Job Overview The NHS is seeking a permanent part-time Medical Laboratory Assistant (MLA) for a late shift role (5pm–10pm, Monday to Friday) in the Microbiology (Bacteriology) Department at Frimley Park Hospital. This is an exciting opportunity to join the largest NHS-led Pathology Service in the UK. The successful candidate will be energetic, well-organised, and possess a solid scientific background, with a strong attention to detail and good communication skills. Good keyboard skills are desirable, and a reliable, team-oriented attitude is essential. The role involves embracing new working methods and developing knowledge and skills, with support provided for career growth. The MLA may occasionally work at the Wexham Park Hospital site to meet service and training needs. The position requires flexibility to participate in the shift system, which ensures working time compliance. Main duties of the job The main duties of the Medical Laboratory Assistant (MLA) in the Bacteriology Department include assisting in the preparation of analytical work across various department areas under the supervision of a Registered Biomedical Scientist (BMS). The postholder will be expected to follow Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) meticulously for all tasks performed. Key responsibilities involve communicating effectively with pathology and hospital staff, as well as porters, drivers, and couriers. The MLA will support BMS staff by sorting, numbering, and entering data into the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS). The role also includes safely operating waste disposal systems and autoclaves within the department. The diagnostic work involves processing samples such as blood, cerebrospinal fluid, urine, faeces, sputum, tissues, and various secretions. These samples are then tested for the presence of pathogens, including bacterial, fungal, and parasitic organisms. Working for our organisation Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust is committed to being an inclusive and disability confident employer and has been awarded the Gold for the Armed Forces Employment Recognition Scheme. We provide first class development opportunities for all staff and have a wide range of professional, management and leadership, and clinical skills training available. Here at Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust, we know how important it is to have a healthy work life balance; this benefits not only individuals but the patients we care for too. We encourage applications from people who wish to work on a flexible basis, recognising that flexibility may mean a range of different working patterns and hours, we do our utmost to work with our staff to meet their needs and the needs of our service and its users. Frimley Health Trust benefits on Vimeo Detailed Job Description And Main Responsibilities The main responsibilities of the Medical Laboratory Assistant (MLA) include. Keeping the laboratory manager informed of all issues related to laboratory procedures and assisting in the smooth running of the department. Collaborating with BMS staff to ensure that workload is processed efficiently and within designated timeframes. Demonstrating excellent communication and team-working abilities, contributing to a positive, effective work environment. Working as part of a team to meet departmental performance targets by consistently assessing and prioritizing tasks. Attending mandatory training courses and completing necessary programmes to achieve competence in all areas of the role under supervision. Assisting with departmental tasks under the supervision of laboratory managers, team leaders, and BMS staff, always adhering to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). Ensuring the safety of staff, visitors, and the department by adhering to Risk Assessments, COSHH, and Local Rules, and reporting any potential risks to the laboratory manager. Performing other reasonable tasks as requested by senior staff, contributing to the overall functioning of the department. For further information regarding the detailed job description and main responsibilities, please refer to the attached job description and person specification documents. Person specification Qualifications Essential criteria 4 GCSE to include English and Maths. Willing to undergo relevant training Possess basic IT skills Desirable criteria Interest in working to higher level of qualification Experience Essential criteria Able to perform technically challenging procedures where applicable Ability to develop knowledge and understanding of microbiology techniques sufficient to undertake specimen processing and reception. Desirable criteria Some experience of diagnostic microbiology Skills and Knowledge Essential criteria Able to understand and follow Standard Operating Procedures Ability to follow laboratory H&S practice Ability to perform basic mathematical calculations Desirable criteria Understanding of need for service quality Observant of detail, ability to make basic judgement decisions Special Requirements Essential criteria Able to travel between sites. Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust (FHFT) is proud of its strong reputation, record of achievement and ambition for the future. We serve a population of over 900,000 people across Berkshire, Hampshire, Surrey and South Buckinghamshire, and remain committed to improving the health and wellbeing of our communities. Our new organisational strategy – FHFT 2030 – sets out our ambition to be the best place to receive care and the best place to work in the NHS. Underpinned by our Trust values – Committed to Excellence, Working Together, Facing the Future, and being a modern, compassionate, Healthcare Organisation – we are creating a culture where our people can thrive and patients always come first. We continue to invest heavily in our services and facilities. This includes the development of a new hospital at Frimley Park, major expansion of diagnostics and inpatient capacity, and the continued transformation of services across our sites. We have already delivered a brand-new £100m state-of-the-art Heatherwood Hospital, a £49m Emergency Assessment Centre at Wexham Park, and a £10m upgrade to maternity services. We are also committed to sustainability and the NHS Net Zero ambition. Our new hospital and estate developments are being designed to be environmentally responsible, energy efficient, and future-proofed, featuring on-site renewables energy and intelligent energy systems. Through our green plan, we are embedding sustainable practices across all areas of care and operations, ensuring we reduce our environmental impact while improving population health and wellbeing. Our staff are key to helps us deliver on our ambition and to ensure sustainability is a core component of care delivery and our operations. Alongside estates’ investments, we are embedding a strong focus on digital innovation and quality improvement. Our electronic patient record (Epic), launched in 2024, is already enabling safer, more connected, and more effective care for patients, while giving staff the tools they need to do their best work. Our electronic patient record also supports safe and effective digitised care pathways, savings time and carbon, whilst delivering excellent quality of care. Everything we do is guided by our values, shaping how we care for patients, support colleagues, and build a sustainable future for healthcare together. Apply online now