Medical Laboratory Assistant (Higher level)

Job overview

Applications are invited for the post of Higher MLA in the Faecal and Automation Laboratory department from suitably qualified candidates.

The Departments are UKAS accredited and serve a population of around 410,000. They provide a full range of analytical services to the Wolverhampton and Cannock patients and process in excess of 1 million samples per year. The laboratories are well equipped and are housed in a new state of the art building.

After training Band 3 MLAs provide a range of different support roles such as skilled support to the laboratory by undertaking a range of routine and technical tasks to ensure the smooth and efficient processing of samples. In addition to the core MLA responsibilities, Band 3 staff carry out more advanced duties requiring greater accuracy, independence, and technical competence. Concentration and attention to detail are essential to these processes.

The post holders will be expected to participate in all OOHs shifts as per current rota (includes over an extended working day and at weekends)

Main duties of the job

The post holder will work as part of a team within a designated section of the Clinical Chemistry Laboratory. Following appropriate training, they will provide skilled support by undertaking a range of routine and technical tasks to ensure the smooth and efficient processing of samples.

In addition to the core MLA responsibilities, Band 3 staff are expected to carry out more advanced duties that require a higher level of accuracy, independence, and technical competence. These tasks support Biomedical Scientists in the processing of diagnostic specimens, and therefore demand strong concentration and attention to detail.

The post holder will deliver a helpful, professional, and customer‑focused service to all visitors and telephone callers, contributing to the provision of a high‑quality laboratory service.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

We are looking to appoint a motivated and enthusiastic Medical Laboratory Assistant who would welcome the challenge to join our friendly team in this hospital laboratory. The successful candidate will be expected to work in a busy environment alongside a team of Consultants, Scientists and support staff.

You will be expected to work across Automation and the faecal lab which will include working late shifts, weekends, bank holidays and night working to ensure a 24-hour laboratory service.

Previous experience of working in a laboratory environment would be advantageous although full training and support relevant to your level of experience will be given to the successful applicant.

Key Responsibilities

• Receive, verify and book in routine diagnostic specimens
• Sort, label, aliquot and store samples appropriately
• Centrifuge samples and prepare worklists
• Record and package referral samples and arrange transport
• Review outstanding worklists
• Interrogate the laboratory information system to resolve issues
• Assist technical and scientific staff in day‑to‑day operations
• Perform laboratory tests once trained e.g. sample extractions
• Operate laboratory instrumentation, including basic maintenance, QC checks, loading/unloading
• Maintain accurate records, including equipment maintenance logs
• Clean and disinfect laboratory equipment and materials
• Prepare 24‑hour urine bottles and perform general housekeeping tasks as required
• Replenish consumables and prepare/load reagents
• Safely dispose of laboratory waste