Medical Laboratory Asst-Specimen Reception - Part time

NHS; Reading; On-site; GBP 25,000; Part time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a dedicated Medical Laboratory Assistant to join their Blood Sciences Department. This part-time role involves preparing analytical work and processing clinical samples, ensuring accuracy and attention to detail. The ideal candidate will possess strong communication skills and experience with laboratory IT systems. Join a compassionate and resourceful team committed to excellence in patient care, and enjoy the benefits of working in a well-connected and vibrant area with excellent leisure and cultural facilities.

Qualifications

• Completed A-level with good grades.
• Minimum one year experience in Laboratory Specimen reception.

Responsibilities

• Assist in departmental work following SOPs under supervision.
• Receive and assess clinical samples for urgency and accuracy.

Skills

Laboratory IT Systems

Shift Work Experience

Education

A-levels

Job description

Job summary

Band 2 - Medical Laboratory Asst-Specimen Reception (Part-time 18.75 h/w)

Previous candidates need not apply.

The purpose of this role is to assist in preparing analytical work for the Blood Sciences Department across various scientific disciplines and process Biofire PCR panels under the supervision of the specimen reception manager and registered biomedical scientists. Effective communication with pathology staff, hospital staff, porters, drivers, and couriers is essential.

The post holder will primarily work night shifts of 9 hours and weekends, on a rota of 2 nights out of 8.

Main duties of the job

1. Assist in departmental work as instructed, following SOPs under supervision of laboratory managers, team leaders, and Biomedical Scientists.
2. Receive a wide range of clinical samples from hospital staff, clinics, and transport services.
3. Assess samples for urgency, sort by discipline, and ensure sample details match request forms.
4. Assign unique laboratory numbers to samples and forms, requiring accuracy and attention to detail.

About us

Reading, situated on the River Thames, is well-connected by road and rail to London, Oxford, and Southampton. It offers excellent leisure, shopping, and cultural facilities, making it a great place to live and work, with top schools for families.

The Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust was recently rated 'Good' by the CQC.

Our values: Compassionate, Inspirational, Resourceful, Excellent—we aspire to these qualities and invite dedicated staff to join us.

Job details:

• Posted on: 02 May 2025
• Pay scheme: Agenda for change
• Band: Band 2
• Salary: £24,169/year (pro rata)
• Contract: Permanent
• Part-time
• Location: Royal Berkshire NHS FT, Craven Road, Reading, RG1 5AN

Job responsibilities

For detailed responsibilities, please refer to the attached job description and person specification.

Person Specification

Qualifications and experience

• Essential: Completed A-level with good grades
• Desirable: Minimum one year experience in Laboratory Specimen reception

Skills

• Essential: Experience using laboratory IT systems
• Desirable: Experience working different shift patterns

Additional information

This role is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975, requiring a Disclosure and Barring Service check for any previous criminal convictions.

Employer details

Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust

Address: Royal Berkshire NHS FT, Craven Road, Reading, RG1 5AN

Website: https://www.royalberkshire.nhs.uk/