Medical Laboratory Assistant; MLA

Overview

NHS Scotland is committed to encouraging equality and diversity among our workforce and eliminating unlawful discrimination. The aim is for our workforce to be truly representative and for each employee to feel respected and able to give their best. NHS Scotland welcomes applications from all sections of society.

NHS Ayrshire and Arran is one of 14 territorial NHS Boards within NHS Scotland. In support of our core purpose of Working together to achieve the healthiest life possible for everyone in Ayrshire and Arran we are committed to a culture that is Caring, Safe, and Respectful. You will be required to work collaboratively in a safe, caring and respectful way.

To find out more about NHS Ayrshire and Arran please visit our website. NHS Ayrshire & Arran – Home

An exciting opportunity has arisen for three permanent Medical laboratory Assistant (Band
3) within our Pathology Department based at Crosshouse hospital.

From 1 April 2026, the working week for NHS Agenda for Change staff in Scotland will be reduced. Full-time hours will reduce from 37 to 36 hours (pro rata for part-time staff) without loss of earnings.

2 x full time positions:
Monday to Thursday 9am – 5pm, Friday 9am – 4.30pm. 1 x 25 hrs part time post:
Monday & Tuesday 9am – 5pm, 5 hrs on a Wednesday and Thursday (can be discussed).

The department handles approximately 30 thousand requests, 33 thousand biopsy samples and 70 thousand blocks of tissue annually. We also provide a full mortuary and autopsy service to the hospitals, community and Procurator Fiscal;
Pathology services for the South West Scotland Breast Screening Service and technical support for the Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) service. We have implemented digital pathology. The Pathology department is looking for a flexible, enthusiastic and motivated individual to join our busy department. You should be organised, with excellent communication and data entry skills. You must be able to demonstrate good attention to detail, have knowledge of UKAS accreditation and laboratory experience, preferably in a Pathology Laboratory.

Job Purpose:

Outline of main tasks, duties and responsibilities of the role. This post will be in histopathology and involve all aspects of histology, cytology & digital pathology duties for this role. They will be required to undertake, and successfully complete, an MLA training programme and Healthcare Support Worker Logbook. They will be expected to perform a range of duties throughout the Department and you will provide support and assistance to Biomedical Scientist staff, receipt, sorting and data entry into LIMS for clinical specimens, scribe at dissection, deal with stock orders, maintain supplies of materials and reagents, maintenance of equipment (tissue processors, staining machines, preparation of reagents, Digital Pathology, block and slide filing).

Mortuary duties are also included in this post. Under the supervision of the senior APT, the post holder will receive, record, arrange storage and release of deceased patients. They will assist the APTs with moving and handling and other administration duties when required.

For further information on the role please view the job description.

SVQ/NVQ level 3 in Biomedical Science or other life science subject or demonstrable equivalent level of knowledge and expertise. Ability to understand basic healthcare/medical terminology. Laboratory experience and knowledge of UKAS accreditation.

If you want to find out more about the role, please contact Jane Mac Millan, Pathology Manager,

To work in the United Kingdom, there is a legal requirement for an individual to demonstrate that they have the relevant permission to work in the country. This permission is granted by the UK Visa and Immigrations Service. Further information on what NHS Scotland Boards are required to do to check this as well as what your responsibilities include can be found within the attached…