Band 3 Medical Laboratory Assistant

Job summary

University Hospitals Birmingham (UHB) is one of the largest teaching hospital trusts in England. We are seeking enthusiastic Medical Laboratory Assistants (MLAs) to join our Pathology teams within Microbiology and Molecular Pathology. Full-time and part-time opportunities are available.

Recruitment process: *Online assessment: 20/08 to 23/08 (following shortlisting) *Interviews: 31/08 or 01/09 (for successful candidates) In Microbiology, the role is laboratory based and involves supporting diagnostic testing by receiving, sorting, labelling, and preparing patient specimens, maintaining records, resolving sample issues, data entry, telephone enquiries, and communication of results to clinicians and other healthcare workers.

The post holder may also be required to operate specialist laboratory equipment. In Molecular Pathology, the role is primarily administrative, supporting one of Europe's largest solid tumour genetic profiling services.

Duties include specimen reception and booking-in, maintaining accurate records and supporting the movement of samples through the diagnostic pathway. Strong organisational, communication and data-entry skills are essential.

In both areas, you will work with standard operating procedures, you will manage routine enquiries, escalate non-routine issues appropriately, support training of staff and contribute ideas to improve ways of working within the laboratory. Previous laboratory or healthcare support experience is desirable but not essential.

Main duties of the job To safely handle, use and dispose of biological samples. To receive, check conditions and record details of incoming goods. To collect, receive, sort, check patient and request details, label and process and where appropriate, dispatch patient samples in line with departmental procedure.

To book in and register specimens on the laboratory information system, supporting Specimen Reception within Microbiology or the Molecular Pathology Diagnostic Service (MPDS) as applicable to the post. To report to the relevant supervisor or manager any errors or incidents in line with departmental procedure.

Prepare reagents according to standard operating procedures as directed by a supervisor or manager (Microbiology). Perform a range of laboratory tests following standard operating procedures that require speed, accuracy and good hand-eye co-ordination (Microbiology).

Perform daily housekeeping duties, for example tidying and cleaning benches and work areas, cleaning, decontamination and maintenance of laboratory equipment (Microbiology). Perform monitoring and recording of equipment, for example temperature monitoring, and inform a supervisor or manager of any non-conformances.

Demonstrate an understanding of automated instruments and equipment, with maintenance and problem-solving being crucial (Microbiology). Undertake accurate data entry, filing and administrative tasks to maintain patient and specimen records on laboratory systems (Molecular Pathology).

About us

University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust strives to have an inclusive culture where everyone feels like they belong, can thrive, knows that they add value and feels valued.

We do this by developing compassionate and culturally competent leaders, being values driven in all that we do and by creating a welcoming and inclusive workplace that thrives on the diversity of our people.

As such we want to attract and recruit talented individuals from all backgrounds, and for each of you to feel supported for the diversity you bring, to achieve your full potential.

For those staff with a disability, including physical disability, long term health condition, mental health or neurodiverse condition, this also means being committed to making reasonable adjustments needed for you to carry out your role.

Job description

Job responsibilities *Please Note :

For a detailed job description for this vacancy, please see attached Job Description* Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential Education to GCSE in English and Maths. NVQ level 3 or equivalent. Desirable Completion of a medical laboratory assistant competency portfolio or evidence of laboratory working and competency Experience Essential Awareness of National Health Service.

Awareness of the role of Medical Laboratories. Awareness of Health and Safety issues Desirable Experience of working in clinical laboratories Experience of laboratory techniques and automation Experience of dealing with the public or customer care Additional Criteria Essential Able to work as part of a team.

Good verbal and written communication. Keyboard and mouse skills (word, excel). Manual dexterity and hand -- eye coordination Expected to participate in all out of hours periods as required by service provision.

Ability to handle blood and other bodily fluid samples.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.