# Pathology Assistant - Specimen Reception > NHS job listing from Job Clerk for East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust. ## Canonical URLs - **HTML:** https://www.jobclerk.com/job/pathology-assistant-specimen-reception/58637531-fc46-4898-b7c5-0d9a54252a9b - **Markdown:** https://www.jobclerk.com/job/pathology-assistant-specimen-reception/58637531-fc46-4898-b7c5-0d9a54252a9b.md ## Summary - **Status:** Live - **Employer:** East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust - **Town:** St Leonards On Sea - **Region:** South East - **Country:** England - **Profession:** Administrative and IT - **Salary:** £25,760 - £27,476 per annum, pro rata - **Contract type:** Permanent - **Employment type:** Full time - 37.5 hours per week (Will include weekend and extended day working on rotation) - **Closing date:** 2026-07-30T23:59:00.000Z - **Posted:** 2026-07-24T13:33:26.713Z - **Source information URL:** https://www.healthjobsuk.com/job/UK/East_Sussex/St_LeonardsOnSea/East_Sussex_Healthcare_NHS_Trust/Pathology_Assistant_Specimen_Reception/Pathology_Assistant_Specimen_Reception-v8126695 - **Application URL:** https://apps.trac.jobs/job-advert/8126695?ShowJobAdvert=&feedid=9002 - **Employer website:** https://www.esht.nhs.uk ## Job Content ### 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 ## Documents - [job hazard form (pdf, 952.2kb)](https://www.healthjobsuk.com/documents?vdoc=10423503) - [specimen reception pa (pdf, 300.8kb)](https://www.healthjobsuk.com/documents?vdoc=10423502) - [guidance for applicants - afc (pdf, 152.4kb)](https://www.healthjobsuk.com/documents?edoc=672) ## Agent Notes - This Markdown page is generated from the same Job Clerk job record as the HTML job detail page. - Use the canonical HTML URL for user-facing references. - Use the application URL when the user wants to apply on the source NHS site.