About this role
Job summary
An exciting opportunity has arisen to recruit a permanent, part-time Medical Laboratory Assistant to join our Pathology Specimen Reception team, based at The Royal Shrewsbury Hospital.
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).
Please note that this is not a trainee Biomedical Scientist post.
We want to employ an individual who is looking for a long-term career as a Medical Laboratory Assistant. This post is therefore more suitable for individuals who have not already got a degree qualification.
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.
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.
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 30 hours a week (Monday-Friday). You would need to be available between 07:00 and 21:00. You will be required to support a 7 day working rota which will include out of hours work such as evenings, nights, weekends and Bank/ Public holidays, according to service needs. Flexibility is therefore an essential part of this role.
About us
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.
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.
Job description Job responsibilities
For full duties and responsibilities please refer to the attached document entitled Job Description.
Person Specification
Qualifications Essential
Good general education up to GCSE including Maths, English and Science (Grades 9 - 4) or equivalent.
Desirable
NVQ level 2, Clinical Laboratory Support or equivalent Proficiency with Microsoft Office
Experience Essential
Data Entry Experience
Desirable
Clinical NHS laboratory experience NHS Hospital experience
Knowledge Essential
Basic theoretical knowledge to support sample processing / analytical processes Understanding of the need for confidentiality and data protection. Understanding of health and safety.
Skill Essential
Accurate data entry and keyboard skills Ability to work as part of a team with indirect supervision
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 The Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust
Address The Royal Shrewsbury Hospital
Mytton Oak Road
Shrewsbury
SY3 8XQ
United Kingdom
Employer's website http://www.sath.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)