Senior Medical Laboratory Assistant / Biomedical Support Worker

NHS; Dorchester; On-site; GBP 22,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare provider is looking for a motivated and enthusiastic Senior Biomedical Support Worker in Dorchester. This permanent, full-time position involves assisting with Pathologist dissection, lab maintenance, and supporting the delivery of quality diagnostics. Candidates should have experience in a pathology lab, preferably in histopathology, along with relevant education such as GCSEs or A Levels in science. Strong communication skills and the ability to work both independently and as part of a team are essential.

Qualifications

• Education to GCSE's or A Levels in a science subject.
• HNC or NVQ in science subject is preferred.
• Experience in a pathology lab is essential.

Responsibilities

• Assist Pathologist and Biomedical Scientist with dissection.
• Perform machine maintenance and stock control.
• Support laboratory duties for a quality diagnostic service.

Skills

Knowledge and understanding of routine histopathology laboratory processes

Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Ability to work independently and as part of a team

Education

Education to GCSE's or A Levels, including a science subject

HNC or NVQ in a science subject

Job description

Job Summary

The Histopathology Department at Dorset Country Hospital is looking to recruit a well-motivated, enthusiastic individual to join our friendly team as a Senior Biomedical Support Worker. The post is permanent, full time on pay band 3, reporting to the Biomedical Scientists and Histopathology Laboratory Manager.

Main duties

Once fully trained, the post holder would be expected to work in the laboratory environment, assisting with Pathologist and Biomedical Scientist dissection, machine maintenance, stock control, simple tissue embedding and microtomy, along with other laboratory duties to assist in the delivery of a quality diagnostic service.

About us

The department is fully UKAS accredited to ISO15189 (2022) and is well‑equipped to provide a full diagnostic service to the acute hospital, as well as the community services in the West Dorset area. We pride ourselves on the care we provide for our patients, and on the culture we are creating for our staff. We work hard to create a fair, inclusive environment for our staff.

Personal integrity and authenticity

We understand that some applicants may choose to use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to assist in preparing their application materials. While this is not discouraged, we kindly remind candidates that all submissions must be truthful and accurately reflect your own experiences and suitability for this role. Personal integrity and authenticity are central to our recruitment process.

Right to Work

This role is not available for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship. Applicants must already have the legal right to work in the UK at the time of application.

Person Specification

Education, Qualifications & Training

• Education to GCSE's or A Levels, including a science subject.
• HNC or NVQ in a science subject will also be considered.
• Evidence of recent employment in a pathology lab – preferably histopathology.
• Willingness to undergo relevant training to ensure sound relevant knowledge and understanding of histology techniques.

Experience

• Recent experience of working as a support worker in an NHS diagnostic laboratory.
• Ability to perform technically challenging and manually dextrous procedures such as embedding / microtomy.
• Evidence of effective communication with all levels of staff.
• Experience in following and adhering to SOP and local policies.
• Evidence of the ability to work to specific deadlines.
• Application of COSHH and Risk Assessments required in the laboratory environment.

Skills, Abilities & Knowledge

• Knowledge and understanding of routine histopathology laboratory processes.
• Ability to accurately and legibly transcribe information.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with service users and other members of staff.
• Ability to plan and prioritise own work.
• Ability to supervise and train staff to maintain high standards.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to enter data accurately into IT systems.

Desirable

• Evidence of being able to work under pressure in a calm and methodical manner.
• Ability to know one's limitations and when to seek advice from colleagues or service support, to minimise analytical downtime or to resolve technical problems.