Search for more NHS jobs in Bristol
Job overview
Medical Laboratory Assistant - Pathology Sciences
The postholder will be required to work Saturday and Sunday participating in shifts between 08:00 - 20:00.
The successful candidates will be working as part of a team providing support to the Pathology Blood Sciences Laboratory which is based in our purpose built building at Southmead Hospital.
Postholders must be able to work as an effective team member, have good data input skills, remain calm under pressure, have a good telephone manner, be able to deal with healthcare professionals, patients and members of the public in a discreet and professional manner and be able to work unsupervised and manage own workload where required.
The postholder will work under the direction of senior staff to work as part of a team to provide 24/7 support to the Blood Sciences laboratory. The post will primarily operate in Sample Reception, providing data input and pre-analytical support.
The postholder must be able to deal with confidential information appropriately, be able to work accurately and to deadlines and be able to work with minimum supervision.
Please note, we are not able to offer visa sponsorship on this role.
Main duties of the job
Please note this is primarily a data input role with some handling of pathology specimens required. This is not a training post and does not support completion of the HCPC Portfolio.
To understand more about what it's like to work in Pathology, watch this video
Main duties will include:
- Data input of patient details and test request information
- Sorting, preparation and processing of clinical samples for biological testing
- Assisting with Telephone Helpdesk enquiries
- Communicating test results to appropriate healthcare professionals.
The postholder will be required to work Saturday and Sunday participating in shifts between 08:00 - 20:00.
Training will take place Monday - Friday until competencies are completed.
This advert may close early, if we have received a sufficient amount of applications. Therefore you are highly advised to apply as soon as possible if you are interested in this position.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
For a full overview of the Job Description and Person Specification, please refer to the PDF document attached as an additional document to this advert.
Sample Preparation
- Receive and sort pathology samples. 2. Distribute samples to departments. 3. Label samples and prepare them for analysis. 4. Record and inform service users and senior staff of requests received that do not comply with the NBT Policy for Request Form and Specimen labelling. 5. Send and receive samples via the air tube system
Data Handling 1. Enter data onto the laboratory computer system. 2. Input and retrieval of data from department and other IT systems.
Telephone Helpdesk
- Deal with all telephone and e-mail enquiries in an appropriate manner. 2. Respond to requests for test results and sample requirements. 3. Refer calls to appropriate members of staff.
Housekeeping and Maintenance Tasks 1. Dispose of clinical and non-clinical waste in accordance with Trust and departmental policies 2. Clean and decontaminate working areas and equipment in accordance with laboratory protocols and record such actions. 3. Assist with the use and maintenance of some laboratory equipment. 4. Maintain adequate stocks of consumables
Person specification
Work Experience
Essential
- Experience of working as part of a team
- Experience of using computer systems and data input
Desirable
- Experience of working as a support grade worker in a UK Pathology Laboratory
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities
Essential
- Good interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal
- IT and keyboard skills
- Ability to work accurately and to deadlines
- Good telephone manner
- Ability to work within established health and safety guidelines
Desirable
- Knowledge of sample types and requirements
- Ability to undertake own work and exercise initiative under the supervision of qualified staff
- Ability to plan, prioritise and re-schedule workloads
- Ability to deal with confidential information appropriately
Education/Training/Qualifications
Essential
- Educated to GCSE standard or equivalent in English, Maths and Science
WhatsApp job alerts
Get instant WhatsApp alerts for Band 2 Medical Laboratory Assistant roles in Bristol
Create your Job Clerk account first. We'll collect your alert preferences during onboarding and help you turn on WhatsApp notifications for matching healthcare roles.
Applying for this NHS job
This advert is for Medical Laboratory Assistant with North Bristol NHS Trust in Bristol, South West, England. It is listed as a Band 2 Health science services role. The advertised salary is £25,272 pa pro rata. The contract type is Permanent. The application deadline is 17 Aug 2026.
Before you apply, compare the job description with the person specification and mirror the employer's essential criteria in your supporting information. Use the vacancy title, employer, location, salary, contract type, closing date and posted date (03 Aug 2026) to decide whether this role fits your current NHS job search. If the employer can close applications early, prepare the application before the stated deadline rather than waiting for the final day.
For more context, review related Job Clerk pages for the same profession, band or location where they exist, then use the application-support guides to tailor your statement and prepare for interview.