About this role
Job summary
The successful post holder will assist HCPC Registered Biomedical Scientists (BMS) at UHB Laboratories situated across four sites: QE, BHH, GHH and Sol providing support to all laboratory disciplines and sections, namely, Biochemistry, Immunology, Haematology, Microbiology, Cellular pathology, Mortuary and Molecular pathology.
As a Medical Laboratory Assistant (MLA) the post holder will ideally have some knowledge of biomedical procedures, and with appropriate training and completion of competences, responsible for processing patient specimens and maintaining the diagnostic pathway. Where appropriate use of a document control procedures, quality management systems and SOPs will be mandatory and part of your daily routine. Knowing when to seek advice or escalate to a supervisor is expected.
Key tasks for a MLA include but not restricted to, receiving, sorting, labelling and preparing specimens, resolving issues such as mislabelled or missing samples, performing reception duties, data entry (keyboard skills), dealing with telephone and routine enquiries, relaying test results to clinicians and other healthcare workers (as appropriate) and performing general housekeeping duties keeping the laboratory area clean and clutter free.
Depending on competency assessment the post holder may be required to operate Specialist laboratory equipment.
Main duties of the job
*Participate in training programmes and maintain competency, with regular review at appraisal.
*Attend mandatory Trust and departmental training sessions as required.
*Support senior staff (e.g. BMS/Supervisors) with training and development of other team members.
*Assist with and contribute to clinical research and development activities in line with departmental objectives and Trust governance standards.
*Handle and process biological samples (e.g. blood, body fluids, tissues) safely, recognising associated infection risks.
*Carry out routine maintenance, troubleshooting, and operation of laboratory.
*Maintain high levels of concentration whilst processing samples and analysing results in a busy, frequently interrupted environment.
*Demonstrate accuracy and coordination in manual laboratory techniques.
*Manage competing workload demands, including sample processing, enquiries, staffing pressures, and equipment issues.
*Adapt quickly to changing priorities and interruptions during the working day.
*Undertake manual handling tasks such as stock management, reagent replenishment, and moving supplies.
*Work within clinical environments where there may be occasional exposure to distressing situations.
About us
University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust strives to have an inclusive culture where everyone feels like they belong, can thrive, knows that they add value and feels valued. We do this by developing compassionate and culturally competent leaders, being values driven in all that we do and by creating a welcoming and inclusive workplace that thrives on the diversity of our people. As such we want to attract and recruit talented individuals from all backgrounds, and for each of you to feel supported for the diversity you bring, to achieve your full potential. For those staff with a disability, including physical disability, long term health condition, mental health or neurodiverse condition, this also means being committed to making reasonable adjustments needed for you to carry out your role.
Job description Job responsibilities *Please Note : For a detailed job description for this vacancy, please see attached Job Description*
Person Specification
Qualifications Essential
*Education to GCSE in English and Maths. *NVQ level 3 or equivalent.
Desirable
*Completion of a medical laboratory assistant competency portfolio or evidence of laboratory working and competency
Experience Essential
*Awareness of National Health Service. *Awareness of the role of Medical *Laboratories. *Awareness of Health and Safety issues.
Desirable
*Experience of working in clinical laboratories *Experience of laboratory techniques and automation *Experience of dealing with the public or customer care
Additional Criteria Essential
*Able to work as part of a team. *Good verbal and written communication. *Keyboard and mouse skills (word, excel). *Manual dexterity and hand -- eye coordination *Expected to participate in all out of hours *periods as required by service provision. *Ability to handle blood and other bodily fluid samples
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 Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust
Address Trustwide
Mindelsohn Way
Birmingham
West Midlands
B15 2TH
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://www.uhb.nhs.uk/jobs.htm (Opens in a new tab)