Job overview
We are recruiting
- Full time 37.5 hours per week
We are looking for someone to join our busy Pathology Specimen Reception team at the Conquest Hospital. The team are responsible for booking all pathology samples onto the laboratory computer system and ensuring correct protocols are followed for the handling and movement of those samples. Accuracy of work is very important.
Variable hours which include some weekend and extended day working. A flexible attitude towards working hours is essential. The team operate a shift rota that covers extended day and 7 day working. The successful candidate will be part in this rota following training.
The role will involve some specimen preparation ready for analysing.
The team also support the laboratory staff by carrying out some basic maintenance procedures for which training will be given.
Familiarity with clinical terminology is advantageous but not essential as training will be given.
This IS NOT a 'receptionist' administrative post. Specimen Reception is responsible for the receipt, logging and onward distribution of thousands of clinical specimens every day. This is a data inputting role that requires accuracy and an ability to follow standard operating procedures (SOPs). Attention to detail is key.
Main duties of the job
Specimen Reception Pathology Assistants support the work of the laboratory and Biomedical Scientists (BMS) by carrying out non-interpretative laboratory procedures. A significant part of this role is data entry using the laboratory computer system, correctly identify patient’s details and handling of samples of a potentially hazardous nature. Typical duties are unpacking, sorting and booking in samples, packing specimens to send away to referral laboratories, preparing specimens for testing, performing simple analytical procedures and some more general tasks of this nature.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Please refer to the job description attached.
If you have any questions about this position please do not hesitate to contact us.
Person specification
Experience
Essential
- Knowledge of and commitment to healthcare
- Accepts responsibility whilst recognising limits
Desirable
- Experience in Pathology laboratory techniques
Qualifications
Essential
- Good general education to GCSE level including English and Maths
- NVQ 3 level qualification in relevant subject or equivalent level of experience and knowledge
Desirable
- Completion of NVQ level 2 in Clinical Laboratory Support.
- Completion of formal one year Laboratory Training and Assessment Programme
Skills / Knowledge / Abilities
Essential
- Good communication and interpersonal skills both verbal and non-verbal
- Ability to perform delicate work to a high standard
- Good Computer Skills
Desirable
- Good knowledge of relevant laboratory techniques as required for staff in this post
- Good knowledge of relevant health & safety issues
- Ability to train inexperienced staff
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Applying for this NHS job
This advert is for Pathology Assistant - Specimen Reception with East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust in St Leonards On Sea, South East, England. It is listed as a Administrative and IT role. The advertised salary is £25,760 - £27,476 per annum, pro rata. The contract type is Permanent. The application deadline is 30 Jul 2026.
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