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Job summary

Main area
Laboratory Medicine
Grade
Band 3
Contract
Fixed term: 12 months (X1 permanent post also available)
Hours
Full time - 37.5 hours per week (Various shifts including nights and weekends)
Job ref
387-DT4728-MF
Employer
Bristol NHS Foundation Trust
Employer type
NHS
Site
Bristol Royal Infirmary
Town
Bristol
Salary
£25,760 - £27,476 pa
Salary period
Yearly
Closing
15/11/2026 23:59

Employer heading

Bristol NHS Foundation Trust logo

Medical Laboratory Assistant

Band 3

North Bristol NHS Trust (NBT) and University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust (UHBW) have merged as of 1st July 2026 to become Bristol NHS Foundation Trust. This will create an exciting future that brings together the best of both organisations. As a single, strong and sustainable organisation, we will not only be able to deliver better outcomes for our patients and fairer care for our population, but it will also provide greater opportunities for our people.

Bristol NHS Foundation Trust recognise the value of a healthy work-life balance. When applying, speak to us about how we might be able to accommodate flexible working, so your work life fits around your home life.

We particularly welcome applications from Black, Asian and minority ethnic candidates as they are under-represented within the Trust.

Our job adverts may close as soon as sufficient applications have been received. Considering this, if you are interested in this role, please do apply as soon as you can.

Generative artificial intelligence (AI) describes algorithms that can be used to produce new content, including audio, code, images, text, simulations, and videos. It is developing all the time and is now being used as a support mechanism for all kinds of content-based creations. Please note the use of AI is monitored and if applicants have used it then they are required to declare this.


 

Job overview

The post holder will be part of a team providing a diagnostic Blood Sciences service to the Trust.

The team comprises Medical Laboratory Assistants (MLA), Associate Practitioners (APs), Biomedical Scientists (BMSs), Healthcare Scientists, Clinical Scientists, clerical staff and Medical staff. In addition, he/she will interact with other staff in the Directorate, especially portering staff. 
 
The post holder will be an important part of the Laboratory Medicine team, working within Specimen Reception, Haematology and Clinical Biochemistry. The post holder will take part in the shift rota which includes weekend and night shifts. 
 
The post holder will contribute to the diagnosis and treatment of patients within the hospital by providing technical and data entry assistance to the Biomedical Scientists and other Departmental 
staff. 
 
The post holder will perform a number of healthcare science technical activities including undertaking biomedical investigations on a range of body fluids under the supervision of a Health and Care Professions Council registered practitioner. 

We have X 1 fixed term (12 month) position and X 1 substantive position available. 

Main duties of the job

The post holder will be an important part of the Laboratory Medicine team, working within Specimen  Reception, Haematology and Clinical Biochemistry. The post holder will take part in the shift rota which 
includes weekend and night shifts.

Main Duties and Responsibilities 

  • Collecting, sorting, prioritising and processing of samples in a busy environment while maintaining good working relationships with colleagues and service users.
  • Specimen reception – activation of requests and checking that request forms and specimens are labelled according to laboratory policy.
  • Under supervision, analysis of samples received for testing. 
    Storing of samples following completion of analysis into the appropriate storage system.
  • Use of laboratory information management system (LIMS).
  • Use of software packages including word processing, spreadsheets and databases to enter data on a daily basis.
  • Use of the document management system.
  • To observe all applicable safety regulations and attend any mandatory and statutory training as required.
  • To undertake such training as necessary to enhance and to improve performance within the Department.
  • To respond professionally to incoming telephone calls.
  • To liaise regularly with section heads/seniors to ensure the smooth running of the sections.
  • To attend formal staff meetings as and when appropriate.
  • To be formally appraised on annual basis.
  • Other duties as directed by the Department Manager or technical staff.

Working for our organisation

Bristol NHS Foundation Trust brings together more than 28,000 staff to deliver over 160 clinical services across thirteen hospital locations, operating from three main sites at Southmead, Bristol city centre and Weston.  

With an annual turnover of £2.3 billion, we are now one of the largest NHS trusts in the United Kingdom. Our hospitals are spread across Bristol and Weston, join us and you can enjoy the very best of both worlds; city living within a stone’s throw of the countryside or beside the seaside, both with easy access to all that the South West has to offer.  

 Bristol NHS Foundation Trust values all people as individuals. As an equal opportunities employer actively working towards a diverse workforce we aim to recruit and retain a workforce which represents the rich diversity of the local population at all levels and are committed to designing our services around the needs of individual patients and those around them. Anonymous information will be used from your application in order to ensure we’re meeting our pledge. 

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

The post holder will be an important part of the Laboratory Medicine team, working within Specimen  Reception, Haematology and Clinical Biochemistry. The post holder will take part in the shift rota which 
includes weekend and night shifts. 

For a more detailed job description, main responsibilities, and Person Specification, please refer to the job description document attached to this vacancy.

Person specification

To be evidenced at either APPLICATION (A), INTERVIEW (I)

Essential criteria
  • Education and qualifications: At least five GCSE’s grade C (level 4) or above to include English, Mathematics and Science
  • Strong communication skills (A, I)
  • Keyboard skills
  • Ability to learn and use PC laboratory software packages after training
  • Ability to organise own work
  • Ability to prioritise work as required
  • Ability to work under pressure and to deadline
Desirable criteria
  • Work experience in a laboratory
  • Experience in a customer service role

Employer certification / accreditation badges

Trust IDDisability Confident - two yearsVeteran AwareApprenticeships logoNo smoking policyAge positiveCare quality commission - GoodMindful employer.  Being positive about mental health.Disability confident employerNHS Pastoral CareStep into healthMenopause Workplace PledgeDefence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) - GoldPride In Veterans

Application numbers

Our job adverts may close as soon as sufficient applications have been received. Considering this, if you are interested in this role, please do apply as soon as you can.

Documents to download

Apply online now

Further details / informal visits contact

Name
Jose Luis Gil Gracia
Job title
Specimen Reception and MLA Manager
Email address
[email protected]
Additional information

Carolyn Perry, [email protected]

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