Job Summary
BANK
We are looking for an enthusiastic Senior Medical Laboratory Assistant to join a dedicated team in a modern department, providing a high-quality service.
Duties will include laboratory and administrative tasks which may be of a complex nature. Although no formal qualifications are required for this post, it will be important to demonstrate literacy and numeracy skills. Previous experience in laboratory support work is also essential.
The University Hospitals Dorset Cellular Pathology department has a high quality UKAS accreditation record and is an approved laboratory for registration and specialist training by the IBMS. The Cellular Pathology team is made up of different grades of Scientist, including medical laboratory staff, associate practitioners and biomedical scientists. The aim is putting the patient first and delivering a high-quality service.
Main duties of the job
The main duties of this role will be to support BMS staff in providing analysis of specimens received using complex diagnostic procedures across Cellular Pathology. Other duties include microtomy and assisting the Specialist Biomedical Scientist at dissection.
About Us
Our values define who we are as #TeamUHD. They underpin everything we do now and in the future. They define how we treat our patients, visitors, and each other, our valued team mates and colleagues.
UHD is investing, developing and transforming Trust services in line with the New Hospital Programme. As part of this, some services may move site this year or next, either temporarily or permanently. Recruiting managers will be happy to answer any service‑specific questions at interview.
If a role or service relocates as part of a planned move, excess mileage will not be reimbursed. Travel from home to the new work base will be classed as a normal commute. Any other changes will be managed under Trust or national terms and conditions.
UHD has active networks including Women's, BAME, Pride, EU, Pro Ability, and Armed Forces. We support Disability Confident and Armed Forces Covenant interview schemes.
AI tools may be used, but applications must honestly reflect your own skills and experience. Integrity is key to our recruitment process.
Details
Date posted: 11 November 2025
Band: Band 3
Salary: £24,937 to £26,598 per year
Contract: Bank
Working pattern: Full‑time
Reference number: 153‑TBS00161
Job locations: One Dorset Pathology HUB, Royal Bournemouth Hospital, Bournemouth, BH7 7DW
Person Specification
Essential Qualifications
* Good general education
* A levels or equivalent in Science
Desirable Qualifications
* Completion of Pathology Support Worker qualification or IBMS Support Staff portfolio part 1 and 2
* Further scientific qualification
Essential Experience
* Demonstrable experience of working in a scientific area as a Medical Laboratory Assistant or equivalent
* Able to work accurately and with good hand‑eye coordination
* Experience of using common IT software
Desirable Experience
* Experience of quality management system
* Experience of using hospital IT systems
* Previous experience working as an MLA in Cellular Pathology
Technical Skills Competencies
Essential
* Understanding of and ability to work within established Standard Operating Procedures and relevant Health & Safety policies, including COSHH
* Work flexibly in response to changing circumstances. Works within limits of responsibility
* Good interpretive skills at bench level
* Good attention to detail and accuracy
* Recognise and report problems as they arise
* Handling biological specimens
Desirable
* Understanding of the importance of quality at all levels of our work
* Happy to work in a busy environment
* Knowledge of microtomy
* Demonstrable experience in assisting dissection
Knowledge
Essential
* Understanding of Cellular Pathology
Desirable
* Understanding of UKAS requirementsUnderstanding of the role of Histopathology within the NHS
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and a submission for Disclosure will be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service to check for any previous convictions.
Employer details
Employer name: University Hospitals Dorset NHS Foundation Trust
Address: One Dorset Pathology HUB, Royal Bournemouth Hospital, Bournemouth, BH7 7DW
Employer's website: https://www.uhd.nhs.uk/careers (Opens in a new tab)
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