Medical Laboratory Assistant / Healthcare Science Assistant

Job overview

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a fixed term, full time position as a Medical Laboratory Assistant / Healthcare Science Assistant, as part of the ED Opt Out Project.

You will support the Biomedical Scientists and microbiology team in providing a clinical technical service to achieve efficient and effective patient care. Working as part of a team, to carry out the receipt, booking-in, processing and testing of specimens to provide a diagnostic microbiology service. Previous experience in a diagnostic laboratory is essential.

Main duties of the job

• To work in an effective and efficient way following the appropriate Trust and directorate policies, procedures and guidelines including the departmental Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Prepares and processes patient specimens.
• Prepares blood samples for immunoassay testing.
• Prepares specimens for PCR testing.
• Prepares urine samples for microscopy.
• Inoculates patient specimen onto culture media for incubation.
• Selects single colonies and inoculates test cards for processing through the VITEK2 identification machine.
• Perform specimen reception tasks including entering accurately patient/specimen details onto the departmental computer system maintaining a valid database.
• Maintain and support the effective use of available resources (equipment and stock) in an efficient way

Closing date of applications: 9 September 2026

Interview date: 23 September 2026

If you are considering applying for an internal secondment, please ensure you have discussed this with your line manager and obtained their support prior to submitting your application.

Please be aware that there is no guarantee that you will be released from your substantive post, so you should seek approval before applying as you are applying or a Secondment.

If you have any questions or require further guidance, please contact the Recruitment Team.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Please see attached Job description and Person Specification. To apply please click APPLY FOR THIS JOB – this link will take you to the TRAC Recruitment Site. You will need to register if you do not already have an account.

UHDB is committed to fair and transparent recruitment. We welcome authentic applications that reflect your own skills, experience and motivations for the role. While we understand that candidates may use AI tools for grammar, formatting or accessibility purposes, applications that appear to be substantially AI‑generated may be subject to additional review. If this applies to your submission, we will let you know and may ask for clarification. Please ensure your application accurately represents your experience and is written in your own words.

Following the recent update on UK immigration policy for those on a Health and Care Visa or Skilled Worker Visa, please click on the link to check your eligibility before applying for this post as we may be unable to provide sponsorship Skilled worker: Health and Care Visa | NHS Employers

Important visa information: Due to UK Home Office immigration rule changes effective from 22 July 2025, applicants sponsored under Occupation Code 6131 (Nursing Auxiliaries and Assistants) may not be eligible to bring dependants under the Skilled Worker route if their Certificate of Sponsorship is issued on or after this date. Applicants are responsible for understanding how these rules apply to their individual circumstances. The Trust cannot provide immigration advice. Further information is available on the Skilled Worker visa: Your partner and children - GOV.UK

Your application (for shortlisting purposes) is assessed based on the Person Specification in the job advert (below).

Skilled worker: Health and Care Visa

Read about the Health and Care Visa for employing overseas nationals (excluding Irish citizens) under the points-based immigration system.