability to work accurately under pressure
• Polite, professional, & confident communication skills
• A team player with a proactive and flexible approach

Please note this role is currently only being advertised to staff members who are currently working within the Kent and Medway ICT.

Working Hours and Shift Pattern

A flexible approach to working hours is essential, as the department provides a 24/7/365 service.

Shifts include:

• Early: 07:45 – 15:45
• Core Day: 09:00 – 17:30
• Late: 13:15 – 21:15
• Night: 21:00 – 08:00

Some weekend and bank holiday working is required as part of the rota.

Important Application Information

• Please ensure you read the job description and person specification carefully.
• Your supporting statement should clearly demonstrate how you meet the essential criteria and explain why you want to work for Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust.
• Applications will be assessed against the person specification.
• This post may attract a high number of applicants, and the closing date may be brought forward — we encourage early submission.

Interview and Assessment

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to a face-to-face interview, which will include a practical data entry assessment to evaluate accuracy and attention to detail.

About the Trust

Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust ranks among the top 10 NHS Trusts nationwide and was named the second-best Trust to work for in the South East in the 2023 and 2024 NHS Staff Survey.

We are a large acute hospital trust in south-east England, providing general hospital services and specialist care to around 600,000 residents in West Kent and East Sussex. With a dedicated and diverse team of over 8,000 staff, we are proud to offer specialised cancer services to over two million people through the Kent Oncology Centre.

Fordcombe Hospital, near Tunbridge Wells, became part of the Trust in October 2024. Specialising in planned care, it offers two operating theatres, 28 inpatient and day‑care beds, diagnostic services (X-ray, MRI, CT, and endoscopy), and consultation/treatment rooms.

Flexible Working

We are a flexible working-friendly organisation. Whether it’s adjusting your hours or exploring other flexible arrangements, we want to work with you to find the best solution for you, our patients, and the Trust. Talk to us about how we can accommodate your working needs.

Benefits

• At least 27 days of annual leave plus public/bank holidays (pro‑rata for part‑time staff).
• Membership in the NHS Pension Scheme, with a 20.6% employer contribution and life assurance benefits.
• Blue Light card eligibility.
• And more; additional benefits can be found in the benefits documents below.

Please note that appointment to this post will be subject to a satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service Check at Standard Level.

All successful applicants will be required to complete our corporate trust induction once a start date has been agreed.

This advert closes on Monday 1 Dec 2025.