Medical Laboratory Assistant - Virology Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

River Alliance of Wisconsin; Liverpool; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare provider in Liverpool seeks a Medical Laboratory Assistant for its Virology department. The role involves specimen preparation, maintaining laboratory equipment, and participating in quality and safety activities. Training will be provided, and candidates should have laboratory experience and analytical skills.

Qualifications

• Experience in a clinical laboratory is essential.
• Knowledge of Virology is desirable but training will be provided.
• Candidates should possess strong analytical skills.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and process specimens for testing.
• Maintain and operate laboratory equipment.
• Comply with health and safety regulations.

Skills

Analytical Skills

Teamwork

Attention to Detail

Education

Clinical Laboratory Experience

Tools

Laboratory Equipment

Job description

The Medical Laboratory Assistant (MLA) role will be based in the department of Virology. We are looking for applicants with clinical laboratory experience to participate in the activities of the department. The successful applicant will be trained to participate in the weekly bench duties performed by our MLA team, as well as wider involvement in quality, health and safety, and service development.

Our Virology laboratory benefits from fully automated serology and molecular work solutions that run alongside our specialist molecular work areas, allowing us to put our patients and service users at the heart of an innovative and forward-thinking diagnostic service.

The successful candidate will be expected to participate in an extended seven-day service from 8am to 8pm and participate in overnight working when required by the Trust in response to service needs such as seasonal activity increases.

Knowledge and experience of working in a Virology laboratory would be desirable, and full training will be provided to the successful candidate. If you believe that you have the knowledge, skills, and approach that fit with our department, we want to hear from you.

The post holder will receive and process specimens for routine and specialist testing. The work will be multidisciplinary and involve analyzing various specimen types using manual, semi-automated, and automated techniques and equipment as instructed. The postholder will also maintain analytical equipment in optimal operational condition.

As directed, the post holder will participate in 24/7 shift work across all LCL sites.

The postholder will undertake training for professional and personal development, including annual appraisal and bi-annual competency assessments.

The post holder will liaise with scientific and clinical staff within the LCL and across the wider Trust as necessary and within their scope of practice.

With supervision, the post holder will perform other reasonable duties aligned with the role and service needs.

Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust comprises Aintree University Hospital, Broadgreen Hospital, and Royal Liverpool University Hospital.

We are part of NHS University Hospitals of Liverpool Group, formed on 1 Nov 2024 from LUHFT and Liverpool Women’s NHS Foundation Trust, aiming to improve patient care.

UHLG is one of the largest regional employers, with over 16,800 colleagues providing care for communities from birth onwards.

We serve approximately 630,000 people across Merseyside, providing general, emergency, and specialized regional services for over two million in the North West.

Aintree University Hospital is the main site for adult major trauma patients and regional services including an award-winning stroke unit. Broadgreen Hospital offers elective surgical, diagnostic, and treatment services, along with patient rehabilitation. Liverpool Women’s Hospital specializes in women and babies' health, delivering over 7,200 babies annually. The Royal Liverpool University Hospital is the largest in the country to provide inpatients with 100% single bedrooms, focusing on complex care and specialist services.

For roles at Liverpool Women’s Hospital, please visit their careers page.

Key Responsibilities

1. Develop knowledge and skills for specimen preparation within departmental scope and SOPs.
2. Adhere to all Health and Safety policies and regulations.
3. Maintain, calibrate, troubleshoot, and operate routine and specialized equipment.
4. Comply with quality standards and management systems.
5. Manage stock control and supplies as directed.
6. Work independently following SOPs with supervision available.
7. Ensure compliance with all relevant regulations and legislation.
8. Refer to the full job description and person specification for details.

This advert closes on Tuesday 3 June 2025.