Medical Laboratory Assistant (MLA)

Royal Surrey NHS Foundation Trust; Guildford; On-site; GBP 29,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

Royal Surrey NHS Foundation Trust invites a science graduate to start a career in healthcare diagnostics. You will assist in the provision of molecular diagnostic services, operate sophisticated equipment and handle patient samples within a supportive team.

Based in Guildford, the role offers development opportunities to progress as a scientist within our pathology services across Surrey and Berkshire, with supervised training and a strong emphasis on quality and patient safety.

Qualifications

• Degree in biology-based subject required.
• Experience operating advanced molecular equipment is advantageous.
• Ability to work independently in a clinical laboratory.
• Data entry experience (Winpath) is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Assist in providing a comprehensive range of scientific and diagnostic services.
• Prepare samples and perform molecular laboratory techniques.
• Liaise with senior scientists and hospital staff as part of a team.
• Operate technical automated laboratory equipment and perform techniques autonomously.
• Handle body fluids and materials safely and according to SOPs.
• Report results per SOP and assist junior staff as needed.

Skills

Molecular diagnostics

Teamwork

SOP adherence

Education

Bachelor's degree in biology

Tools

Winpath

Job description

We are looking for a science graduate looking to start a career in healthcare diagnostics. They should have a keen eye for detail and work well in a team environment. Key responsibility will be assisting in the provision of diagnostic services to clinicians and patients throughout the network. It is expected that the post-holder will be able to assist laboratory processes by taking responsibility for operating sophisticated equipment and handling patient samples. Opportunities to develop as a scientist and progress in the healthcare profession will be available and encouraged.

Main duties of the job

To participate in the provision of an efficient and cost effective Molecular Diagnostic service within Surrey and Berkshire Pathology Services.
To prepare samples and perform molecular laboratory techniques efficiently and in a conscientious manner with respect to work pressures and quality of the service.

Working for our organisation

Royal Surrey is a compassionate and collaborative acute and community Trust. Recognising that our 5,000 colleagues are our greatest strength, we offer a comprehensive health and wellbeing programme alongside a strong commitment to developing your career. Our diverse and welcoming Royal Surrey family ensures you feel valued from your initial interview and throughout your time with us.

We are clinically led and provide joined-up care by bridging hospital and community services, alongside delivering regional specialist cancer care. Our main acute hospital site is in Guildford, with community sites at Milford, Haslemere and Cranleigh, and services delivered in patients’ homes across Guildford and Waverley.

We work in partnership with Ashford & St Peter’s Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust through a collaborative Group Model, supporting joined-up services, workforce flexibility and development opportunities.

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) has rated us as Outstanding. We are proud of our achievements and continue to invest in our people and infrastructure.

To learn more about life at Royal Surrey, please watch our short video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R96pMboIYdo

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

• Assist in the provision of a comprehensive range of scientific and diagnostic services across a range of scientific disciplines
• Liaise with senior scientists as part of a team delivering high quality protocol based technical service under the supervision of Registered Biomedical Scientist staff
• Communicate with hospital staff, other healthcare professionals and commercial suppliers
• Required to operate technical, automated laboratory equipment and perform scientific techniques autonomously
• Handle body fluids and materials, including high risk specimens, appropriately
• To report results in accordance with departmental SOPs and as appropriate to grade
• To act as support for junior staff members as agreed with the laboratory management team
• The post holder will be expected to support and advise less experienced staff, such as trainees, students and MLA’s

Qualifications

• Degree in biology-based subject

Knowledge and Experience

• Experience of operating and troubleshooting advanced molecular equipment
• Proven ability to work independently in a clinical laboratory
• Data Entry experience (Winpath)

Employer certification / accreditation badges

The postholder will have regular contact with vulnerable people and as such this post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service to check for any previous criminal convictions.