Job overview

An exciting opportunity has arisen to recruit a permanent, full-time Medical Laboratory Assistant to join our Pathology Specimen Reception team, based at The Princess Royal Hospital. Please note that this is not a trainee Biomedical Scientist post and is unlikely to lead to one. 
We are seeking a self-motivated and conscientious individual who has an organised approach with good attention to detail and who can remain calm in stressful situations.

 You will need excellent communication and observation skills and should enjoy working as part of a team.
Previous experience in a NHS clinical laboratory or in analytical techniques would be an advantage but not essential as full training will be provided.  A good level of secondary education is required with English, Maths and Science to GCSE grade 9 - 4 (or equivalent). 

IMPORTANT: Please can applicants state their GCSE grades fully on their application form and comply with the person specification or their application may not be considered. 

Main duties of the job

The role of a Medical Laboratory Assistant is varied and involves supporting the scientific staff in the receipt, data entry and pre-analytic preparation of patient samples, preparing chemical solutions, maintaining stocks of consumable items, disposal of chemical and/ or biological waste, and maintaining and decontamination of complex laboratory equipment and as such is a key role in supporting a diagnostic service.

The post is for 37.5 hours a week. Core working hours will be from 07:00 to 15:30 (Monday-Friday). You will however be required to support a 24/7 working rota which may also include some out of hours work such as evenings, nights, weekends and Bank/ Public holidays, according to service needs.  Flexibility is therefore essential. 

Our vision is to put patients at the centre of everything we do.
In the Blood Sciences department you will be working alongside a friendly, expert and energetic team of Consultants, Clinical Scientists, Biomedical Scientists and Associate Practitioners.
Visits to the department are welcome and can be arranged. 
Please note, for vacancies that receive a high number of applications, we reserve the right to close the post before the stated closing date, so please apply as soon as possible.

Working for our organisation

Our Poppy’s Promise Commitment

We believe that compassionate care sits at the heart of everything we do. Every member of our team —  clinical or non-clinical — plays a vital role in ensuring that patients, families, and colleagues are treated with dignity, empathy, and respect at all times.

We expect all staff to demonstrate compassion not only through their words, but through their actions: by listening attentively, communicating clearly and kindly, and recognising  individual needs, feelings, and circumstances of those in our care.

Effective communication is central to safe and high-quality healthcare. We value colleagues who take the time to understand others, explain information in a  meaningful way, and respond to concerns with patience and understanding.

By joining our team, you are committing to uphold these values — ensuring that every patient feels heard, respected, and valued, and that compassion is embedded in every interaction, every day.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

For full duties and responsibilities please refer to the attached document entitled Job Description.