Job overview The Microbiology Department has an exciting 8-month fixed-term opportunity at Maidstone Hospital for someone with an interest in biology or infectious diseases who enjoys practical science. You will be part of our team of laboratory assistants and Biomedical Scientists who process specimens to aid in the diagnosis of infectious diseases. This post will not automatically lead to a BMS one, but would be a good opportunity to gain practical skills for progression or work during a 'gap year' before starting a BMS degree. Medical Laboratory Assistants (MLA) support Biomedical Scientists in the provision of diagnostic and therapeutic services within the Microbiology department. Working under supervision and autonomously, responsibilities include: Processing specimens in the bacteriology, serology, enteric and molecular sections of the department. Band 3 will also be required to assist in specimen reception, data entry, stock control, and waste disposal areas. Specimens include: swabs, urine, faeces and blood. Please note this role is currently only being advertised to staff members who are currently working within the Kent and Medway ICB. Main duties of the job The main duties of the role include rotation through all areas of the laboratory every month to include: Specimen reception, data entry, stock control, waste disposal, processing specimens, use of automated analysers and manual work with agar in petri dishes, also training of other staff and participation in the quality management system - setting up repeat specimens, quality controls, etc See attached job description for full details. Responsible for working to the prescribed Standard Operating Procedures and required timelines once competencies are completed in all areas of the department. This will involve being able to multitask. Working for our organisation Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust ranks among the top 10 NHS Trusts nationwide and was named the second-best Trust to work for in the South East in the 2023 and 2024 NHS Staff Survey. We are a large acute hospital trust in south-east England, providing general hospital services and specialist care to around 600,000 residents in West Kent and East Sussex. With a dedicated and diverse team of over 8,000 staff we are proud to offer specialised cancer services to over two million people through the Kent Oncology Centre. Fordcombe Hospital, near Tunbridge Wells, became part of the Trust in October 2024. Specialising in planned care, it offers two operating theatres, 28 inpatient and day-care beds, diagnostic services (X-ray, MRI, CT, and endoscopy), and consultation/treatment rooms. Looking for flexible working? We are a flexible working-friendly organisation. Whether it’s adjusting your hours or exploring other flexible arrangements, we want to work with you to find the best solution for you, our patients, and the Trust. Talk to us about how we can accommodate your working needs. Click here to hear what our staff say. Joining us includes a comprehensive benefits package: At least 27 days of annual leave plus public/bank holidays (pro-rata for part-time staff). Membership in the NHS Pension Scheme, with a 20.6% employer contribution and life assurance benefits Blue Light card eligibility And more, additional benefits can be found in the benefits documents below