Medical Laboratory Assistant - Specimen Reception

NHS; Chichester; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent healthcare provider in Chichester is seeking a focused Medical Laboratory Assistant to join the Specimen Reception team. This role involves pre-analytical sample handling, patient interaction, and supporting the laboratory team. Ideal candidates should have GCSEs in English and Mathematics, along with proficiency in data entry. Flexibility in working hours is essential, including a rota for public holidays. This position does not provide visa sponsorship. Competitive working environment aimed at staff wellbeing and support.

Benefits

Comprehensive wellbeing programme

Flexible working options

Qualifications

• Previous experience in an NHS environment.
• Proficient in data entry and word processing.
• Knowledge of data protection and patient confidentiality.
• Previous experience in a Pathology laboratory is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Sort and prepare samples for analysis.
• Handle incoming calls and assist patients.
• Ensure compliance with health & safety regulations.

Skills

Attention to detail

Effective time management

Excellent communication skills

Data entry

Education

GCSE in English and Mathematics

Tools

ICE Laboratory systems

WinPath Laboratory systems

Job description

University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust (279)

The closing date is 23 January 2026

The Pathology Support Service at University Hospitals Sussex is looking to recruit a focused and methodical Medical Laboratory Assistant (MLA) to join the Specimen Reception team at St Richard's Hospital in Chichester.

Working as part of a large and diverse team of support staff to provide an efficient and effective pre and post analytical service to the Blood Science laboratory, in accordance with the training and operational requirements of the department.

The successful applicant will be expected to work flexibly between the hours of 08:00 and 20:00 Monday to Sunday; however our core operational hours are currently 11:00 and 18:00 Monday to Friday. In addition there is also the requirement to work public holidays on a rota basis.

Main duties of the job

The role includes pre‑analytical sample sorting, preparation, data entry, receipt of stock, attending to telephone queries from service users and adhering to health & safety responsibilities. You will also be expected to provide support in our Pathology Office which involves interacting with patients, booking appointments and liaising with clinical staff.

Job responsibilities

Please note: This role does not meet the minimum criteria for visa sponsorship under the current UK immigration rules, which set specific salary and skill thresholds. As such, we are unable to provide sponsorship for this post. Applicants will therefore need to already have the right to work in the UK to be considered. If you are applying using a Graduate visa as your right to work, you must have a minimum of 18 months remaining on your visa at time of application.

About us

At UHSx, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us always put the Patient First. Your uniqueness & experiences will be part of our creative and innovative community where everyone is encouraged to succeed. We have a range of Staff Networks to help break down barriers, & can offer a buddy to help new members settle in. We’re proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2) & a Veteran Aware Trust.

We treat our patients & staff with the same compassion & empathy we expect for ourselves. We’re here for them when they need us, and we go above & beyond to meet their needs. This can be seen in our candidate information pack & wellbeing programme, for staff which is extensive & designed to support you when you need it, including where possible, flexible working to support work‑life balance - because we know that to look after others we must first look after ourselves.

As a university trust and a leader in healthcare research, we value learning, teaching & training so that we can be the best that we can be. From the moment you start with us & throughout your career we will help you to grow & develop. We hope that in choosing UHSx you are choosing a long & happy career where you will be able to see the difference you make & feel valued for all that you do.

Person Specification

Administrative

• GCSE (or equivalent) in English and Mathematics at grade C / Level 5 or above.
• Previous experience in the NHS.

Information Resources / IT

• Proficient and accurate computer skills including data entry and word processing.
• Knowledge of data protection, data quality and patient confidentiality.

Planning and Organisation

• Effective time management skills and able to deal with conflicting or changing priorities.

Communication and Relationship Skills

• Excellent communication skills, both written and spoken English.

Scientific

• Previous experience in Pathology or equivalent laboratory environment.
• Knowledge of ICE and WinPath Laboratory systems.

Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion

• Evidence of having championed diversity in previous roles.
• Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues.

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

University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust (279)