Job overview
We are looking for an enthusiastic individual to join our Pathology team in the Pre-Analytical Area as a Medical Laboratory Assistant (Band 3 – Supervisor). You will play a key role within the team, supporting the delivery of a high-quality and effective service to our Haematology and Biochemistry laboratories.
The Pre-Analytical Area processes up to 6,000 samples per day and is the first point of contact within the laboratory, forming a critical part of the patient pathway. All samples enter the laboratory through this area before being distributed to our specialist departments, including Haematology, Blood Transfusion, Biochemistry, Immunology, Microbiology, and Histology. As a supervisor, you will be expected to provide support, guidance, and oversight to ensure the smooth running of daily operations.
Full-time and part-time positions will be considered. The department operates a 24/7 service, and you will be required to participate in a shift pattern that includes overnight working as part of your rostered hours, as well as occasional weekend shifts on an additional rota.
Please note that this role is not suitable for those seeking to complete or support an IBMS registration portfolio.
Main duties of the job
As a Band 3, you will support coordination of workload within the Pre-Analytical Area, ensuring samples are processed efficiently and turnaround times are met. You will assist in training and supporting Band 2 MLA colleagues, promoting adherence to departmental procedures and quality standards.
You will work effectively within a large team, demonstrating a meticulous and organised approach. The role requires the ability to work under pressure while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail. You will receive and unpack a wide range of samples, check their suitability in line with standard operating procedures, and recognise and fast-track urgent samples to support timely patient care.
A key part of the role is accurate input of patient demographics and test requests onto the laboratory information system (LIMS), alongside correct barcode labelling and sample preparation. You will maintain high data quality and act as a point of support for colleagues.
When working on the urgent bench, you will prioritise tasks effectively while remaining calm, focused, and responsive to changing demands.
You will be required to work flexibly across Cheltenham General Hospital and Gloucestershire Royal Hospital. The department operates a 24/7 service, with shifts between 07:30 and 21:00, including overnight and weekend working on a rotational basis.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Please see the attached job description and person specification for more information on the main responsibilities for this role.
Person specification
Experience
Essential
- Appropriate experience within a laboratory or willingness to work towards IBMS level 1 certificate
- Experience of the laboratory LiMS system - TCLE
- Experience of the laboratory quality management system - QMS
- Experience of working in an NHS Laboratory
Desirable
- Experience of staff supervision
Qualifications
Essential
- Evidenced numeracy and literacy and communication in English (GCSE English, Maths and Science)
Desirable
- A Level Education
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities
Essential
- Able to work as part of team and a good team player
- Able to prioritise tasks and organise a busy workload
- Able to work at both sites, Cheltenham and Gloucester
- Able to work evenings, overnights, weekends and bank holidays as rostered
- Proven ability to mentor and train new staff
- Able to work autonomously
- Proven ability to input data accurately on a computer system
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Applying for this NHS job
This advert is for Pre-Analytical Area Medical Laboratory Assistant (Band 3 – Supervisor) with Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust in Cheltenham, South West, England. It is listed as a Band 3 Health science services role. The advertised salary is £25,760 - £27,476 (pa pro rata if part-time). The contract type is Permanent. The application deadline is 28 Jul 2026.
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