Medical Laboratory Assistant | The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust

The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust; London; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading cancer care institution in London is seeking a Medical Laboratory Assistant for their Clinical Genomics department. The ideal candidate will collect biological samples, ensure data integrity, and perform quality checks in a collaborative environment. Applicants should have relevant A levels in science and laboratory experience. The role operates on a shift system, totaling 37.5 hours per week, with opportunities for development and flexible working arrangements.

Benefits

Benefits and learning opportunities

Flexible working arrangements

Qualifications

• Experience working in a laboratory setting.
• Experience in cytogenetic and molecular diagnostics techniques is desirable.
• Fully IT literate.

Responsibilities

• Collect various biological samples throughout the day.
• Check samples against request forms and sort samples for processing.
• Input patient-related data into IT systems.

Skills

Attention to detail

Communication

Teamwork

Education

Relevant A levels including a science subject

Job description

The Royal Marsden is vital in championing change and improving cancer care through research, innovation, education, and leading-edge practice. We are incredibly proud of our international reputation for pushing the boundaries and for our ground-breaking work ensuring our patients receive the best and latest cancer treatment and care.

We seek a Medical Laboratory Assistant to join the Clinical Genomics department. The department is in the Centre for Molecular Pathology and is part of the North Thames - Genomic Laboratory Hubs (GLH) one of seven national GLHs offering Cancer Genomic testing in England. The department provides a reference Molecular Diagnostics and Cytogenetics Service for solid tumours and haematological malignancies, as well as participating in clinical trials and translational research.
The post holder will be required to rotate through the Clinical Genomics laboratories to perform technical support duties, including but not limited to, specimen reception, data entry, etc. The post holder will be expected to assist in training and support activities such as quality, equipment maintenance and audits. Attention to detail is essential, and the post holder must be able to work to high standards following defined protocols.



To provide the technical and administrative support required to maintain an efficient and high-quality genetics diagnostic laboratory service. Working with the laboratory’s scientific and technical staff, the laboratory assistant technologist will provide pan-laboratory technical and administrative support.

The post holder must be able to take responsibility for working alone and as part of a team to achieve the necessary performance levels. The post-holder will be expected to work within Clinical Genomics Central Reception and all areas of Clinical Genomics (both Cytogenetics and Molecular Diagnostics) to perform laboratory support duties with minimal supervision. The major focus of the role will be on sample collection, data entry, sample sendaway, sample prioritisation and distribution working within the Clinical Genomics Central Reception.

In addition, the post holder will be required to rotate through the Clinical Genomics laboratories to perform laboratory support duties. Such duties will include specimen processing, data entry of requests, packaging samples to send away, equipment maintenance tasks and supporting scientists in providing a reliable and accurate diagnostic service. Attention to detail is essential, and the post holder must be able to work to high standards, following defined protocols and assist in the production of accurate and high-quality analytical results for the diagnosis and treatment of patients.



The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust is a world-leading cancer centre. Our role is to offer our patients the best cancer care available anywhere in the world, and to continue to make a global contribution to finding better ways of diagnosing and treating cancer. We employ over 4,500 staff in a diverse range of careers including nursing, medical, science, radiography, pharmacy, occupational therapy, finance and administrative services. We have two hospitals – one in Chelsea, London, and one in Sutton, Surrey – as well as a Medical Daycare Unit in Kingston Hospital.

At The Royal Marsden, we deal with cancer every day, so we understand how valuable life is. When people entrust their lives to us, they have the right to demand the very best. That's why the pursuit of excellence lies at the heart of everything we do.

At the heart of the hospital is our dedicated team. We offer a stimulating and dynamic working environment, a wide range of staff benefits, learning and development opportunities and clear career pathways. There are opportunities to work flexibly across a range of areas and specialities and we welcome flexible working requests from point of hire to support employees work life balance. We are looking for employees who aspire to excellence, share our values and can play a crucial role in our on-going achievements.

For further information please refer to the job description and personal specification

To collect different types of biological samples from the main Pathology laboratories, minor procedures, theatres, and switchboard during the day, including late samples, and maintaining all relevant audit trails.

Specimen reception: receipt and checking of samples against request forms, liaising with clinical staff regarding labelling errors, identifying and taking appropriate action with high risk specimens and dealing with leaking/damaged samples. Sort samples for processing.

To prioritise samples according to SOPs and laboratory requirements.

To input patient-related data received from external referral hospitals, wards and clinical areas including test requests into IT systems.

The post holder will be expected to assist in data management relating to the technical aspects of the molecular service and therefore needs to be fully IT literate. In addition, the post holder will be required to support activities such as quality, including compliance with laboratory accreditation standards, audits, and clerical duties, and participate in the department’s training programme.

The post holder will be expected to support and advise less experienced staff, such as trainees and students. Good communication and team working are essential. The range of tests available will be in continuous development, and the post-holder will be expected to work within all areas.

The successful applicant must have relevant A levels, including a science subject, and have experience working in a relevant laboratory. Experience in cytogenetic and molecular diagnostics techniques is desirable. Please note total weekly working hours are 37.5 hours, however in line with the NHSE requirements for the delivery of the Cancer Test Directory, the Clinical Genomics department will operate an extended working hours service, the post holder will be required to participate in a shift system on a rotational basis.




This advert closes on Thursday 7 Aug 2025