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Job summary

Main area
Pathology
Grade
AfC Band 2
Contract
Permanent
Hours
Full time - 37.5 hours per week
Job ref
384-AR-EMF20746-B2
Employer
Royal Surrey NHS Foundation Trust
Employer type
NHS
Site
Royal Surrey NHS Foundation Trust
Town
Guildford
Salary
£26,618 per annum pro rata includes HCAS
Salary period
Yearly
Closing
08/07/2026 23:59

Employer heading

Royal Surrey NHS Foundation Trust logo

Specimen Reception Medical Laboratory Assistant

AfC Band 2

Job overview

We have an opportunity for an energetic, enthusiastic and well-motivated individual to join the Molecular Diagnostics Department at the Royal Surrey Foundation Trust for a full-time, permanent position.
The Department is part of Berkshire and Surrey Pathology Services (BSPS); an organisation providing high quality pathology services for five health Trusts across the region. 
The job advertised here is to assist in the provision of the molecular diagnostics service, through receiving and triaging samples to ensure they are accurately booked into the hospital database or when necessary, they reach the correct reference laboratories for testing.

We are looking for someone who is proactive, has a keen eye for detail and works well in a team environment. Key responsibilities will include receipt of specimens, labelling and checking specimens and entering patient data accurately onto the Hospital database. 


Full training will be given, no previous laboratory experience is necessary.

Main duties of the job

The position is in the specimen reception of the molecular diagnostics laboratory, managed by Berkshire and Surrey Pathology Services (BSPS). BSPS is a large and established pathology network operating across Royal Berkshire, Royal Surrey, Frimley Health, Ashford and St Peter’s Hospitals and Surrey and Sussex NHS Trusts.

The post holder will work within a laboratory environment. The post holder will be expected to assist in the preparation of analytical work by receiving, labelling and entering pathology specimen requests onto the laboratory computer system under supervision of a team leader and dispatching samples to reference laboratories as required. Flexible working hours can be discussed.

Working for our organisation

Royal Surrey is a compassionate and collaborative acute and community Trust. Recognising that our 5,000 colleagues are our greatest strength, we offer a comprehensive health and wellbeing programme alongside a strong commitment to developing your career. Our diverse and welcoming Royal Surrey family ensures you feel valued from your initial interview and throughout your time with us.

We are clinically led and provide joined-up care by bridging hospital and community services, alongside delivering regional specialist cancer care. Our main acute hospital site is in Guildford, with community sites at Milford, Haslemere and Cranleigh, and services delivered in patients’ homes across Guildford and Waverley.

We work in partnership with Ashford & St Peter’s Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust through a collaborative Group Model, supporting joined-up services, workforce flexibility and development opportunities.

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) has rated us as Outstanding. We are proud of our achievements and continue to invest in our people and infrastructure.

To learn more about life at Royal Surrey, please watch our short video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R96pMboIYdo

Adverts may close early, so you are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

•    To receive and deal with molecular and genetic requests and samples received from across the BSPS network.
•    To deal with the reception of samples.
•    To accurately enter patient details into the hospital database.
•    To label and prepare samples for analysis in the laboratory.
•    To undertake the filing and dispatch of patient reports and samples
•    To deal with telephone enquiries in a professional manner.
•    To ensure all duties are performed to maintain the quality of the work within the department.
•    To follow Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) at all times 
•    To communicate with pathology staff, hospital staff, porters, drivers and couriers
•    To accurately perform any other additional duties and tasks of an MLA in a specialist department.

Person specification

Qualifications

Essential criteria
  • GCSEs or equivalent in Science subjects.
Desirable criteria
  • A levels or equivalent in science subjects

Knowledge

Desirable criteria
  • Previous laboratory experience.
  • Understanding of Health and Safety issues incl COSHH.
  • Previous work within the NHS.
  • Data Entry experience (Winpath).
  • Knowledge of DNA extraction methods.
  • Experience with PCR.

Employer certification / accreditation badges

Veteran AwareNo smoking policyMenopause Friendly EmployerArmed Forces Covenant Gold AwardWe offer Wagestream - A financial wellbeing benefit which lets you access your pay as you earn it.Disability confident committedStep into healthWe Work Flexibly

Documents to download

Apply online now

Further details / informal visits contact

Name
Pierre Foskett
Job title
Laboratory Manager
Email address
[email protected]
Telephone number
01483 571122
Additional information

If after viewing the job description you have any questions, would like further information or to arrange an informal visit, please contact Pierre Foskett, Laboratory Manager, on 01483 571122 ext 2183 or email: [email protected]

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