Job overview
We are looking for enthusiastic individuals to work in Blood Science department of Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust!
You will be based at Maidstone Hospital but may be required to work at either site. We have permanent and fixed term positions (secondments considered) available.
You role will be to support Biomedical Scientists in the provision of diagnostic and therapeutic services within the Blood Sciences laboratories. Working under supervision and autonomously, responsibilities include receiving blood, serum, urine, CSF and other fluids into the department and dealing with telephone enquiries. MLA’s also support laboratory functions assisting in the diagnosis of disorders by performing related analytical, clerical and administrative duties. It is essential the post holder is polite and can work under pressure accurately.
Main duties of the job
A flexible approach to working hours is required as the Department provides a 24/7/365 service. Some weekend and bank holiday work is also required. The shifts are; early (07:45– 15:45), core day (09: 00-17:30), early late (12:00-20:00) and late (13:15 - 21:15)
Please note this is not a trainee biomedical scientist position but would an ideal start for a school leaver with an interest in science as full training and support will be given.
Please make sure that you read the job description and person specification attached, and that your statement in support reflects this and why you want to work for Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust. Your application will be judged against this criteria.
Please note that this role may often attract a high level of applications. Please note this role may close earlier than the original closing date so please ensure you submit your application as soon as possible.
Working for our organisation
Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust ranks among the top 10 NHS Trusts nationwide and was named the second-best Trust to work for in the South East in the 2023 NHS Staff Survey.
We are a large acute hospital trust in south-east England, providing general hospital services and specialist care to around 600,000 residents in West Kent and East Sussex. With a dedicated and diverse team of over 8,000 staff we are proud to offer specialised cancer services to over two million people through the Kent Oncology Centre.
Fordcombe Hospital, near Tunbridge Wells, became part of the Trust in October 2024. Specialising in planned care, it offers two operating theatres, 28 inpatient and day-care beds, diagnostic services (X-ray, MRI, CT, and endoscopy), and consultation/treatment rooms.
Looking for flexible working?
We are a flexible working-friendly organisation. Whether it’s adjusting your hours or exploring other flexible arrangements, we want to work with you to find the best solution for you, our patients, and the Trust. Talk to us about how we can accommodate your working needs.
to hear what our staff say.
Joining us includes a comprehensive benefits package:
• At least 27 days of annual leave plus public/bank holidays (pro-rata for part-time staff).
• Membership in the NHS Pension Scheme, with a 20.6% employer contribution and life assurance benefits
• Blue Light card eligibility
• And more, additional benefits can be found in the benefits documents below
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
We’ve provided all the details you need about this role in the job description and person specification. Please take a moment to review the criteria in the person specification and share specific examples in your application that demonstrate how you meet these requirements. Please also check your application for errors/omissions prior to submission.
Please note that appointment to this post will be subject to a satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service Check at Standard Level. (Enhanced level now includes regulated checks against vulnerable adults and children). If a role involves regulated activity and requires a DBS check with a barred list check, you cannot apply if you are on the barred list.
All successful applicants will be required to complete our corporate trust induction once a start date had been agreed.
Person specification
Qualifications
Essential criteria
1. A’ level or equivalent
Desirable criteria
2. NVQ level 3 in Laboratory Support
Experience/ Knowledge
Essential criteria
3. Working as a member of a team
4. Previous laboratory experience (may be educational)
5. Interest in and awareness of science
Desirable criteria
6. Health & Safety legislation and procedures.
Skills
Essential criteria
7. Interpersonal
8. Communication
9. Command of spoken English
10. Basic computer skills
11. Organisational skills