Main area Pathology Grade Band 2 Contract Permanent Hours Full time - 37.5 hours per week (Shifts between 08:00 - 08:00 over 7 days per week, including bank holidays) Job ref 339-CCS1094-CCC
Site Southmead Hospital Town Bristol Salary £25,272 - £27,476 per annum (FTE) or pro‑rata for part time roles Salary period Yearly Closing 28/05/2026 23:59
Job Overview
Medical Laboratory Assistant – Pathology Sciences
This post is a full‑time appointment and will commence at Band 2, progressing to Band 3 after a minimum period of 6 months and on successful completion of further training. The postholder will be required to participate in a 24/7 rota, working a range of shifts between 08:00 – 08:00 including days, evenings, nights, weekends and bank holidays. The successful candidates will be working as part of a team providing support to the Pathology Blood Sciences Laboratory which is based in our purpose built building at Southmead Hospital. Postholders must be able to work as an effective team member, have good data input skills, remain calm under pressure, have a good telephone manner, be able to deal with healthcare professionals, patients and members of the public in a discreet and professional manner and be able to work unsupervised and manage own workload where required.
The post will primarily operate in Sample Reception, providing data input and pre‑analytical support. The postholder must be able to deal with confidential information appropriately, be able to work accurately and to deadlines and be able to work with minimum supervision. Please note: we are not able to offer visa sponsorship on this role.
Main Duties of the Job
* Data input of patient details and test request information
* Sorting, preparation and processing of clinical samples for biological testing
* Assisting with Telephone Helpdesk enquiries
* Communicating test results to appropriate healthcare professionals.
Following progression to Band 3, duties include the following:
* Participating in Sample Referral workflow
* Working within the Blood Transfusion department including transportation of blood products across the Trust.
* Assisting with training new member of staff
* Deputising for Team Leaders as required
Detailed Job Description and Main Responsibilities
Sample Preparation
1. Receive and sort pathology samples.
2. Distribute samples to departments.
3. Label samples and prepare them for analysis.
4. Record and inform service users and senior staff of requests received that do not comply with the NBT Policy for Request Form and Specimen labelling.
5. Send and receive samples via the air tube system.
Data Handling
1. Enter data onto the laboratory computer system.
2. Input and retrieval of data from department and other IT systems.
Telephone Helpdesk
1. Deal with all telephone and e‑mail enquiries in an appropriate manner.
2. Respond to requests for test results and sample requirements.
3. Refer calls to appropriate members of staff.
Housekeeping and Maintenance Tasks
1. Dispose of clinical and non‑clinical waste in accordance with Trust and departmental policies.
2. Clean and decontaminate working areas and equipment in accordance with laboratory protocols and record such actions.
3. Assist with the use and maintenance of some laboratory equipment.
4. Maintain adequate stocks of consumables.
Person Specification
Education / Training / Qualifications
* Educated to GCSE standard or equivalent in English, Maths and Science.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
* Good interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal.
* IT and keyboard skills.
* Ability to work accurately and to deadlines.
* Good telephone manner.
* Ability to work within established health and safety guidelines.
* Knowledge of sample types and requirements.
* Ability to undertake own work and exercise initiative under the supervision of qualified staff.
* Ability to plan, prioritise and re‑schedule workloads.
* Ability to deal with confidential information appropriately.
Work Experience
* Experience of working as part of a team.
* Experience of using computer systems and data input.
* Experience of working as a support grade worker in a UK Pathology Laboratory.
North Bristol NHS Trust are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
At North Bristol Trust (NBT), we know diverse and inclusive environments lead to happier and healthier teams and improved patient care and outcomes. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where we all belong. We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are currently underrepresented in NBT’s workforce at Band 8a and above. These include people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds, disabled people and LGBTQIA + people.
Please note that stringent pre‑employment checks are undertaken on all successful applicants prior to commencement in post.
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