BHSCT - Band 4 Medical Laboratory Assistant

Job details

• Branch: Belfast HSCT
• Location: RMDS TOWER BLOCK
• Salary: Band 4 (£27,485 - £30,162)
• Contract Type: Permanent
• Opening Date: 27/07/26
• Closes: Tue, 11 August 2026 @ 4:30 PM
• Interview Dates: TBC

Notes

We accept online applications only. “A waiting list may be created for similar posts that may arise while the waiting list is live, this may include temporary or part-time posts. This will be managed in line with the updated HSC waiting list principles effective from 1 April 2026”. Where a part-time waiting list is required, one part-time waiting list will be created- regardless of any specific hours advertised, this waiting list will cover all future vacancies where part-time posts arise. A part-time post is defined as any post that has less than 37.5 hours per week.” Please remember to save or print a copy of the job description before submitting your application, as it will not be accessible afterwards. Flexible Working We welcome flexible working requests from day one. All HSC organisations offer a range of flexible working options. The options available for this post will depend on the requirements of the role. Find out more about flexible working options on our website.

JOB DESCRIPTION

POST: Medical Laboratory Assistant

BAND: 4

DIRECTORATE: Cancer and Specialist Services

LOCATION: Molecular Diagnostics Service, Belfast Trust Laboratories, BHSCT

REPORTS TO: Operational Managers, Molecular Diagnostics Service

RESPONSIBLE TO: Molecular Diagnostics Laboratory Manager

Job Summary

To maintain the operations of the RMDS laboratory in supporting Genetic Technologists, Operational Managers and Clinical Scientists by performing pre analytical preparation, equipment maintenance and post-analytical duties.

Main Duties & Responsibilities

For each of the following, the postholder will;

Receive & sort samples and record relevant information regarding transport conditions according to SOPs.

Use all aspects of the laboratory computer system relating to sample registration, examination and post examination.

Undake the routine and non -routine preparation and examination of samples received in the laboratory, according to SOPs & methods.

Extract and quantify DNA from patient samples e.g. blood, amnio, tissue, saliva and FFPE.

Slide preparation, G banding, sample processing and tissue culture.

Liaise with the Operational Managers/Senior Genetic Technologists and Clinical Scientists in relation to daily workload.

Prepare and coordinate requests that are to be sent to referral laboratories for testing.

Ensure all equipment / analysers required for technical and practical aspects of delivering a comprehensive lab service are maintained according to established lab procedures & manufacturer’s recommendations.

Assist with the preparation & processing of samples for Internal Quality Control. (IQC), Uncertainty of Measurement (UOM) and External Quality Assurance schemes (EQAS).

On completion of analysis, present results/data for authorisation and verification to the relevant scientist.

Be competent in the performance of tests and investigations undertaken after appropriate training and competency assessment.

Appropriate storage and handling of patient samples.

Participate in stock checks to ensure that there is sufficient stock in the laboratory to allow timely sample processing. Process orders for the laboratories.

Work accurately and for periods where there is the requirement for prolonged concentration. Tasks require a high degree of manual dexterity and high level of hand to eye coordination as work is highly intricate. Tasks also may involve repetitive motions when processing samples.

Supervise other MLA staff and assist in training of other RMDS colleagues.

Work in a safe manner in accordance with the Laboratory’s Health and Safety Policies.

Participate in general laboratory cleaning, disinfection duties and waste disposal.

Contribute to the care, maintenance and security of the laboratory premises and equipment.

Assist with virus protection of computers, through understanding of the Trust’s IT policies.

Answer telephone queries.

Assist in the review of laboratory documents in support of assessment by UKAS.

Report incidences to senior staff members.

Maintain confidentiality (of sample results) in accordance with the Data Protection Act.

Undertake filing request forms and other clerical duties (e.g. photocopying); photographic recording of samples (as required) and their electronic storage.

Perform any other duties required by the line manager commensurate with grade.

