Medical Laboratory Assistant

Job overview

Medical Laboratory Assistant. Base Location: Frimley Park Hospital. Band 2.

Berkshire & Surrey Pathology Services is one of the UK’s largest NHS-led pathology networks, supporting multiple hospital Trusts.

Their work is essential to diagnosing illnesses, monitoring treatments, and guiding clinical decisions.

As a Medical Laboratory Assistant (MLA), you play a key supporting role in keeping laboratory operations running smoothly and safely.

Fast-paced and highly structured Team-oriented, working with scientists, clinicians, and other MLAs Often shift-based (including evenings, weekends, or nights depending on the lab).

This is a hands-on, entry-level healthcare science role that directly supports patient diagnosis behind the scenes.

Main duties of the job

• Work collaboratively with colleagues to deliver an efficient and effective service to all users of the Pathology Department.
• Ensure the rapid and timely turnaround of pathology samples by accurately receiving, labelling, and entering specimen information onto the pathology computer system.
• Contribute to the smooth running of a merged pathology service supporting both The Royal Surrey County Hospital and Frimley Park Hospital.
• The post holder will be primarily based at Frimley Park Hospital, with occasional duties at The Royal Surrey County Hospital as required.
• Maintain high standards of organisation, demonstrating efficiency, attention to detail, and effective communication always.
• Use good keyboard and data-entry skills to support the accurate processing of patient information.
• Demonstrate reliability, practical ability, and the capacity to work well as part of a team in a busy laboratory environment.
• Embrace new ways of working and actively participate in developing your knowledge and skills.
• Engage with training opportunities and make use of the support offered for ongoing career development.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

• To carry out all procedures required for the preparation and storage of samples, including the use of pipettes to separate components or add solutions as appropriate.
• Prepare sample containers and ensure adequate stock levels of laboratory consumables are maintained.
• Operate and maintain relevant laboratory equipment—including centrifuges—used in the preparation and processing of samples and requests.
• Participate, when required, in performing simple designated tests, including those carried out on Point-of-Care analysers.
• Assist in the training and induction of new staff members, demonstrating correct procedures and safe working practices.
• Follow laboratory protocols to identify, manage, and condemn inadequate or mislabelled samples in accordance with departmental policy.
• Arrange the preparation, packaging, and safe transportation of samples requiring referral to external laboratories for further analysis.
• Ensure that samples associated with clinical trials are processed, stored, and documented correctly, in line with trial requirements and governance standards.

For more information on the main responsibilities of the role please see attached job description and person specification.