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Job summary

Main area
Haematology
Grade
NHS AfC: Band 4
Contract
Fixed term: 6 months (FTC until : 13 July 2026)
Hours
Full time - 37.5 hours per week
Job ref
282-SA986
Employer
The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust
Employer type
NHS
Site
The Royal Marsden Sutton
Town
Sutton
Salary
£32,199 - £34,876 per annum
Salary period
Yearly
Closing
14/11/2025 23:59

Employer heading

The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust logo

MLA Team Leader

NHS AfC: Band 4

Job overview

We’re seeking an enthusiastic and experienced Blood Science MLA Supervisor to join our dedicated team in Sutton. This is a Band 4, 6-month fixed-term position, ideal for someone with experience working in a laboratory specimen reception or similar environment who is ready to take the next step in their career. While primarily based in Sutton, occasional cross-site working may be required.

The Blood Sciences Department at The Royal Marsden receives over 250,000 samples each year. We are a multi-cultural, dynamic team working in specimen reception with friendly, motivated, and passionate about supporting both patients and staff. Our laboratory is equipped with state-of-the-art technology, and we work in collaboration with our supplier; sysmex, ortho, Thermofisher and Bio-rad among other analytical platforms.

The department provides an exceptional environment for growth, with opportunities to rotate across the different Blood Science disciplines to ensure continuous development, knowledge sharing, and professional progression.

Why Join Us?
•    Innovate and Lead: Work with cutting-edge technology in a UKAS-accredited laboratory operating under ISO 15189:2022.
•    Expand Your Expertise: Contribute to a high-performing team supporting quality, training, and continuous service improvement.
•    Be Part of Progress: Support the Blood Sciences Laboratory team as we implement new technology, IT systems and analytical upgrades.

Main duties of the job

The Clinical Pathology Department provides diagnostic services for the Trust, primarily focusing on Blood Sciences. The post-holder will perform administrative, technical, and quality assurance duties, primarily supporting the Biomedical Scientists and Section Leads. 
The post-holder will perform a range of tasks to support the Biomedical Scientists in the provision of a high-quality service to our patients. The post holder will organise and receive samples ensuring they are processed in a timely manner, including samples analysed on site and referred to other laboratories. 

Working for our organisation

The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust is a world-leading cancer centre. Our role is to offer our patients the best cancer care available anywhere in the world, and to continue to make a global contribution to finding better ways of diagnosing and treating cancer. We employ over 4,500 staff in a diverse range of careers including nursing, medical, science, radiography, pharmacy, occupational therapy, finance and administrative services. We have two hospitals – one in Chelsea, London, and one in Sutton, Surrey – as well as a Medical Daycare Unit in Kingston Hospital.

At The Royal Marsden, we deal with cancer every day, so we understand how valuable life is. When people entrust their lives to us, they have the right to demand the very best. That's why the pursuit of excellence lies at the heart of everything we do.

At the heart of the hospital is our dedicated team. We offer a stimulating and dynamic working environment, a wide range of staff benefits, learning and development opportunities and clear career pathways. There are opportunities to work flexibly across a range of areas and specialities and we welcome flexible working requests from point of hire to support employees work life balance. We are looking for employees who aspire to excellence, share our values and can play a crucial role in our on-going achievements.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

For further information on this role, please see the attached detailed Job Description and Person Specification.

Supervisory Duties
•    Supervise MLA staff, including:
o    Supervise, carry out and assign MLA team activities and duties in all specimen reception areas to ensure workflow turnaround time (TAT) targets are achieved.
o    Conducting performance reviews and appraisals in line with Trust policy
o    Allocating work and assisting with recruitment, selection, and training
o    Providing training and competency assessments for new MLA and Biomedical Scientist staff in Pathology Reception
o    Be a role model demonstrating good communication and ensuring robust and open communication with MLA staff through regular huddles. 
o    Provide instructions to the rest of the MLA team which includes Front Office area regarding daily duties
o    Document staff weekly rotas to ensure service delivery is maintained at all times
o    To manage staff rotas on Health Roster and ensure they are accurate and up to date.

Person specification

Education/Qualifications

Essential criteria
  • Good general education. GCSE grade C or higher in English and Maths. A levels or equivalent relevant experience.
Desirable criteria
  • ECDL or equivalent
  • BSc (Hons) or equivalent qualification

Experience

Essential criteria
  • Previous experience in a laboratory role
  • Experience of MS Excel and MS Word, including creating and using spreadsheets
Desirable criteria
  • Experience of working in a Blood Transfusion department or NHS organisation
  • Understanding of Good Manufacturing Principles in hospital blood banks.
  • Knowledge of Quality Management Systems
  • Experience of using a blood tracking application
  • Able to perform basic training

Skills Abilities/knowledge

Essential criteria
  • Ability to write clearly and concisely
  • Able to work to deadlines
  • Ability to express themselves clearly and communicate information
  • Attention to detail
Desirable criteria
  • Demonstrates proactive approach to problem solving

Employer certification / accreditation badges

Trust IDApprenticeships logoLondon Living Wage is a voluntary commitment made by employers, who can become accredited with the Living Wage FoundationArmed Forces Covenant Gold AwardDisability confident employerCare quality commission - OutstandingStep into health

Documents to download

Apply online now

Further details / informal visits contact

Name
Iris Valera Larios
Job title
Blood Science Manager
Email address
[email protected]

If you have problems applying, contact

Address
Recruitment Support Team
Telephone
01629 690825
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