Contact information
For more information regarding this advert, or to visit the laboratory, contact Shohaib Banaras (Senior BMS) on 01924 816181 or at shohaib.banaras@nhs.net or Becky Osborne (Chief BMS) 01924 816186 or b.osborne@nhs.net
About the role
To work in support of qualified Biomedical Scientist in all sections of the Cellular Pathology department on a rotational basis as agreed with the Biomedical Scientist in charge. To carry out preparatory work, including data entry, sample checking and preparation prior to analysis, preparation of reagents and consumables, general maintenance and cleaning of equipment, processing/analysis of samples under the supervision of qualified staff, production of reports, and maintenance of supplies. To carry out duties in a manner that supports departmental targets and ensures compliance with standard operating procedures.
Main duties
* To undertake training necessary to fulfil the requirements of the Medical Laboratory Assistant training log book.
* To carry out preparatory work on samples as required by the Chief Biomedical Scientist or his/her representative. To sort samples and distribute to relevant departments.
* To receive pathology specimens from hospital staff and from patients in a courteous and helpful manner. To deal with minor problems that arise, following standard operating procedures.
* To check for leaking specimens and deal with them according to standard procedures.
* To remove specimens from plastic transport bags as required.
* Where samples are labelled as “Danger of Infection”, to carry out the preliminary inspection of the samples and to remove from the bag if there is no spillage. To give identifying number as appropriate and to carry out initial preparation as set out in procedures for high risk samples.
* To ensure that the specimens and appropriate request forms are correctly labelled and that specimens are in the correct container. If not, to take appropriate actions as set out in written procedures.
* To interpret clinical information on request forms to ensure appropriate tests are carried out.
* To label request forms and specimens with appropriate numbers as required.
* To ensure that laboratory staff receive specimens in a timely manner and to notify the appropriate sections of any urgent specimens.
* To ensure that specimens are in appropriate racks as required before despatch into the laboratory.
* To liaise with laboratory biomedical and clerical staff, and portering staff as appropriate and to pass on information and to solve problems.
* To carry out routine cleaning of laboratory areas and equipment as required to maintain good standards and to ensure that work areas are clean and tidy.
* To dispose of specimens following the instructions set out in Standing Operating Procedures.
* To check and maintain stocks of reagents, solutions and consumables, some of which may be located outside pathology.
Essential person specification requirements
Qualifications / Training
* Evidence of good secondary education
Experience
* Experience in working flexibly as part of a Team
* Experience of dealing with telephone enquiries
* Experience with Data entry.
Be part of MY team
We are an acute trust caring for over one million people in Wakefield and Kirklees. Our 10,000 staff work in patients’ homes, the community, and our three hospitals in Pontefract, Dewsbury, and Pinderfields (Wakefield). We prioritise our people and values so we can deliver the best possible care to patients. Our team is friendly, passionate, and innovative, always seeking better ways to work.
We support work-life balance and foster a diverse, inclusive environment where everyone belongs. Our staff networks offer safe spaces to share ideas and concerns so we can increase awareness and appreciation of equality, diversity, and inclusion. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and especially encourage members of the LGBTQ+ community, ethnic minority groups, and people with disabilities or neurodivergence to apply, as they are currently underrepresented in the Trust.
If you value caring, high standards, improvement, and respect, join the MY team to make a difference every day.
Application guidance:
We understand that more applicants are using AI technology to help with their applications. While these tools can be useful, they cannot fully capture your skills, knowledge, and experience. It’s important that you personalise your application. Relying solely on AI is not recommended, as it may reduce your chances of success. Our screening process is thorough, so if you have used AI, please make sure to disclose this on your application form.
Our benefits
* Access to the NHS pension plan
* Generous holiday allowance of 27 days plus bank holidays, increasing with 5 and 10 years of service
* Exceptional employee health and wellbeing services
* Extensive benefits and support, including:
* Onsite nurseries and childcare salary sacrifice scheme
* Cycle to work scheme
* Home electronics scheme
* Car lease salary sacrifice scheme
* Working carers support and advice, carers network and carers passport
* Flexible working options and family and carer-friendly policies
* Established staff networks, including LGBTQ+ and Race Equality
* Career progression, training and support
Skilled worker sponsorship
You can find out more about skilled worker and health and care visas on our careers site .