Job overview
We are looking for Medical Laboratory Assistants to join our specimen reception team in the Blood Sciences Pathology Department at Colchester Hospital.
This role is based in our pathology labs and you will work with the team and be responsible for receipt and pre-analytics processing of pathology samples which are then passes on to our other specialities.
You will be required to work a variety of shifts over a 24 hour period to help support the technical staff to maintain a safe and effective service. Flexible shift working including evenings, weekends and nights is essential for this role.
We are looking for a Healthcare professional who can understand the changing services of pathology and represent the new service going forward.
Training will be provided however knowledge of pathology would be advantageous.
About our Pathology Service
Main duties of the job
Our vision is to deliver innovations and high-performing pathology services that are focussed on our customers whilst delivering high quality and fully compliant services. We are clinically led and designed to achieve the benefits of scale that can be achieved by working together, while remaining close enough to our customers to meet their needs and support the excellent clinical care provided by our hospitals.
Responsible for sample receipt, numbering and data entry on to the computer system.
Identify, action and report mislabelled or mislaid specimens, unsuitable sample or process failure.
Participate in the day to day management of stock control and usage.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
For full details of the responsibilities and duties of this role please see the attached job description.
Person specification
Education
Essential
- GCSE Maths and English (A-C) or equivalent
Skills and Aptitude
Essential
- Good communication skills
- Willingness to undertake cross training to extend skill set to deliver role
- Demonstrable interpersonal skills - can work as part of a team.
- Ability to supervise less experienced staff, e.g. can demonstrate own work.
Knowledge and Experience
Essential
- Demonstrable knowledge of a range of routine and non-routine healthcare science duties equivalent to an NVQ level 3/diploma
Desirable
- Practical experience of working in a Biomedical Science laboratory
- Knowledge of Pathology IT systems
- Knowledge of Quality Management Systems
- Previous relevant experience of working in the NHS
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Applying for this NHS job
This advert is for Medical Laboratory Assistant with East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust in Colchester, East of England, England. It is listed as a Band 3 Healthcare support worker role. The advertised salary is £25,760 - £27,476 per annum pro rata. The contract type is Permanent. The application deadline is 23 Jul 2026.
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