Job overview
The MLA Team Leader will be responsible for the day-to-day supervision of Medical Laboratory Assistants within Specimen Reception and associated Blood Sciences services. The successful candidate will play a key role in ensuring samples are received, processed and referred efficiently while maintaining service quality, turnaround times and compliance with ISO 15189 standards.
Main duties of the job
The Clinical Pathology Department provides diagnostic services for the Trust, primarily focusing on Blood Sciences. The post-holder will perform administrative, technical, and quality assurance duties, primarily supporting the Biomedical Scientists and Section Leads.
The post-holder will perform a range of tasks to support the Biomedical Scientists in the provision of a high-quality service to our patients. The post holder will organise and receive samples ensuring they are processed in a timely manner, including samples analysed on site and referred to other laboratories.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
For further information please refer to the job description and personal specification
Supervise, carry out and assign MLA team activities and duties in all specimen reception areas to ensure workflow turnaround time (TAT) targets are achieved.
Conducting performance reviews and appraisals in line with Trust policy
Allocating work and assisting with recruitment, selection, and training
Providing training and competency assessments for new MLA and Biomedical Scientist staff in Pathology Reception
Working for our organisation
The Blood Sciences Department provides diagnostic services that support patient care across The Royal Marsden. The department is undergoing significant service and equipment modernisation, providing opportunities to contribute to service development, innovation and continuous improvement.
Our Offer
- NHS Pension Scheme
- Generous annual leave entitlement
- Access to learning and development opportunities
- Flexible working arrangements where service needs allow
- Staff wellbeing and support programmes
- Opportunity to work within a leading specialist cancer centre Informal enquiries
For further information or an informal discussion about the role, please contact:
Gopyraj Sundararajah Blood Sciences Service Manager
Applicant requirements
The postholder will have access to vulnerable people in the course of their normal duties and as such this post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Person specification
Experience
Essential
- Previous experience in a laboratory role
- Experience of MS Excel and MS Word, including creating and using spreadsheets
- Ability and experience of understanding and following Standard Operating Procedures
- Experience of effective team working
Desirable
- Experience of working in a Blood Transfusion department or NHS organisation
- Understanding of Good Manufacturing Principles in hospital blood banks.
- Knowledge of Quality Management Systems
- Experience of using a blood tracking application
- Able to perform basic training
Other Requirements
Essential
- Able to work flexibly to meet the unexpected needs of the role
- Self-confident, contributes to meetings
- Understanding of laboratory H&S procedures
Education/Qualifications
Essential
- Good general education. GCSE grade C or higher in English and Maths. A levels or equivalent relevant experience.
Desirable
- ECDL or equivalent
- BSc (Hons) or equivalent qualification
Skills Abilities/knowledge
Essential
- Ability to write clearly and concisely
- Able to work to deadlines
- Ability to express themselves clearly and communicate information
- Attention to detail
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to work closely and effectively with staff at all levels within the organisation
- Good organisational skills
- Ability to filter and prioritise work load
- Ability to work independently but within limits of the role.
Desirable
- Demonstrates proactive approach to problem solving
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Applying for this NHS job
This advert is for MLA Team Leader with The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust in The Royal Marsden Sutton. It is listed as a Band 4 Manager and corporate role. The advertised salary is £33,262 - £36,027 per annum. The contract type is Permanent. The application deadline is 02 Sep 2026.
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