Job summary
- Main area
- Microbiology (Bacteriology)
- Grade
- Band 2
- Contract
- Permanent
- Hours
- Part time - 25 hours per week (this is only for late shift from 5pm to 10pm)
- Job ref
- 151-SL0498
- Employer
- Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust
- Employer type
- NHS
- Site
- Frimley Park Hospital
- Town
- Camberley
- Salary
- £17,179 per annum incl HCAS
- Salary period
- Yearly
- Closing
- 30/11/2025 23:59
Employer heading
Medical laboratory Assistant
Band 2
Job overview
The NHS is seeking a permanent part-time Medical Laboratory Assistant (MLA) for a late shift role (5pm–10pm, Monday to Friday) in the Microbiology (Bacteriology) Department at Frimley Park Hospital.
This is an exciting opportunity to join the largest NHS-led Pathology Service in the UK.
The successful candidate will be energetic, well-organised, and possess a solid scientific background, with a strong attention to detail and good communication skills.
Good keyboard skills are desirable, and a reliable, team-oriented attitude is essential.
The role involves embracing new working methods and developing knowledge and skills, with support provided for career growth.
The MLA may occasionally work at the Wexham Park Hospital site to meet service and training needs.
The position requires flexibility to participate in the shift system, which ensures working time compliance.
Main duties of the job
- The main duties of the Medical Laboratory Assistant (MLA) in the Bacteriology Department include assisting in the preparation of analytical work across various department areas under the supervision of a Registered Biomedical Scientist (BMS).
- The postholder will be expected to follow Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) meticulously for all tasks performed.
- Key responsibilities involve communicating effectively with pathology and hospital staff, as well as porters, drivers, and couriers.
- The MLA will support BMS staff by sorting, numbering, and entering data into the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS).
- The role also includes safely operating waste disposal systems and autoclaves within the department.
- The diagnostic work involves processing samples such as blood, cerebrospinal fluid, urine, faeces, sputum, tissues, and various secretions.
- These samples are then tested for the presence of pathogens, including bacterial, fungal, and parasitic organisms.
Working for our organisation
Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust is committed to being an inclusive and disability confident employer and has been awarded the Gold for the Armed Forces Employment Recognition Scheme. We provide first class development opportunities for all staff and have a wide range of professional, management and leadership, and clinical skills training available.
Here at Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust, we know how important it is to have a healthy work life balance; this benefits not only individuals but the patients we care for too.
We encourage applications from people who wish to work on a flexible basis, recognising that flexibility may mean a range of different working patterns and hours, we do our utmost to work with our staff to meet their needs and the needs of our service and its users.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
- The main responsibilities of the Medical Laboratory Assistant (MLA) include.
- Keeping the laboratory manager informed of all issues related to laboratory procedures and assisting in the smooth running of the department.
- Collaborating with BMS staff to ensure that workload is processed efficiently and within designated timeframes.
- Demonstrating excellent communication and team-working abilities, contributing to a positive, effective work environment.
- Working as part of a team to meet departmental performance targets by consistently assessing and prioritizing tasks.
- Attending mandatory training courses and completing necessary programmes to achieve competence in all areas of the role under supervision.
- Assisting with departmental tasks under the supervision of laboratory managers, team leaders, and BMS staff, always adhering to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
- Ensuring the safety of staff, visitors, and the department by adhering to Risk Assessments, COSHH, and Local Rules, and reporting any potential risks to the laboratory manager.
- Performing other reasonable tasks as requested by senior staff, contributing to the overall functioning of the department.
For further information regarding the detailed job description and main responsibilities, please refer to the attached job description and person specification documents.
Person specification
Qualifications
Essential criteria
- 4 GCSE to include English and Maths.
- Willing to undergo relevant training
- Possess basic IT skills
Desirable criteria
- Interest in working to higher level of qualification
Experience
Essential criteria
- Able to perform technically challenging procedures where applicable
- Ability to develop knowledge and understanding of microbiology techniques sufficient to undertake specimen processing and reception.
Desirable criteria
- Some experience of diagnostic microbiology
Skills and Knowledge
Essential criteria
- Able to understand and follow Standard Operating Procedures
- Ability to follow laboratory H&S practice
- Ability to perform basic mathematical calculations
Desirable criteria
- Understanding of need for service quality
- Observant of detail, ability to make basic judgement decisions
Special Requirements
Essential criteria
- Able to travel between sites.
Employer certification / accreditation badges
Application numbers
Documents to download
Further details / informal visits contact
- Name
- Marcial Navarro
- Job title
- Site Lead Biomedical Scientist
- Email address
- [email protected]
- Telephone number
- 03006136958
- Additional information
Or contact:
Catriona Steele
Site Lead Biomedical Scientist
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