Job overview
Looking for a rewarding career by the coast? Join our friendly and forward-thinking Chemistry team at University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust. Based mainly at Worthing Hospital, with support to Chichester’s St Richard’s site, you’ll enjoy the work-life balance of living in two of the South East’s most desirable coastal towns. Worthing offers a vibrant coastal lifestyle, with a wide choice of cafés, restaurants, and shops, all set against the backdrop of a beautiful beach. The seafront and surrounding countryside encourage an active, healthy work-life balance – perfect for those who enjoy running, cycling, water sports, or simply unwinding by the sea. An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Senior Medical Laboratory Assistant post in chemistry. We offer a supportive environment, excellent development opportunities, and access to well-equipped labs. The laboratory is implementing a 24/7 shift system during 2025/26 which the post holder will be expected to fully participate in (including nights, weekends and bank holidays) subject to competency assessment. Help shape the future of diagnostics at UHSussex — where innovation, learning, and community thrive.
Main duties of the job
To assist other team members in the receipt, registration, preparation and analysis of pathological specimens for Biochemistry. To assist in the administration of the department as directed.
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;
·To work in accordance with Departmental policy and Standard Operating procedures.
·To receive, distribute and prepare patient specimens for diagnostic laboratory testing.
·Process and store samples for clinical trials.
·Assist with the daily maintenance and running of departmental analysers including loading and unloading.
·Undertake competency assessment appropriate to work area.
·Clean equipment for use by others and inform supervisor when stock levels are low.
·Use accurate pipetting skills.
·Be familiar with routine use of laboratory’s computer systems.
·Use QPulse Quality Management Software
·To perform all duties with reference to Standard Operating procedures and propose changes to SOPs when required.
·To comply with Departmental and Trust information governance standards at all times.
·To be familiar with the laboratory’s Quality Policy and Quality Manual and to ensure that a high standard of work is maintained at all times.
·To contribute to developing the service to ensure that delivery is safe, effective, cost effective and follows best practice.
·Ensure confidentiality at all times. Employees of the trust must not disclose any information obtained during the course of employment regarding patients or staff except to authorised bodies or individuals acting in an official capacity.
·Be aware of and adhere to the Trust’s infection control policy.
Please see job description & person specs for full details
Person specification
Qualifications
Essential criteria
1. GCSE's of equivalent
Desirable criteria
2. A demonstrable interest in Biological Sciences
3. Qualifications equivalent to NVQ level 3 or equivalent training and experience in Blood Sciences
knowledge (non-Clinical)
Essential criteria
4. Experience in Pre analytical section of a Busy laboratory.
5. Can demonstrate the ability to work to strict standards of quality and safety.
Desirable criteria
6. Awareness of the Blood Transfusion standards.
Skills
Essential criteria
7. Ability to work as part of a team of Biomedical Scientists, Medical Laboratory Assistants and Clerical staff.
8. Excellent communication skills combined with the ability to ask and communicate with colleagues in an effective and positive manner.
9. Teamworking
10. Good written and spoken english
Analytical and Judgmental
Essential criteria
11. A demonstrable ability to follow instructions and apply knowledge so as to undertake and assist in reporting on biomedical investigations.
12. Ability to recognise and understand what good standards of quality are and apply them at all times.
IT
Essential criteria
13. Use of a laboratory LIMS
14. Aware of the need for data quality, data protection and the confidential use of patient information.
Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion
Essential criteria
15. Evidence of having championed diversity in previous roles
16. Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues
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