Medical Laboratory Assistant, Band 2

About

Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is committed to achieving Outstanding status and is seeking aspirational, committed individuals to make a real difference to staff and patients. The Trust operates over 100 clinical trials and studies, and provides acute, elective and specialist services to a population of more than 620,000.

Location:

Gloucestershire Royal Hospital, Great Western Road, Gloucester, GL1 3NN

Fixed term: 9 months (Maternity cover) – Part time: 22.5 hours per week

£23,615 per annum (pro rata)

Chemical Pathology

We are recruiting a Medical Laboratory Assistant to support the Chemical Pathology laboratory. The role is pivotal, providing diagnostic support to secondary and primary care NHS services, private providers, and a broad range of community sites.

• Support the Clinical Biochemistry Department with specimen workloads from both hospital sites and community locations.
• Process receipted patient specimens, recording electronically and manually with high accuracy; ensure barcoded labelling and timely transfer.
• Work on the urgent bench, miscellaneous section and referrals bench, preparing samples for analysis or storage.
• Set up and operate complex pre‑ and post‑analytical equipment (e.g., Roche 8100, SRM).
• Check sample type and volume; undertake routine maintenance and disinfection of equipment.
• Handle telephone enquiries and liaise with service users to eliminate delays in the results process.
• Maintain consumable stock, check deliveries and ensure correct storage.
• Perform clerical tasks: sample tracking logs, equipment maintenance logs, and other documentation.
• Assist in the management of waste and maintain health and safety standards.
• Participate in the duty rota for weekends and bank holidays.
• Mentor new or less experienced Medical Laboratory Assistants.
• Support the induction of new staff and maintain personal competency portfolio.

All staff must create accurate records, manage NHS records in line with the Health Record Keeping Policy, and comply with the Data Protection Act and confidentiality requirements.

The post holder will communicate face‑to‑face, by telephone, e‑mail and in writing with a wide range of health professionals and non‑health professionals, including:

• Chemical Pathology staff across both sites
• Other pathology departments
• Clinicians, GPs, nurses, and other hospital and primary care staff
• Patients
• Supplier representatives and engineers

• High workload with frequent interruptions using sophisticated equipment.
• Requirement for absolute accuracy and speed during prolonged concentration.
• Handling potentially infectious blood, body fluids and hazardous chemicals.
• Working in contaminated areas, with risk of sharps injury.
• Use of protective clothing in hot conditions.
• Repetitive movements and manual dexterity for paediatric samples.
• Limited lifting and bending; considerable standing.

The Trust encourages vaccination and offers a comprehensive benefits package, including NHS pension, annual leave, discounts, and wellbeing initiatives.

This vacancy may close as soon as sufficient applications are received. Please apply promptly if you are interested.

• Good basic education including numeracy skills.
• Demonstrated commitment to ongoing education and training.

• Advanced scientific training (e.g., science degree).

• IT literacy – Microsoft Office, Outlook, internet searches.
• Good communication skills.
• Accurate data transcription and quick work.
• Ability to work accurately and with precision.
• Availability for out‑of‑hours roster and flexible working.
• Well‑rounded personality, calm disposition, good attitude, problem‑solving, initiative.

• Experience working in a modern NHS pathology department.

• Experience in Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.

All employees must comply with the Trust's equality and diversity policies and must not discriminate against individuals or groups on the basis of age, disability, gender, marital status, membership or non‑membership of a trade union, race, religion, domestic circumstances, sexual orientation, ethnicity or national origin, social and employment status, HIV status, or other grounds that cannot be shown to be justifiable.

Successful candidates may be required to pay for their own Disclosure and Barring Service check (cost £29 or £46). For further information contact [email protected]