The Haematopathology-Oncology Diagnostic Service [HODS] is a very busy laboratory service providing diagnostic services for patients suspected of having cancers of the blood and lympho-reticular system.
If you like to be busy and enjoy working in a laboratory environment, then consider joining our team as a Biomedical Support Worker in our Diagnostic Laboratory/Specimen reception providing support to our scientists working across the department.
The work involves receiving and booking in specimen samples, inputting data to the laboratory information systems, slide filing and retrieval in addition to a range of laboratory tasks such as sample slide preparation and the use of analytical equipment.
Good communication skills, attention to detail, accuracy and customer service skills are key to this job role. You will join a team dedicated to providing a service at the cutting edge of diagnostic capability.
Please note that interviews will be held in person w/c 6th July 2026.
Perform various laboratory procedures, as requested, following departmental operating procedures and full training.
Perform some laboratory tasks without supervision.
In conjunction with others, assist with the maintenance of sufficient laboratory supplies to maintain the service.
Perform sample reception / clerking of specimens and return of results.
Our Trust
Cambridge University Hospitals (CUH) NHS Foundation Trust comprises Addenbrooke’s Hospital and the Rosie Hospital in Cambridge. With over 13,000 staff and over 1100 beds the priorities of the Trust focus on a quality service which is all about people – patients, staff and partners. Recognised as providing ‘outstanding’ care to our patients and rated ‘Good’ overall by the Care Quality Commissioner, is testament to the skill and dedication of the people who work here. CUH’s values – Together - Safe, Kind, Excellent – are at the heart of patient care, defining the way all staff work and behave. The Trust provides accessible high-quality healthcare for the local people of Cambridge, together with specialist services, dealing with rare or complex conditions for a regional, national and international population.
CUH is committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive community - a place where we can all be ourselves. We value our differences and fully advocate and support an inclusive working environment where every individual can fulfil their potential. We want to ensure our people are truly representative of all the communities that we serve. We welcome applications for all positions in the organisation irrespective of people’s age, disability, ethnicity, race, nationality, gender identity, sex, sexual orientation, religion or belief, marriage and civil partnership status, or pregnancy and maternity status or social economic background.
Please see the attached Applicant Information Pack (combined Job Description and Person Specification) for key duties and responsibilities.
As per Home Office guidelines, please be aware that, unfortunately, the Trust is unable to offer sponsorship for this particular position.
Due to Home Office immigration rules, a full time permanent vacancy cannot be filled by individuals on a Student visa. Therefore, please be advised that if you are a Student visa holder, we will not be able to offer you a full time permanent contract unless you have:
- applied for a Graduate visa
- or you will have successfully completed your course and have applied for a Graduate visa before the anticipated start date of your employment
This vacancy will close at midnight on 21st June 2026.
Interviews are due to be held on 6th July 2026, please note this may change.
Benefits to you
At Cambridge University Hospitals, we want to do all we can to support good working days. We offer development opportunities and a wide range of benefits, including on-site leisure facilities, shopping concourse and day nurseries. Our good work programme currently includes providing reduced cost Stagecoach bus travel to and from Cambridge University Hospital site. Park and Ride bus journeys between Babraham Road and Trumpington sites are free, as is the route to and from Cambridge train station and our hospitals. We also subsidise the cost of parking on site for eligible staff.
On CUH campus, hot food is available 24/7 and at a reduced cost for colleagues. Recently we launched the first of our staff pod break spaces. Located in the Deakin Centre, we have a purpose-created colleague-only café, with free tea and coffee, a break space and private outside area for colleagues to rest, refuel and recharge. Just one of the ways we are working hard to support good working days at CUH.
CUH is committed to assisting employees in achieving a good work-life balance irrespective of role or personal circumstances. Flexible arrangements may include, but are not limited to, part-time working, job-share, term-time working and flexible start and finish times.
Please note if you would like to discuss the required hours of this role further, you should approach the contact given. In some cases, alternative working hours will be considered.
We welcome applications from the Armed Forces.
A good general education to GCSE/ O level including Maths and English
Completion of Level 3 Laboratory Technician Apprenticeship
Demonstrable experience of working in accordance with documented procedures
Accurate data entry and record keeping
Previous NHS employment in a pathological specimen handling / reception role
Previous employment within an administrative / customer service environment
Evidence of understanding of confidentiality / GDPR
Ability to communicate effectively in verbal and written formats
Willingness to learn about: Relevant health & safety issues, Relevant ethical issues, Quality assurance & quality control
Knowledge of laboratory health & safety
Knowledge of laboratory quality systems
Able to work methodically in an organised manner
Ability to concentrate for prolonged periods
Ability to prioritise workload
Evidence of working independently
The ability to understand and behave at all times, towards patients, visitors and colleagues according to the Trust values of Safe, Kind, Excellent.
NameLizz GrimwadeJob titleHODS Operational LeadEmail addresslizz.grimwade1@nhs.net