Job summary

We are looking for a Medical Laboratory Assistant to join a friendly team in the Specimen Reception Department of Laboratory Medicine. The post holder will be expected to demonstrate flexibility and self-organisation within their work.

The MLA staff support the Biomedical Scientists (BMS) in the department, and the ability to work as a team member is important.

There is no direct training route to become a BMS.

The post will include shift work, working Monday to Sunday (including Bank Holidays). The shifts will be a mixture of days, nights, lates, and earlies, to enable us to provide a 24/7 service. Detailed information on start and finish times will be discussed at interview.

Main duties of the job

Receipt and sorting of samples into the department

Pre analytical preparation of samples

Data inputting of patient information/requests onto the laboratory computer

Telephone enquiry and results service

Assisting in the general cleanliness and tidying of the section

Routine analyser preparation and operation.

Previous experience of working in an NHS Pathology Laboratory would be advantageous, especially in the role of MLA, other laboratory experience would be considered. Previous experience of patient data inputting and any typing qualifications are desirable, but not essential. Flexible and logical approach to work, good telephone manner and a team worker are all personal qualities which are essential to this role

About us

Our benefits

We offer a range of benefits to support our staff including:

  • Access to the NHS Pension Scheme, providing generous benefits upon retirement, as well as a lump sum and pension for dependants
  • 27 days holiday rising to 33 days (depending on NHS Trust service)
  • A variety of different types of paid and unpaid leave covering emergency and planned leave
  • Confidential advice and support on personal, work, family and relationship issues, 24/7, from our Employee Assistance Programme
  • NHS Car Lease scheme and Cycle to Work scheme
  • An extensive range of learning and development opportunities
  • Discounts on restaurants, getaways, shopping, motoring, cinema and finance from a range of providers

For further information on the fantastic range of benefits we offer please visit the Trust’s dedicated Staff Benefits pages.

Date posted

18 April 2023

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 2

Salary

£21,318 a year Per annum

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

419-5221782-MLA-CG4

Job locations

York Hospital

York

YO31 8HE

Job description

Job responsibilities

A full description of the role is available in the attachment: job description.

Working for the Trust

Across our organisation, people are guided by values that were co-developed with staff: we are kind; we are open; and we pursue excellence.

Our values play into our ambition to develop a more diverse workforce, truly representative of our communities. We welcome applications from everyone, while working with our Staff Networks – including our Race Equality, LGBTQ+, Disability and Carers Networks – to increase the number of applications we receive from different backgrounds. If there is anything we can do to make our application process more accessible to you, please contact:

As part of seeking to become more inclusive, we will consider requests for flexible working from the start of your employment. It may not be suitable for every role, but we will try and be supportive where we can. We would encourage you to speak to the recruiting manager named within this advert to discuss any requirements you may have.

Armed Forces Friendly Employer

We are holders of the Gold Award from the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme, which is helping actively promote SaBRE – Supporting Britains Reservists and Employers. This means that we have made a statement of intent to support all Defence personnel, including with applications for employment.

COVID-19 Vaccination Requirements

Our Trust continues to strongly encourage our staff to be vaccinated against COVID19, this remains our best defence to protect our patients, ourselves and everyone else.

Job description

Job responsibilities

A full description of the role is available in the attachment: job description.

Working for the Trust

Across our organisation, people are guided by values that were co-developed with staff: we are kind; we are open; and we pursue excellence.

Our values play into our ambition to develop a more diverse workforce, truly representative of our communities. We welcome applications from everyone, while working with our Staff Networks – including our Race Equality, LGBTQ+, Disability and Carers Networks – to increase the number of applications we receive from different backgrounds. If there is anything we can do to make our application process more accessible to you, please contact:

As part of seeking to become more inclusive, we will consider requests for flexible working from the start of your employment. It may not be suitable for every role, but we will try and be supportive where we can. We would encourage you to speak to the recruiting manager named within this advert to discuss any requirements you may have.

Armed Forces Friendly Employer

We are holders of the Gold Award from the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme, which is helping actively promote SaBRE – Supporting Britains Reservists and Employers. This means that we have made a statement of intent to support all Defence personnel, including with applications for employment.

COVID-19 Vaccination Requirements

Our Trust continues to strongly encourage our staff to be vaccinated against COVID19, this remains our best defence to protect our patients, ourselves and everyone else.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

  • Sound general education-ideally GSCE grades A-C or equivalent in Maths and English

Desirable

  • Formal or vocational lab-based qualification eg IBMS Certificate of achievement or NVQ Level 3 or equivalent in a science related subject

Experience

Essential

  • Willingness to attend relevant courses and undertake specialist training as required

Desirable

  • previous experience of working in a Pathology laboratory

Specialist Knowledge

Essential

  • Computer literate (MS Word & Excel)
  • Aware of laboratory safety issues and maintaining patient confidentiality

Desirable

  • Previous use of blood science analysers & equipment
  • Experience of using laboratory information systems
  • Experience of internal and external laboratory quality assurance methods

Practical Skills

Essential

  • Ability to follow written instructions
  • Attention to detail
  • Good communication skills
  • Ability to organise and prioritise own workload

Desirable

  • Previous experience of undertaking analytical work in a Pathology discipline

Disposition

Essential

  • Ability to work alone or as part of a team
  • Strong interpersonal skills / amiable personality
  • Methodical approach to work and an ability to remain calm under pressure
Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

  • Sound general education-ideally GSCE grades A-C or equivalent in Maths and English

Desirable

  • Formal or vocational lab-based qualification eg IBMS Certificate of achievement or NVQ Level 3 or equivalent in a science related subject

Experience

Essential

  • Willingness to attend relevant courses and undertake specialist training as required

Desirable

  • previous experience of working in a Pathology laboratory

Specialist Knowledge

Essential

  • Computer literate (MS Word & Excel)
  • Aware of laboratory safety issues and maintaining patient confidentiality

Desirable

  • Previous use of blood science analysers & equipment
  • Experience of using laboratory information systems
  • Experience of internal and external laboratory quality assurance methods

Practical Skills

Essential

  • Ability to follow written instructions
  • Attention to detail
  • Good communication skills
  • Ability to organise and prioritise own workload

Desirable

  • Previous experience of undertaking analytical work in a Pathology discipline

Disposition

Essential

  • Ability to work alone or as part of a team
  • Strong interpersonal skills / amiable personality
  • Methodical approach to work and an ability to remain calm under pressure

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.