About this role
Job summary
An opportunity has arisen for a Medical Laboratory Assistant to join the Microbiology department at University Hospitals Dorset.
The Microbiology laboratory is well-equipped, fully computerised, holds UKAS accreditation and is approved for training. We currently offer diagnostic microbiology to The Royal Bournemouth Hospital, Poole Hospital and general practices. The laboratory routinely handles in excess of 250,000 specimens per year.
The successful candidate will be part of the microbiology team providing a diagnostic medical microbiology service contributing to the clinical care of patients and control of infectious diseases within the hospital and community, by providing support to the Biomedical Scientists and other staff. As such this post will be a varied and interesting role that will require an adaptable and flexible working ethic. All training will be provided to the candidate who will then backfill for staff leave between the sections.
This is an exciting time to join the pathology team in Dorset as we are in the process of reconfiguring the services across the county.
Working hours are 37.5 hours per week, which includes participation in a weekend rota.
Base Location: Royal Bournemouth Hospital
Interview Date: 1st October 2026
Main duties of the job
The main duties of the role include receiving, checking, labelling, booking in and processing patient samples in line with departmental procedures. Following training, the post holder will carry out a range of routine laboratory procedures accurately and efficiently, receive and record incoming goods, monitor equipment and report any non-conformances. They will also carry out daily housekeeping duties, including cleaning and decontaminating equipment and keeping laboratory work areas clean, tidy and safe.
About us
Our values define who we are as #TeamUHD. They underpin everything we do now and in the future. They define how we treat our patients, visitors, and each other, our valued teammates and colleagues.
UHD are investing in services across the Trust, with many being transformed and developed following merger and the New Hospital Programme.
Job description Job responsibilities
To understand the role in more detail please read the full job description and person specification documents which are attached to this advert.
AI tools can be used to help you structure and check your application, but they should not replace your own examples and experience. Applications that appear to have been generated entirely by AI and do not clearly demonstrate your suitability for the role will not be considered.
Person Specification
Qualifications Essential
Good general education, numerate & literate, A-levels or other suitable qualifications
Desirable
Vocational NVQ2
Personal attributes Essential
Ability to concentrate for long periods at technically demanding procedures Ability to use initiative.
Technical Skills Essential
Basic keyboard/computer skills Good communication skills Ability to dealing with telephone calls politely and professionally Ability to follow detailed and complex protocol Ability to work effectively as part of the laboratory team High degree of accuracy in all work Ability to work under pressure in a busy environment.
Experience Desirable
Experience of work in a laboratory or hospital environment
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 details Employer name University Hospitals Dorset NHS Foundation Trust
Address Royal Bournemouth Hospital
Castle Lane East
Bournemouth
BH7 7DW
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://www.uhd.nhs.uk/careers (Opens in a new tab)