Job summary
- Main area
- Microbiology
- Grade
- NHS AfC: Band 3
- Contract
- Permanent
- Hours
- Full time - 37.5 hours per week (Monday to Friday, 7.50 hours each day)
- Job ref
- 374-EDCG0226
- Employer
- East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust
- Employer type
- NHS
- Site
- Eastbourne District General Hospital
- Town
- Eastbourne
- Salary
- £24,937 - £26,598 per annum, pro rata
- Salary period
- Yearly
- Closing
- 15/04/2026 23:59
Employer heading
Pathology Assistant
NHS AfC: Band 3
We are proud to provide ‘Outstanding’ care and be a great place to work.
East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust provides safe, compassionate and high quality hospital and community care to the half a million people living in East Sussex and those who visit our local area.
We are one of the largest organisations in East Sussex with an annual income of £700 million and we are the only integrated provider of acute and community care in Sussex.
Our extensive health services are provided by over 8,000+ dedicated members of staff working from two acute hospitals in Hastings and Eastbourne, three community hospitals in Bexhill, Rye and Uckfield, over 100 community sites across East Sussex, and in people’s own homes.
The Care Quality Commission (CQC) rated us as ‘Good’ overall, and ‘Outstanding’ for being Caring and Effective. The Conquest Hospital in Hastings and our Community Services were rated ‘Outstanding’ and Eastbourne DGH was rated ‘Good’ Our two acute hospitals have Emergency Departments and provide 24 hour a day care, offering a comprehensive range of surgical, medical, outpatient and maternity services, supported by a full range of diagnostic and therapy services.
Job overview
Pathology Assistant (PA) staff have a supporting role in the work of the laboratory and will move through different areas of the department according to a rota.
Their role will include unpacking, sorting, booking-in and processing of
patient samples. They will assist Biomedical Scientist staff by carrying
out non-interpretative laboratory procedures. They will prepare
reagents for use in the laboratory, run autoclaves, liaise with wards and
GP surgeries, and perform general housekeeping tasks. PA staff will
be trained in-house to perform these and other duties, and to trouble shoot when required.
Main duties of the job
In this role you will be carrying out non-interpretive laboratory procedures, entering data onto our systems, booking-in and handling patient samples, packing specimens, preparing reagents and performing analytical procedures such as urine testing. You will also be providing information to colleagues and service users, gained through knowledge of medical terminology and laboratory procedures and requirements.
Working for our organisation
A wide range of staff benefits are available to our staff including staff development, enrolment in the NHS pension scheme, auto-enrolment to our Temporary Workforce Service, access to onsite nurseries. staff restaurants and accommodation.
In addition to an internal Occupational Health department, all staff also have access to free psychological support through our confidential Employee Assistance Programme. Onsite parking is available from only £50 a year.
There has never been a better time to join East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust, submit your application today.
Statement on the Use of AI
We value the individuality that each candidate brings to the application process. While we understand that AI tools are widely available, we strongly discourage applicants from using AI-generated content when applying for jobs with us. We believe that your application should reflect your true skills, experiences, and motivations, which are best conveyed through your own words and unique perspective.
Using AI for your application may not accurately represent your knowledge, skills, and experience and may result in a disconnect between your qualifications and our assessment of your application.
We encourage applicants to take the time to thoughtfully complete their applications; by doing so, you allow us to better understand your true potential and ensure a fair and transparent evaluation of your application. Over reliance on AI-generated content may diminish your chance of success.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Please refer to the job description attached.
If you have any questions about this position please do not hesitate to contact us.
Person specification
Qualifications / Training
Essential criteria
- Good level of education 5 GCSE Passes (A-C)
- NVQ 3 level qualification in relevant subject or equivalent level of experience and knowledge
Desirable criteria
- A Level in Science
- Typing qualification
Experience
Essential criteria
- Quick learner who can take on a variety of tasks
- Able to work both in a team and under own initiative
- Previous experience of planning and prioritise a variety of tasks.
Desirable criteria
- Experience working in a laboratory environment
Skills / Knowledge / Abilities
Essential criteria
- Good literacy and numeracy skills
- Good command of spoken and written English.
- Capable of working under pressure and in challenging working environments
- Able to handle moderate physical work
- Conscientious and capable of working with minimum supervision.
- Accepts responsibility whilst recognising limits
- Willing to work flexibly as part of a team.
- Good keyboard and IT skills including knowledge of Microsoft Office – Word, Excel and Outlook
- Able to take instruction.
- Able to communicate clearly, both verbally and in writing.
Desirable criteria
- Good knowledge of Health and Safety issues.
- Knowledge of laboratory techniques
Employer certification / accreditation badges
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Application numbers
Documents to download
Further details / informal visits contact
- Name
- Steve Moran
- Job title
- Lead Biomedical Scientist
- Email address
- [email protected]
- Telephone number
- 03001314680
- Additional information
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