Description
Unilabs is one of Europe's largest diagnostic providers, delivering laboratory, imaging and pathology services across the UK and internationally. Guided by our CARE BIG philosophy, Unilabs supports clinicians and patients by providing high-quality, timely diagnostic results.
This role is based in Unilabs UK, supporting Cellular Pathology / Tissue Sciences and Specimen Reception services in Euston, London. The Senior Medical Laboratory Assistant (Senior MLA) works under indirect supervision, providing leadership within Specimen Reception and supporting the delivery of an efficient, accurate and high-quality pathology service.
Job Summary
The post holder will assist senior laboratory staff in delivering a high-quality cellular pathology service, rotating across laboratory areas to maintain technical proficiency. The Senior MLA is responsible for supervising laboratory support activities, managing workflow, resolving discrepancies and supporting training, quality and operational delivery.
Key Relationships
As part of Specimen Reception, the Senior MLA works closely with MLAs, Medical Technical Officers, Biomedical Scientists, Quality and Health & Safety teams, and Operational Managers to ensure a responsive, compliant and high-quality laboratory service.
Duties and Responsibilities
Technical
* Undertake supervised technical and laboratory support duties in line with SOPs.
* Support daily workflow planning and act as first point of contact for specimen discrepancies.
* Receive, check and process specimens, liaising with service users where required.
* Accurate entry and retrieval of patient data using Pathology IT systems and LIMS.
* Prepare, package and dispatch samples to internal and external laboratories.
* Prepare reagents and solutions according to protocols.
* Maintain accurate records, archive samples and ensure correct disposal of specimens.
* Manage stock levels, rotation and inventory logs.
* Carry out basic preventative equipment maintenance.
* Ensure compliance with health & safety, infection control and confidentiality policies.
* Participate in audits, quality assurance and continuous improvement activities.
Laboratory Informatics
* Ensure secure, accurate and confidential handling of laboratory information.
* Use LIMS in accordance with authorised procedures.
* Maintain data integrity and accuracy across laboratory databases.
Communication and Relationship Skills
* Communicate professionally and courteously with patients, service users and colleagues.
* Liaise effectively with laboratory and medical staff to ensure timely specimen processing.
* Promote good practice, teamwork and a positive image of Unilabs.
* Participate in departmental meetings and contribute to effective communication.
Training
* Support training, mentoring and competency development of MLAs.
* Maintain own CPD and participate in scientific teaching programmes.
* Assist with competency assessments and training record maintenance.
Quality
* Promote and comply with quality management systems and accreditation standards.
* Record, investigate and escalate incidents and non-conformities.
* Participate in audits and implement corrective actions.
* Monitor KPIs and support continuous service improvement.
Management
* Support management of Specimen Reception to ensure delivery of agreed turnaround times.
* Deputise for the Specimen Reception Lead when required.
* Design and manage staff rotas and allocate daily workloads.
* Act as a team leader, monitoring performance and resolving operational issues.
* Serve as first escalation point for urgent or complex specimen queries.
* Take lead responsibility for a specialist area (Quality, H&S, Training or IT).
Requirements
Qualifications & Education
* 2 A-levels or equivalent (essential)
* 5 GCSEs (Grade C/4 or above), including Maths, English and Science (essential)
* Science A-level (desirable)
Experience
* Experience working in a busy laboratory environment
* Understanding of laboratory health & safety
* Experience supervising or supporting a small team
* Knowledge of quality management systems and laboratory protocols (desirable)
* Experience in specimen handling and stock management (desirable)
Skills & Abilities
* Highly organised with strong attention to detail
* Good leadership and problem-solving skills
* Ability to work under pressure and manage competing priorities
* Strong IT skills, including Microsoft Office and Pathology IT systems
* Reliable, adaptable and self-motivated
* Ability to concentrate for extended periods and follow written protocols
Communication
* Strong verbal and written communication skills
* Ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary team
* High awareness of GDPR and confidentiality requirements
Other Requirements
* Commitment to patient confidentiality
* Ability to perform light physical work
* Professional and responsible approach to work