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Job summary

Main area
Pathology - Microbiology
Grade
Band 2
Contract
Permanent: Rostered Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holiday working
Hours
Full time - 37.5 hours per week (Rostered Sat, Sun and bank holidays)
Job ref
438-PB4437-A
Employer
Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Employer type
NHS
Site
Royal Preston Hospital
Town
Preston
Salary
£25,272 per annum , pro rata
Salary period
Yearly
Closing
12/08/2026 08:00

Employer heading

Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust logo

Medical Laboratory Assistant

Band 2

Job overview

Do bacteria and viruses excite you rather than repulse you? Have you ever wondered what MRSA looks like or what a fungal infection looks like under a microscope? If the answer is yes, then our friendly Microbiology team is the place for you!

In Microbiology we process a variety of patient specimens; growing organisms to diagnose infection and treat our patients quickly and efficiently. The environment is fast paced where no two days are the same. 

We offer an exciting opportunity to join our close-knit Microbiology family. The environment is busy – but you will embrace this and enjoy the challenge of working to tight turnaround times and targets. You will go home after your working day and know you have made a positive difference to patients we deal with.

You will be supported in becoming fully competent in all our testing methods by our dedicated team who are extremely hard working but have fun along the way.

We are very proud of the role we played in the rapid regional response to COVID 19, which could not have happened with out the enthusiastic and flexible response of our team.

As with the majority of healthcare we run a 24/7 service, and have a shift system to cover out of hours working including nights, weekends and bank holidays

Our team is small, friendly and looking forward to welcoming you!

Main duties of the job

You will be working in a UKAS accredited medical laboratory – working to a high standard which is evident in the quality service we give to our patients,  and ensuring the diagnosis and treatment they require.

Experience is not necessary as training is provided in all areas and your work day will vary, which is an attractive feature of the job role! From receiving specimens, to booking them on via the laboratory computer systems and processing them; this role will keep you interested and stimulated throughout the day.

You play an essential role in excellent patient care, assisting Biomedical Scientists, who identify infectious organisms and determine the best treatment.

Teamwork is important but the ability to work independently and use your initiative is a desirable attribute.

Working for our organisation

We have 10,000 fantastic people working hard to deliver quality services to our patients.  Whatever your role, you help look after 370,000 people in our local area & give specialist care to 1.5 million people across Lancashire & Cumbria.

Working with us gives you the knowledge and sense of pride that every activity you do genuinely does make a difference to support our patients & staff, ensuring we keep thriving & delivering outstanding healthcare right across our local towns.

You’ll have access to varied development opportunities, learn new skills, meet fab people & do things you’d never have done.  You’ll learn about working in a hospital, interacting with people from all different roles to build skills & enhance your career path. 

You’ll make an impact, be challenged to think differently, be bold & help innovate to keep improving things. Everything we do centres around patient care which means your role is pivotal and something really to be proud of.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Duties to include but not be limited to: 

  • Communicate effectively with clinical staff, laboratory staff and external clients regarding advice/clarification of test requests in a professional and approachable manner.
  • Answer the telephone in a clear and concise manner ensuring all results given & received are logged.
  • Assist in effective verbal and written communication
  • Communicate, as appropriate, using information technology.
  • Work flexibly and be able to work on a shift rota, covering 24 hours, seven days a week
  • Order stock from Main Stores to maintain adequate supplies of stock items.
  • Supply stock to Wards/Departments and GP practices as requested in a timely manner.
  • Check that the correct specimen, collected under appropriate conditions has been supplied for investigations requested.

Please see the job description for further details. 

 

Person specification

Qualifications

Essential criteria
  • Educated to GCSE standard, or equivalent
Desirable criteria
  • RSA II
  • NVQ2 Clinical Support

Knowledge

Essential criteria
  • Experience of working with others
  • Basic IT skills
  • Computer literate
  • General appreciation of the importance of Health & Safety issues
  • Understands the need for confidentiality
Desirable criteria
  • Previous Data Input experience
  • Previous Laboratory Experience

Employer certification / accreditation badges

Veteran AwareApprenticeships logoNo smoking policyWorkplace Wellbeing Charter LogoDisability Employment CharterArmed Forces Covenant Gold AwardDisability confident employerInclusive Top 50 LogoStep into healthHappy to Talk Flexible Working

Documents to download

Apply online now

Further details / informal visits contact

Name
Vicky Travis
Job title
Lead Biomedical Scientist
Email address
[email protected]
Telephone number
01772-522114
Additional information

An advert can only contain so many words – but we are available to answer any questions you may have regarding the role before you apply. You can contact Vicky Travis on 01772 522114

 

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