Participate in Continuous Professional Development in line with KSF and work towards gaining further knowledge through certificate level training and short courses. This will be done through Personal Contribution Plan & Annual Staff Development review.

Staff member will be expected to work within the agreed operational hours of the laboratory and where necessary out of hours to facilitate the process of urgent specimens.

Take a flexible approach in supporting colleagues during times of caseload pressures.

Communicate effectively both in verbal and written forms.

Adhere to all Policies and Procedures within the Belfast Trust.

General Responsibilities

Employees of the Trust are required to promote and support the mission and vision of the service for which they are responsible and:

At all times provide a caring service and to treat those with whom they come into contact in a courteous and respectful manner.

Promote and support effective team working, fostering a culture of openness and transparency. The post holder will ensure that they take all concerns raised with them seriously and act in accordance with Belfast Trust’s Whistleblowing Policy and their professional code of conduct, where applicable.

Demonstrate their commitment by their regular attendance and the efficient completion of all tasks allocated to them.

Comply with the Trust’s Smoke Free Policy.

Carry out their duties and responsibilities in compliance with the Health and Safety Policies and Statutory Regulations.

Adhere to Equality and Good Relations duties throughout the course of their employment.

Ensure the ongoing confidence of the public in-service provision.

Maintain high standards of personal accountability.

Comply with the HPSS Code of Conduct.

Information Governance

All employees of Belfast Health & Social Care Trust are legally responsible for all records held, created or used as part of their business within the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, including patient/client, corporate and administrative records whether paper based or electronic and also including e-mails. All such records are public records and are accessible to the general public, with limited exceptions, under the Freedom of Information Act 2000, the Environment Regulations 2004, the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018. Employees are required to be conversant and to comply with the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust policies on Information Governance including for example the ICT Security Policy, Data Protection Policy and Records Management Policy and to seek advice if in doubt.

Environmental Cleaning Strategy

The Trusts Environmental Cleaning Strategy recognises the key principle that ‘Cleanliness matters is everyone’s responsibility, not just the cleaners’ Whilst there are staff employed who are responsible for cleaning services, all Trust staff have a responsibility to ensure a clean, comfortable, safe environment for patients, clients, residents, visitors, staff and members of the general public.

Infection Prevention and Control

The Belfast Trust is committed to reducing Healthcare associated infections (HCAIs) and all staff have a part to play in making this happen. Staff must comply with all policies in relation to Infection Prevention and Control and with ongoing reduction strategies. Standard Infection Prevention and Control Precautions must be used at all times to ensure the safety of patients and staff.

This includes:-

Cleaning hands either with soap and water or a hand sanitiser at the appropriate times (WHO ‘5 moments’);

Using the correct ‘7 step’ hand hygiene technique;

Being ‘bare below the elbows’ when in a clinical environment;

Following Trust policies and the Regional Infection Control Manual (found on intranet);

Wearing the correct Personal Protective Equipment (PPE);

Ensuring correct handling and disposal of waste (including sharps) and laundry;

Ensuring all medical devices (equipment) are decontaminated appropriately i.e. cleaned, disinfected and/or sterilised;

Ensuring compliance with High Impact Interventions.

Personal Public Involvement

Staff members are expected to involve patients, clients, carers and the wider community were relevant, in developing, planning and delivering our services in a meaningful and effective way, as part of the Trust’s ongoing commitment to Personal Public Involvement (PPI).

Please use the link below to access the PPI standards leaflet for further information.

http://www.publichealth.hscni.net/sites/default/files/PPI_leaflet.pdf

PERSONNEL SPECIFICATION

JOB TITLE / BAND: Medical Laboratory Assistant / Band 4

DEPT / DIRECTORATE: Regional Molecular Diagnostics Service, Cancer and Specialist Services

Notes to applicants

1. You must clearly demonstrate on your application form under each question, how you meet the required criteria as failure to do so may result in you not being shortlisted. You should clearly demonstrate this for both the essential and desirable criteria.

