Job overview
We are looking for an enthusiastic, self-motivated individual to join our friendly support team in the Microbiology department at the Royal Blackburn Teaching Hospital. The duties will include receipt and handling of patient samples such as blood, urine, faeces, sputum, and tissues for routine testing and swabs for COVID testing.
Full training will be provided but any previous laboratory experience will be an advantage.
The post is full time (37.5h/w) and a flexible working approach will be required. The successful candidates will be required to work regularly during evenings and will participate in the weekend and Bank Holiday rotas.
Main duties of the job
Daily tasks include the sorting and processing of patient samples using manual and automated systems. Inputting patient and test data onto the laboratory computer system as well as answering telephone enquiries. The work requires the ability to perform a number of repetitive tasks to a high technical standard.
Working for our organisation
At East Lancashire Hospitals Trust, our vision is to be widely recognised for providing safe, personal and effective care. We currently provide high quality services and treat over 700,000 people across East Lancashire and the surrounding area. We employ over 8,000 staff, many of whom are internationally renowned and have won awards for their work.
On 1st April 2026, Pathology services for Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust, Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust will come together to form the Lancashire and South Cumbria Single Pathology Service.
Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust will be the Lead Provider of the service and the employer of colleagues working within the service, across sites.
If you are successful in your application, and commence work prior to 1st February 2026, your employment will transfer to Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust on 1st February 2026 under the Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations, 2006. There will be no impact for your job role, terms and conditions of employment or location of work.
If you are successful in your application, and commence work after 1st February 2026, your employer will be Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
More detail about the role can be found in the attached job description which contains the main duties and responsibilities that the successful candidate will be expected to carry out.
Person specification
Qualifications
Essential criteria
* •Willingness to work towards IBMS support staff Certificate of Achievement part 1 or 2A levels including a science subject
Experience / Work skills
Essential criteria
* •Clear and accurate written communication
* •Able to manage priorities under pressure
* •Able to use a computer keyboard to an effective standard
* •Willing to adapt to the changing needs of the service including changing work patterns if required
* •Able to work well in a team and to be supportive of team members
Desirable criteria
* •Experience within a laboratory or similar environment
* •Can demonstrate an understanding of the work undertaken within the Microbiology department