Medical Laboratory Assistant - Microbiology

NHS; Shrewsbury; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare provider is looking for Medical Laboratory Assistants for their Microbiology team in Shrewsbury. The role involves processing samples and supporting diagnostic services. Successful applicants should possess GCSE qualifications and data entry experience, along with a detail-oriented work ethic. Full training will be provided. Join a team of experts in a dynamic environment that operates 7 days a week.

Qualifications

• GCSE required in Maths, English, and Science.
• Experience in data entry is preferred.
• Must hold NVQ level 2 in Clinical Laboratory Support or equivalent.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office is necessary.
• Previous experience in a clinical NHS laboratory or hospital is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Receive, sort, label, and process microbiological specimens.
• Participate in the shift system of the laboratory.
• Support diagnostic services in the microbiology department.

Skills

Attention to detail

Data entry experience

Understanding of health and safety

Microsoft Office proficiency

Education

GCSE including Maths, English and Science (Grades 9-4)(A-C)

NVQ level 2, Clinical Laboratory Support or equivalent

Job description

Medical Laboratory Assistant - Microbiology

The closing date is 06 October 2025

We are looking for two full time and one part time Medical Laboratory Assistants to join our Microbiology team. The post will involve supporting the department in providing diagnostic services and includes data entry; manual, semi-automated and automated technical procedures; dealing with telephone enquiries; store-keeping; stock control; and laboratory waste disposal.

The successful applicant must be conscientious and enthusiastic and able to work well as part of a team and under pressure. They must also have good communication and IT skills.

Relevant experience would be an advantage, however full training will be provided.

The laboratory provides a 7 day, extended service. The successful applicant will be required to participate in the shift system.

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.

Informal visits to the department are welcomed.

Main duties of the job

Medical Laboratory Assistants perform a critical role in the examination of Microbiological samples by receiving, sorting, labelling and processing specimens from patients. These samples include urine, blood, faeces, and swabs.

About us

The Microbiology department processes a variety of specimens in our bacteriology, serology and molecular sections of the laboratory. The work is varied and very interesting.

You will be working alongside a friendly, expert and energetic team of Consultants, Clinical Scientists, Biomedical Scientists and Associate Practitioners.

Job responsibilities

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

Person Specification

Qualifications and Experience

• GCSE including Maths, English and Science (Grades 9-4)(A-C) or equivalent.
• Data Entry Experience
• NVQ level 2, Clinical Laboratory Support or equivalent.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office.
• Clinical NHS laboratory / hospital experience

Knowledge / Skills

• Understanding of the need for confidentiality and data protection
• Understanding of health and safety.
• Ability to pay close attention to detail
• Basic theoretical knowledge to support sample processing / analytical processes

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Employer name

The Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust