We are seeking an enthusiastic and efficient medical laboratory assistant (MLA) to undertake essential technical duties for the histopathology laboratory. The laboratory is located in the Centre for Molecular Pathology, Sutton.
The post holder will be responsible for, assisting the biomedical scientists, performing analyser maintenance including solution rotation, data entry of requests and filing of material. The department has close links with other Pathology units internally and with external organisations, so good interpersonal skills are essential.
Attention to detail is critical for this role and the post holder must be able to work to a high standard, following defined protocols (SPO's) and assist in the production of accurate and high-quality analytical results for the diagnosis and treatment of patients. Experience working in a routine diagnostic histopathology laboratory is desirable.
Main duties of the job
The post-holder will perform a wide variety of support tasks within the Histopathology laboratory under the supervision and direction of the registered biomedical scientist staff which will include archiving of paraffin blocks and stained slides, routine solution rotation on processing and staining machines, specimen reception and disposal, packaging and collection of specimens transported between sites, collection of post.
The post holder will undertake basic technical tasks as directed by the laboratory manager and senior staff and in line with departmental SOPs.
Working for our organisation
The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust is a world-leading cancer centre. Our role is to offer our patients the best cancer care available anywhere in the world, and to continue to make a global contribution to finding better ways of diagnosing and treating cancer. We employ over 4,500 staff in a diverse range of careers including nursing, medical, science, radiography, pharmacy, occupational therapy, finance and administrative services. We have two hospitals – one in Chelsea, London, and one in Sutton, Surrey – as well as a Medical Daycare Unit in Kingston Hospital.
At The Royal Marsden, we deal with cancer every day, so we understand how valuable life is. When people entrust their lives to us, they have the right to demand the very best. That's why the pursuit of excellence lies at the heart of everything we do.
At the heart of the hospital is our dedicated team. We offer a stimulating and dynamic working environment, a wide range of staff benefits, learning and development opportunities and clear career pathways. There are opportunities to work flexibly across a range of areas and specialities and we welcome flexible working requests from point of hire to support employees work life balance. We are looking for employees who aspire to excellence, share our values and can play a crucial role in our on-going achievements.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
For further information please refer to the job description and personal specification
Specimen Dissection
* Receipt and checking of samples against request forms
* Assisting Biomedical Scientists/ Pathologists in the diagnostic sampling of fresh and formalin fixed tissue
* Ensuring cassettes are appropriately printed and labelled
* Assisting in the preparation of appropriately identified blocks of tissue for diagnostic work
* Understanding and appropriate use of Vacuum Infiltration Processors (VIP’s)
Person specification
Skills
* Ability to communicate clearly
* Ability to write clearly
* Possess basic IT and keyboard accuracy
* Ability to perform basic mathematical calculations
* Basic educational qualification in mathematics
* Observant of detail, ability to make basic judgement decisions
* Ability to prioritise tasks and organise daily work
Personal Qualities
* Ability to undertake a support role
* Able to follow written instructions
* Ability to work as part of a team
* Willingness to respond to direction/ team
* Enthusiasm for role
* Confidence to perform within parameters of role
Specific Experience
* Good education to include GCSE/ O levels/ A levels or equivalent (including a science subject)
* A recognised qualification in Maths & English
* Willing to undergo relevant training
* Able to understand and follow Standard Operating Procedures
* Ability to follow H&S practice
* Experience in basic administration tasks
* Interest in working to a higher level of qualification
* Understands the needs for service quality
* Experience working within a relevant laboratory
* Understands the need to work to deadlines and can do so
* Understanding that work relates directly to patient care
The Royal Marsden values diversity and is committed to the recruitment and retention of underrepresented minority groups. We particularly welcome applications from Black, Asian and minority ethnic candidates, LGBTQ+ candidates and candidates with disabilities.
As a Disability Confident Employer, we are working to create a workplace that enables all staff to reach their full potential. We are committed to this because we know that greater diversity and inclusion will lead to an even greater positive impact for the people we serve.
Due to the high volumes of applications we receive, we reserve the right to close any adverts before the published closing date once we have received a sufficient number of applications. We advise you to submit your application as early as possible to prevent disappointment.
All applicants will be contacted by email to the address supplied on your application. Applicants are advised to check their email accounts regularly and to ensure that email filters are set to allow our emails.
Flu Vaccination – What We Expect of our Staff
At The Royal Marsden we have an immune compromised patient population who we must protect as much as we can against the flu virus. Each year, seasonal flu affects thousands of people in the UK. Occurring mainly in winter, it is an infectious respiratory disease capable of producing symptoms ranging from those similar to a common cold, through to very severe or even fatal disease.
The wellbeing of our staff and patients is of the upmost importance to us, and it is the expectation of The Royal Marsden that all patient-facing staff have an annual flu vaccination, provided free of charge by the Trust.
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