Job vacancy: Medical Laboratory Assistant, The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, Sutton

Job summary

Main area: Clinical Genomics
Grade: NHS AfC: Band 3
Contract: Permanent
Hours: Full time - 37.5 hours per week
Job ref: 282-SA1224

Employer: The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust
Employer type: NHS
Site: The Royal Marsden Hospital
Town: Sutton
Salary: £29,651 - £31,312 per annum
Salary period: Yearly
Closing: 16/02/2026 23:59

Medical Laboratory Assistant

NHS AfC: Band 3

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

For further information please refer to the Job Description & Person Specification

• To collect different types of biological samples from the main Pathology laboratories, minor procedures, theatres, and switchboard during the day, including late samples, and maintaining all relevant audit trails.

Specimen reception: receipt and checking of samples against request forms, liaising with clinical staff regarding labelling errors, identifying and taking appropriate action with high risk specimens and dealing with leaking/damaged samples. Sort samples for processing.

• Accurate data entry and clerical work: Using the LIMS and laboratory database to book in samples (internal and external to the hospital) using clinical information provided, maintaining paper and electronic data records.

• To use laboratory equipment for preparation of samples and reagents. Monitor safety, performance and temperature range of equipment and advise scientific staff of any deviation from norm.

• COSHH and waste disposal: to be able to handle and dispose of all waste (chemical, clinical, sharps and domestic) appropriately and safely, following Trust/ ICR and national regulations.

• To assist with the storage of confidential files.

• To ensure that statutory UKAS and Trust requirements for record keeping of results are met by validation or verification of technology and reports as required.

• To perform all duties with high accuracy and attention to detail.

Person specification

Education/Qualifications

Essential criteria

Minimum of GCSEs (or equivalent) in English, Mathematics, and Science (Grade C/4 or above)
Evidence of further education in a scientific discipline (e.g., A-levels or BTEC in science-related subject)

Desirable criteria

Degree or equivalent in a biological science

Education/Qualifications

Desirable criteria

Evidence of ongoing Continuing Professional Development (CPD)

Experience

Essential criteria

Experience of data entry and use of Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS)
Basic understanding of genetics and molecular biology

Desirable criteria

Experience with handling biological samples
Experience working in a laboratory or technical healthcare environment
Awareness of Health and Safety, COSHH, and waste disposal regulations
Experience with sample triage, processing, and sendaway

Skills & Abilities

Essential criteria

Excellent attention to detail and high level of accuracy
Strong organisational and time management skills
Ability to work under pressure and manage conflicting priorities
Ability to follow complex procedures and protocols precisely
Effective written and verbal communication
Ability to handle sensitive/confidential data appropriately
Competent in the use of MS Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook)
Ability to work independently and within a team

Personal Qualities

Essential criteria

Self-motivated and proactive
Willingness to learn and undertake further training
Flexible and adaptable
Professional attitude and commitment to maintaining high standards
Demonstrates respect, compassion, and teamwork

The Royal Marsden values diversity and is committed to the recruitment and retention of underrepresented minority groups. We particularly welcome applications from Black, Asian and minority ethnic candidates, LGBTQ+ candidates and candidates with disabilities.

As a Disability Confident Employer, we are working to create a workplace that enables all staff to reach their full potential. We are committed to this because we know that greater diversity and inclusion will lead to an even greater positive impact for the people we serve.

Due to the high volumes of applications we receive, we reserve the right to close any adverts before the published closing date once we have received a sufficient number of applications. We advise you to submit your application as early as possible to prevent disappointment. Please ensure your information is accurate to avoid errors with processing your application

All applicants will be contacted by email to the address supplied on your application. Applicants are advised to check their email accounts regularly and to ensure that email filters are set to allow our emails.

Flu Vaccination – What We Expect of our Staff

At The Royal Marsden we have an immune compromised patient population who we must protect as much as we can against the flu virus. Each year, seasonal flu affects thousands of people in the UK. Occurring mainly in winter, it is an infectious respiratory disease capable of producing symptoms ranging from those similar to a common cold, through to very severe or even fatal disease.

The wellbeing of our staff and patients is of the upmost importance to us, and it is the expectation of The Royal Marsden that all patient-facing staff have an annual flu vaccination, provided free of charge by the Trust.