Medical Laboratory Assistant | The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust

The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust; Greater London; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent cancer care institution in Greater London is looking for a confident and resourceful individual to support the Histopathology laboratory. Responsibilities include archiving specimens, assisting in diagnostic sampling, and technical tasks. Applicants must have GCSEs or O levels in a science subject and relevant laboratory experience. The position is full-time and offers the opportunity to work in a leading cancer center.

Qualifications

• Relevant laboratory experience required.
• Must have GCSEs or O levels including a science subject.

Responsibilities

• Archive paraffin blocks and stained slides.
• Package and collect specimens transported between sites.
• Perform basic technical tasks as directed.

Skills

Confident

Approachable

Resourceful

Education

GCSEs or O levels including a science subject

Tools

Vacuum Infiltration Processors

Job description

About the Royal Marsden

The Royal Marsden is a world‑leading cancer centre with a reputation for research, education and clinical excellence. It operates two hospitals – one in Chelsea, London, and one in Sutton, Surrey – and supports staff development and flexible working.

Job Summary

The Cellular Pathology service in Chelsea seeks a confident, approachable and resourceful individual to provide support within the Histopathology laboratory. The role involves maintaining turnaround times, providing services to the Royal Marsden clinical teams and acting as a reference centre for other UK hospitals.

Key Responsibilities

• Archive paraffin blocks and stained slides, rotate solutions on processing and staining machines and manage specimen reception and disposal.
• Package and collect specimens transported between sites; collect post‑samples for transport.
• Perform basic technical tasks as directed by the Histopathology Laboratory Manager and senior staff, following departmental SOPs.
• Specimen Dissection (within the laboratory, with appropriate training):
  • Receipt and checking of samples against request forms.
  • Assist Pathologists in diagnostic sampling of fresh and formalin‑fixed tissue.
  • Ensure cassettes are appropriately labelled.
  • Prepare identified blocks of tissue for diagnostic work.
  • Use and routine maintenance of Vacuum Infiltration Processors (VIP’s).
  • Assist in embedding processed tissue blocks into paraffin wax.

Qualifications

Applicants must have GCSEs or O levels including a science subject and relevant laboratory experience. The position is full‑time within the Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust.

Application Deadline

Advert closes on Monday 8 Dec 2025.