Job overview
*Previous applicants of 259-7389924ESEL need not apply
We are looking for a band 2 Medical Laboratory Assistant for this very busy hospital department. The duties will be varied, but we need a person who can work accurately when under pressure to meet deadlines.
We have a team of MLA’s who undertake tasks on a rotational basis. This post would suit an individual with a minimum of maths, science and English GCSE’s at A-C level. They should have common sense, an ability to follow written protocol and an interest in science.
The post will require an ability to work with human tissues of all kinds and the successful applicant must have a keen eye for detail and accuracy.
Main duties of the job
The successful candidate will rotate betwee reception where they will receive sort and number incoming samples and request forms before entering onto the Laboratory Information Management System and assist Biomedical Scientists and resident doctors at the dissection benches.
Other duties will include making up solutions, maintain stock around the department, clean and maintain laboratory equipment and collect samples from theatres and wards at The Royal London. Filing of material and the completion of paperwork on a daily basis is an intergral part of the post.
Working for our organisation
The NHS East and South East London Pathology Partnership is an arms-length organisation providing pathology services to Barts Health NHS Trust, Homerton Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust and Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust. The Pathology Partnership is hosted by Barts Health.
The Pathology Partnership was formed in May 2021. Between 2021 and 2024 the Partnership undertook a complex transformation programme to establish a single network of laboratories, underpinned by a single Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) and single Quality Management System (QMS).
The Partnership has a main hub laboratory at the Royal London Hospital and Essential Service Laboratories (ESL) as a minimum at the six other hospital sites served by the Partnership.
The Partnership has three operational divisions:
• Blood Sciences including Haematology, Blood Transfusion and Biochemistry
• Microbiology and Virology
• Cellular Pathology and Cancer Diagnostics
The 2024/25 total operating costs across the Partnership were c. £121m per annum with a workforce establishment of circa. 860 WTE.
We strive to live by our WeCare values and are committed to promoting inclusion, where every staff member has a sense of belonging. We value our differences and fully advocate, cultivate and support an inclusive working environment.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
We particularly welcome applications from Black, Asian and minority ethnic candidates as they are underrepresented within the Pathology Partnership and Barts Health at this band
We are dedicated to being an outstanding place to work and will work with you to get the best experience. We know flexible working is not a one size fits all and will mean something different to everyone. We are inclusive, so if you are interested in flexible working, please speak to the recruiting manager.
The full job description provides an overview of the key tasks and responsibilities of the role, and the person specification outlines the qualifications, skills, experience, and knowledge required. For both documents, please view the attachment/s below.
**We reserve the right to close this vacancy prior to the advertised closing date, once a sufficient number of applications has been received and we regret that we are unable to provide notification if your application is unsuccessful**
*PLEASE NOTE – WE ARE UNABLE TO PROVIDE SPONSORSHIP FOR THIS ROLE*
Following the recent update on UK immigration policy for those on a Health and Care Visa or Skilled Worker Visa, please click on the link to check your eligibility before applying for this post -
Person specification
Qualifications
Essential criteria
1. GCSE passes in English and Maths or equivalent
Desirable criteria
2. GCSE standard attained in other science subjects or equivalent
Experience
Essential criteria
3. Able to undertake VDU work As a scientific background
Desirable criteria
4. Previous computing experience or VDU work
5. Previous experience in answering and dealing with telephone enquiries
Knowledge
Essential criteria
6. Understanding the work of Pathology
Desirable criteria
7. Previous laboratory based work experience
Skills
Essential criteria
8. Able to follow and learn instructions and standard operating procedures
9. Methodical and organised Manual dexterity
10. Ability to work on own initiative
11. Polite, helpful and confident manner
Desirable criteria
12. Good keyboard skills
Personal and people development
Essential criteria
13. Can demonstrate training and courses attended outside of education
Desirable criteria
14. Previous NHS experience
Communications
Essential criteria
15. Good literacy and numeracy
16. Good communications skills
Desirable criteria
17. Previous experience in answering and dealing with telephone enquiries
Specific requirements
Essential criteria
18. Able to undertake ‘housekeeping duties’
19. Able to perform required duties with any appropriate aids or adaptations
20. Hold no reservations in handling human body fluids, tissue, organs, or infected material in accordance with Health & Safety policies.
21. The post holder must be willing to have appropriate vaccinations