Senior Medical Laboratory Assistant
Closing date: 17 June 2026
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Medical Laboratory Assistant in the Microbiology department at Worcester Royal Hospital, Worcester.
The successful applicant will be joining the microbiology team consisting of Biomedical scientists, Microbiology consultants, and the wider pathology department.
This is a full time role 37.5 hours per week, excluding meal breaks.
Rostered shifts include core hourshifts (09:00 17:00), late shifts (12:00 20:00), weekends (08:00 - 16:00) Bank Holidays (08:00 16:00) and overnight shifts (20:00 08:00). Weekends and Bank Holidays are additional to core hour Participation on the overnight shiftroster is mandatory.
We are a busy department which includes a wide repertoire of tests including general Bacteriology, Serology, and Molecular biology. During the pandemic we were and remain a vital service ensuring patients are getting COVID tests 24/7.
Responsibilities
* To unpack Microbiology samples, checking details on request form and pot to ensure that sample data is correct. To attach consecutively numbered bar code labels to the form and pot.
* To deal with customers or visitors attending Pathology Reception. To process clinical samples according to departmental SOPs.
* To book in the samples onto the laboratory computer system.
* To reject specimens which do not conform to acceptable requirements, contacting sender or returning them to sender and monitoring the action taken and date and time of return to the laboratory, and inform a Senior member of staff.
* To select the appropriate discard specimens and transfer them to the correct area for disposal.
* To monitor stock levels of consumables within the laboratory and notify the Associate Practitioner or Senior BMS when ordering is necessary.
* On a rotational basis, supervises and receives stock deliveries to the bacteriology department, ensuring that storage is in accordance with CE mark and departmental procedures.
* Processes goods receipt documentation in accordance with SFIs and knows when to inform a Senior BMS of anomalies.
* To collect specimens from specimen reception regularly throughout the day in conjunction with work colleagues. Coordinate and process samples for Internal Quality assurance in conjunction with Quality Team.
* To empty clinical waste bins and autoclave tins, transferring bags and containers to the appropriate site.
* To collect dirty linen and laboratory coats for laundering and replace clean linen in the storage cupboard.
* To maintain the equipment on a daily basis by emptying used reagents, cleaning containers and re‑filling with fresh reagents. Daily performs general housekeeping and maintenance duties including automated equipment, defrosting fridges and freezers, decontaminating incubators, centrifuges and water baths.
* To carry out such monitoring as is required, e.g. temperatures, airflows etc.
* Completes non-conformance record forms and submits to the Quality Manager and, or Senior BMS 18. Respond to telephone enquiries giving out authorised results, referring enquiries to appropriate member of staff and where appropriate take accurate and detailed messages.
* To participate in the training and induction of MLAs and visitors as directed by the Laboratory Manager.
* Contribute to the revision and development of Standard Operating Procedures.
* Daily assist with general office and laboratory duties including, scanning, filing and recording details of samples referred to other laboratories.
* To follow agreed protocols and policies seeking advice where appropriate from more senior staff.
* To work in an efficient and timely manner and to be adaptable to change.
* To work in a safe manner in accordance with departmental and Trust Health and Safety policies.
* To contribute to care, maintenance and security of the laboratory premises and equipment.
* Under the supervision of an Associate Practitioner or Biomedical Scientist perform tasks that include accuracy and precision including use of specialist and automated equipment.
* To demonstrate a positive attitude to the work of the laboratory, colleagues and service users.
* To respond to requests for information in a polite, helpful and concise manner. To maintain confidentiality and conform with the Data Protection Act.
* To work to quality standards for all aspects of the service as defined by the Pathology Directorate Quality Management System.
* The postholder will participate in an annual Personal Development Review appraisal process as well as all necessary mandatory training. As part of the PDR process the postholders involvement and contribution to Quality Management will be reviewed along with their understanding and compliance with the current, relevant Trust objectives.
* To participate in the competency assessment scheme.
* To participate in Mandatory Training as required.
* For further details please refer to Job description attached.
Person Specification
Experience
* NHS laboratory experience.
* Has experience of working in a laboratory and has practical experience of performing regular routine laboratory investigations. (University/College practicals do not count)
Personal Qualities
* Ability to concentrate for prolonged periods of time and under pressure
* High level of dexterity.
* Ability to work in a team.
* Ability to work on own initiative.
* Flexible attitude to tasks.
* Conscientious approach to work.
* Because manual handling of loads is required, the applicant must be physically capable of undertaking this aspect of the duties.
* Basic IT skills
* Previous experience of working with the public
* Understanding of the importance of confidentiality.
* Awareness of Health and Safety
* Presentable appearance
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