Senior Medical Laboratory Assistant

NHS; Bath; On-site; GBP 22,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent healthcare provider in Bath is seeking an enthusiastic Medical Laboratory Assistant (Clinical Support Worker) to join the Cellular Pathology team. This full-time position involves data inputting of histopathology samples, assisting Biomedical Scientists, and performing various laboratory duties. Applicants should hold an NVQ Level 3 or equivalent and have relevant laboratory experience. The role offers a supportive environment and promotes professional development.

Benefits

Well-established support program

Opportunities for career development

Holistic wellbeing initiatives

Qualifications

• Experience as a Medical Laboratory Assistant in pathology.
• Proven competencies in Cellular Pathology.
• Previous Laboratory or hospital experience.

Responsibilities

• Carry out all laboratory support tasks not requiring Biomedical Scientist registration.
• Data entry for quality confirmation of samples.
• Assist Biomedical Scientists and Medical Consultants.

Skills

Data inputting of histopathology samples

Working well within a team

Ability and willingness to learn

Education

NVQ Level 3 or equivalent

Job description

Go back Royal United Hospitals Bath NHS Foundation Trust

Senior Medical Laboratory Assistant

The closing date is 11 February 2026

We are looking for an enthusiastic, accurate and motivated Medical Laboratory Assistant (Clinical Support Worker) to join our team in Cellular Pathology, at the Royal United Hospital, in the beautiful city of Bath.

Applicants will need to have experience as a Medical Laboratory Assistant working in pathology, ideally with proven recent competencies in Cellular Pathology; in-house training will be provided as necessary. A minimum qualification of NVQ3 or equivalent is required (e.g. 2 A-levels); however a degree level of qualification is not needed for this post.

Working as part of a team your main duties will include data inputting of histopathology samples, slide and block filing, using the pathology computer system (Ultra), receiving and delivering stores, assisting in the Histology and Cytology sections supporting our professional team (including Biomedical Scientists and Medical Consultants) and preparing multi-disciplinary clinico-pathological meetings.

This is a full-time, permanent position (37.5 hrs/wk), week-days only, with variable hours between 0800 and 1730.

This position will be based in the Histology section which processes 35,000 histology cases per annum. The Herschel Pathology Laboratories are situated in relatively new facilities; we are accredited by the IBMS for training and hold UKAS accreditation.

Interview date will be set after advert closing date.

Main duties of the job

Responsible for carrying out all laboratory support tasks that do not require Biomedical Scientist State Registration. Principally these tasks are associated with the data entry confirming the quality of the data, specimen storage, retrieval and preparation of histological and cytological material under the direction of the Biomedical Scientist Team Manager/Professional Manager in accordance with approved methods and quality assurance protocols. Also assisting BMS and Medical Consultants and general laboratory duties.

The laboratory analyses histological and cytological specimens from hospital and GP patients. MLAs support the process of pathology testing by performing duties related to receipt and preparation of samples, as well as other duties that contribute to the delivery of a full pathology service, including digital pathology.

About us

At the RUH we're proud to put people at the heart of what we do, working together as one team to make a difference for our patients, each other, and our community. No matter what your role is, we value everyone's contribution in supporting the exceptional, person-centred care we pride ourselves on.

We are committed to creating a compassionate and inclusive environment. This can be seen in our growing community of staff networks - celebrating successes and creating opportunities to listen and learn. We value our differences, champion kindness and civility, and truly believe that diversity makes us stronger.

A culture of learning, developing and innovating is the thread that runs throughout our whole organisation. We want to support you to thrive, taking your career to its full potential.

We value staff wellbeing, with a well-established programme of support. We believe in a holistic approach spanning all aspects of living a healthy life, including physical, emotional, spiritual and financial wellbeing. We've even got a pool!

We are committed to supporting you and hope you want to join our team. In the meantime, find out more about living and working the beautiful historic city of Bath, learn about our extensive package of staff benefits, and read about how we're providing healthcare fit for the future with the landmark Dyson Cancer Centre and our passion for research.

Job responsibilities

Please find attached to the vacancy a detailed person specification and job description for further information about this role.

Person Specification

Qualifications

• NVQ Level 3 or equivalent

Experience

• Previous Laboratory or hospital experience.
• Be involved with processing pathological specimens of all kinds.
• Ability and willingness to learn and develop in role
• Cellular Pathology Laboratory experience
• Pathology or patient data inputting

Specific

• Able to work well within a team

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

Royal United Hospitals Bath NHS Foundation Trust