Job overview
We are seeking a motivated and experienced Senior Medical Laboratory Assistant to join our Toxicology & Specialist Biochemistry team. This role offers the opportunity to work within a highly specialised and dynamic laboratory environment, supporting the work of biomedical scientists to provide testing of clinical and coroner samples.
The successful candidate will play a key role in daily work, providing technical and administrative support to scientific staff, assisting with analysis of patient samples (including drugs of abuse, tacrolimus, FIT testing, amongst others), ensuring high standards of quality and service.
Some of the work involves handling clinical and post-mortem samples, which can occasionally include sensitive or distressing information. It’s therefore important that you can approach this aspect of the job with professionalism, resilience and discretion.
This role is ideal for a proactive individual with strong organisational skills, attention to detail, and previous experience working within a diagnostic laboratory. A commitment to patient-centred service, continuous improvement, and collaborative working is essential.
This role would particularly suit someone with experience as a medical laboratory assistant, science technician, or similar, who’s looking to build on their skills and develop further within a specialist clinical laboratory environment.
Please note this role is not a training role for biomedical scientists.
Main duties of the job
Duties include but are not limited to:
1. Receipt and booking-in of samples, including coroner and clinical toxicology specimens.
2. Preparation of reagents and patient samples for analysis.
3. Stock taking, ordering, and general stock control to support smooth laboratory operation.
4. Routine maintenance and basic troubleshooting of analysers and laboratory equipment.
5. Assisting with, and undertaking, routine and specialist analysis of patient samples under the supervision of a Biomedical Scientist - including drugs of abuse, and tacrolimus analysis, as well as FIT testing amongst other tests.
6. Active participation in the training and support of other staff within the department.
7. Participation in quality management processes including raising non-conformances, assisting with audits and record keeping.
8. Maintaining high standards of laboratory housekeeping, health and safety, and quality assurance in line with departmental policies and procedures.
9. There may be the need to participate in additional weekend cover in the main automated lab, following competency assessment, as required
For full details please refer to the Job Description and Person Specification
Working for our organisation
At UHSussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us always deliver Excellent Care Everywhere, as shown in our Outstanding for Caring CQC rating. Your uniqueness and 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, and can offer a buddy to help new members settle in. We’re proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 3) and a Veteran Aware Trust.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
This role is eligible for visa sponsorship under the UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI) Skilled Worker route. Sponsorship can only be provided where applicants meet the specific requirements set by UKVI, including the relevant skill and salary thresholds, and any role-specific criteria.
For full details of the job duties and requirements in addition to the above, please refer to the Job Description and Person Specification
Person specification
Previous experience
Essential criteria
10. Science/laboratory related background and experience
11. Previous experience working in a laboratory environment
Desirable criteria
12. Experience as a medical laboratory assistant (min 2 years)
13. Experience in clinical biochemistry/toxicology laboratory
Equality Diversity and Inclusion
Essential criteria
14. Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues
15. 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