Job overview
Join our dynamic and forward-thinking Blood Transfusion team at University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust as a Senior Medical Laboratory Assistant. Based in our Laboratory at the Worthing site. On occasions, you will be required to travel across sites, as dictated to by the needs of the service. You will work in the Blood Transfusion department gaining key experiences.
The ability to communicate and work well under pressure is essential. IT skills including data input skills are an integral part of the role.
We offer a supportive environment, excellent development opportunities, and access to well-equipped labs.
Help shape the future of diagnostics at UHSussex — where innovation, learning, and community thrive.
Main duties of the job
To work as part of a team in the UHSx Blood Transfusion Department performing a wide range of routine and non-routine clinical, scientific or technical procedures as an appropriately regulated practitioner (Band 4).
Working for our organisation
At UHSussex (UHSx), diversity is our strength, & we want you to feel included to help us always put the Patient First. Your uniqueness & experiences will be part of our creative and innovative community where everyone is encouraged to succeed. We have a range of Staff Networks to help break down barriers, & can offer a buddy to help new members settle in. We’re proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2) & a Veteran Aware Trust.
We treat our patients & staff with the same compassion & empathy we expect for ourselves. We’re here for them when they need us, and we go above & beyond to meet their needs. This can be seen in our candidate information pack & wellbeing programme, for staff which is extensive & designed to support you when you need it, including where possible, flexible working to support work life balance - because we know that to look after others we must first look after ourselves.
As a university trust and a leader in healthcare research, we value learning, teaching & training so that we can be the best that we can be. From the moment you start with us & throughout your career we will help you to grow & develop. We hope that in choosing UHSx you are choosing a long & happy career where you will be able to see the difference you make & feel valued for all that you do.
We look forward to receiving your application & the start of your journey with UHSx.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Once trained you will be expected to;
• work to standards dictated to by Good Manufacturing practice, (GMP) and UKAS 15181 and 17025.
• use all available IT, and LIMS
• answer the phone and handle clinical enquirers passing to more senior staff as required,
• maintain the day to day operation of the department by performing preventative routine daily and weekly maintenance, cleaning equipment, running Quality Assurance, partaking in External Quality Assurance, and re validating (re verification) of equipment once repaired or after Engineer preventative maintenance.
• monitoring stock levels across sites,
• maintaining a clean and tidy department as described to by GMP.
• Accepting deliveries
• Arranging for transfer of items and confirmation of send/receipt across sites.
• maintaining your training records
• monitoring temperatures of our monitored and temperature controlled equipment and department area’s by using Checkit and local procedures.
• reporting all Non-conformance on our Quality Management System using Q Pulse.
1. Managing the Medical Laboratory Assistant team across sites (SRH and WGH).
2. Managing and maintaining records on QMS (Qpulse) for QC trending, asset management.
Person specification
Essential
Essential criteria
3. Previous Blood Transfusion experience
4. Blood Transfusion Knowledge
5. Experience of working with NHS
6. Scientific background
7. Evidence of Science Qualifications
8. Evidence of attention to detail
9. Evidence of teamwork
Desirable criteria
10. Other Pathology discipline experience
11. Management experience
12. LIMS/Blood Transfusion automation experience
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
Essential criteria
13. Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues
14. Evidence of having championed diversity in previous roles (as appropriate to role).
Important information for applicants:
A Note on AI Use in Applications
We value the individuality and authenticity that each candidate brings to the application process. While AI tools are increasingly accessible, we strongly discourage their use in completing your application. Your responses should reflect your own voice, experiences, and motivations—elements that are essential to a fair and accurate evaluation.
Applications that rely heavily on AI-generated content may misrepresent your abilities and could result in your application being rejected. We encourage you to take the time to present your genuine self, as this helps us better understand your potential and ensures a transparent selection process.
Closing Adverts Early: In the event of exceptional interest, we may close adverts earlier than specified.
Some of our adverts are capped for a limited number of applications; therefore, the advert will close once the cap has been reached. We therefore encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible if you are interested in the position to prevent you from missing out on applying for the opportunity.
Flexible Working: If you would like to explore potential options regarding flexible working please speak with the appropriate recruiting/line manager.
DBS Checks: As part of our commitment to a safe working environment, we undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service check on all new employees where the role is eligible for a criminal record check. We make offers in line with the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1975.
Skilled Worker Visa: Applications for Skilled Worker sponsorship are welcome for the roles that meet the Visa and Immigrations eligibility criteria. For further information please visit the gov.uk website searching for Skilled Worker. It is your responsibility as the applicant to ensure that you meet this criteria.
UHSussex reserves the right to close the role early if we receive a high volume of applications