2. Shortlisting will be carried out on the basis of the essential criteria set out below, using the information provided by you on your application form. Please note the Trust reserves the right to use any desirable criteria outlined below at shortlisting. You must clearly demonstrate on your application form how you meet the desirable criteria.

3. Proof of qualifications and/or professional registration will be required if an offer of employment is made – if you are unable to provide this, the offer may be withdrawn.

ESSENTIAL CRITERIA

The following are ESSENTIAL criteria which will initially be measured at shortlisting stage although may also be further explored during the interview/selection stage. You should therefore make it clear on your application form whether or not you meet these criteria. Failure to do so may result in you not being shortlisted. The stage in the process when the criteria will be measured is stated below.

Factor: Experience Qualifications Registration

Criteria: HNC/HND or Diploma in Science (or equivalent). OR BTEC National Diploma in an Applied Science or NVQ Level 3 in a science related subject PLUS 1 years’ laboratory experience. OR At least 3 years relevant laboratory experience.

Method of Assessment: Shortlisting by Application Form

Factor: Knowledge Skills Abilities

Criteria: Ability to work as an effective member of a team; Understanding of genomics testing; Experience with Laboratory Information Management System; Attention to detail; Time management with ability to prioritise.

Method of Assessment: Interview

DESIRABLE CRITERIA

Desirable criteria will ONLY be used where it is necessary to introduce additional job related criteria to ensure files are manageable. You should therefore make it clear on your application form how you meet these. Failure to do so may result in you not being shortlisted.

Factor: Experience Qualifications Registration

Criteria: At least 1 years’ experience working in a Diagnostics laboratory using Molecular techniques; Computer and keyboard skills with understanding/use of Microsoft office application software.

Method of Assessment: Shortlisting by Application Form

NOTE

Where educational/professional qualifications form part of the criteria you will be required, if shortlisted for interview, to produce original certificates and one photocopy of same issued by the appropriate authority. Only those certificates relevant to the shortlisting criteria should be produced. If educational certificates are not available an original letter and photocopy of same detailing examination results from your school or college will be accepted as an alternative.

If successful you will be required to produce documentary evidence that you are legally entitled to live and work in the United Kingdom. This documentation can be a P45, Payslip, National Insurance Card or a Birth Certificate confirming birth in the United Kingdom or the Republic of Ireland. Failure to produce evidence will result in a non-appointment.

Where a post involves working in regulated activity with vulnerable groups, post holders will be required to register with the Independent Safeguarding Authority.

This job description is not meant to be definitive and may be amended to meet the changing needs of the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust.

HSC Values

Whilst employees will be expected to portray all the values, particular attention is drawn to the following values for this role

Working together: We work together for the best outcome for people we care for and support. We work across Health and Social Care and with other external organisations and agencies, recognising that leadership is the responsibilty of all.

Excellence: We commit to being the best we can be in our work, aiming to improve and develop services to achieve positive changes. We deliver safe, high quality, compassionate care and support.

Openness & Honesty: We are open and honest with each other and act with integrity and candour.

Compassion: We are sensitive, caring, respectful and understanding towards those we care for and support and our colleagues. We listen carefully to others to better understand and take action to help them and ourselves.

What does this look like in practice?

I work with others and value everyone's contribution

I treat people with respect and dignity

I work as part of a team looking for opportunities to support and help people in both my own and other teams

I actively engage people on issues that affect them

I look for feedback and examples of good practice, aiming to improve where possible.

I put the people I care for and support at the centre of all I do to make a difference

I take responsibility for my decisions and actions

I commit to best practice and sharing learning, while continually learning and developing

I try to improve by asking 'could we do this better?'

I am open and honest in order to develop trusting relationships

I ask someone to help when needed

I speak up if I have concerns

I challenge inappropriate or unacceptable behaviour and practice.

I am sensitive to the different needs and feelings of others and treat people with kindness

I learn from others by listening carefully to them

I look after my own health and wellbeing so that I can care and support others.