Job overview
We’re seeking an enthusiastic and experienced Blood Science MLA Supervisor to join our dedicated team in Sutton. This is a Band 4, 6-month fixed-term position, ideal for someone with experience working in a laboratory specimen reception or similar environment who is ready to take the next step in their career. While primarily based in Sutton, occasional cross-site working may be required.
The Blood Sciences Department at The Royal Marsden receives over 250,000 samples each year. We are a multi-cultural, dynamic team working in specimen reception with friendly, motivated, and passionate about supporting both patients and staff. Our laboratory is equipped with state-of-the-art technology, and we work in collaboration with our supplier; sysmex, ortho, Thermofisher and Bio-rad among other analytical platforms.
The department provides an exceptional environment for growth, with opportunities to rotate across the different Blood Science disciplines to ensure continuous development, knowledge sharing, and professional progression.
Why Join Us?
• Innovate and Lead: Work with cutting-edge technology in a UKAS-accredited laboratory operating under ISO 15189:2022.
• Expand Your Expertise: Contribute to a high-performing team supporting quality, training, and continuous service improvement.
• Be Part of Progress: Support the Blood Sciences Laboratory team as we implement new technology, IT systems and analytical upgrades.
Main duties of the job
The Clinical Pathology Department provides diagnostic services for the Trust, primarily focusing on Blood Sciences. The post-holder will perform administrative, technical, and quality assurance duties, primarily supporting the Biomedical Scientists and Section Leads.
The post-holder will perform a range of tasks to support the Biomedical Scientists in the provision of a high-quality service to our patients. The post holder will organise and receive samples ensuring they are processed in a timely manner, including samples analysed on site and referred to other laboratories.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Supervisory Duties
• Supervise MLA staff, including:
o Supervise, carry out and assign MLA team activities and duties in all specimen reception areas to ensure workflow turnaround time (TAT) targets are achieved.
o Conducting performance reviews and appraisals in line with Trust policy
o Allocating work and assisting with recruitment, selection, and training
o Providing training and competency assessments for new MLA and Biomedical Scientist staff in Pathology Reception
o Be a role model demonstrating good communication and ensuring robust and open communication with MLA staff through regular huddles.
o Provide instructions to the rest of the MLA team which includes Front Office area regarding daily duties
o Document staff weekly rotas to ensure service delivery is maintained at all times
o To manage staff rotas on Health Roster and ensure they are accurate and up to date.
Person specification
Education/Qualifications
Essential criteria
1. Good general education. GCSE grade C or higher in English and Maths. A levels or equivalent relevant experience.
Desirable criteria
2. ECDL or equivalent
3. BSc (Hons) or equivalent qualification
Experience
Essential criteria
4. Previous experience in a laboratory role
5. Experience of MS Excel and MS Word, including creating and using spreadsheets
Desirable criteria
6. Experience of working in a Blood Transfusion department or NHS organisation
7. Understanding of Good Manufacturing Principles in hospital blood banks.
8. Knowledge of Quality Management Systems
9. Experience of using a blood tracking application
10. Able to perform basic training
Skills Abilities/knowledge
Essential criteria
11. Ability to write clearly and concisely
12. Able to work to deadlines
13. Ability to express themselves clearly and communicate information
14. Attention to detail
Desirable criteria
15. Demonstrates proactive approach to problem solving
The Royal Marsden values diversity and is committed to the recruitment and retention of underrepresented minority groups. We particularly welcome applications from Black, Asian and minority ethnic candidates, LGBTQ+ candidates and candidates with disabilities.
As a Disability Confident Employer, we are working to create a workplace that enables all staff to reach their full potential. We are committed to this because we know that greater diversity and inclusion will lead to an even greater positive impact for the people we serve.
Due to the high volumes of applications we receive, we reserve the right to close any adverts before the published closing date once we have received a sufficient number of applications. We advise you to submit your application as early as possible to prevent disappointment.
Flu Vaccination – What We Expect of our Staff
At The Royal Marsden we have an immune compromised patient population who we must protect as much as we can against the flu virus. Each year, seasonal flu affects thousands of people in the UK. Occurring mainly in winter, it is an infectious respiratory disease capable of producing symptoms ranging from those similar to a common cold, through to very severe or even fatal disease.
The wellbeing of our staff and patients is of the upmost importance to us, and it is the expectation of The Royal Marsden that all patient-facing staff have an annual flu vaccination, provided free of charge by the Trust.
Employer certification / accreditation badges
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