Job requirements
Essential
13 listedRequirements the employer expects applicants to meet.
- Knowledge
Understanding of Cellular Pathology
- Experience
Demonstrable experience of working in scientific area as a Medical Laboratory Assistant or equivalent
- Experience
Able to work accurately and with good hand-eye co-ordination
- Experience
Experience of using common IT software
- Qualifications
Good General Education
- Qualifications
‘A’ levels or equivalent in Science
- Technical Skills Competencies
Must be able to understand and work within established Standard Operating Procedures and relevant Health & Safety policies, including COSHH
- Technical Skills Competencies
Work flexibly in response to changing circumstances.
- Technical Skills Competencies
Works within limits of responsibility
- Technical Skills Competencies
Good interpretive skills at bench level
- Technical Skills Competencies
Good attention to detail and accuracy
- Technical Skills Competencies
Handling biological specimens
- Technical Skills Competencies
Recognises and reports problems as they arise
Desirable
11 listedAdditional qualities the employer would prefer.
- Knowledge
Understanding of UKAS requirements
- Knowledge
Understand the role of Histopathology within the NHS.
- Experience
Previous experience working as a MLA in Cellular Pathology
- Experience
Experience of quality management system
- Experience
Experience of using hospital IT systems
- Qualifications
Completion of Pathology Support Worker qualification or IBMS Support Staff portfolio part 1 and 2.
- Qualifications
Further scientific qualification
- Technical Skills Competencies
Understand the importance of quality at all levels of our work.
- Technical Skills Competencies
Happy to work in a busy environment
- Technical Skills Competencies
Knowledge of microtomy
- Technical Skills Competencies
Demonstrable experience in assisting dissection
Job overview
We are looking for an enthusiastic Senior Medical Laboratory Assistant to join a dedicated team in a modern department, providing a high-quality service
Duties will include laboratory and administrative tasks which maybe of a complex nature.
Although no formal qualifications are required for this post, it will be important to demonstrate literacy and numeracy skills. Previous experience in laboratory support work is also essential
University Hospitals Dorset Cellular Pathology department has a high quality UKAS accreditation record and it is an approved laboratory for Registration and Specialist training by the IBMS.
The Cellular Pathology team is made up of different grades of Scientist, including Medical laboratory staff, associate practitioners and biomedical scientists the aim being putting the patient first and delivering a high-quality service
The role is fulltime, and you will be required to work 37.5 hours per week
This post may close early due to high numbers of applications, so you are advised to apply promptly.
Please note we are unable to offer sponsorship for this position.
Interview: Thursday, 8th October 2026
Base Location: Royal Bournemouth Hospital
Additional contact information
Naomi Gordon - Senior Biomedical Scientist
naomi.gordon7@nhs.net
0300 019 2817
Main duties of the job
The main duties of this role will be to support BMS staff in providing analysis of specimens received using complex diagnostic procedures across Cellular Pathology. Other duties include microtomy and assisting the Specialist Biomedical Scientist and consultants at dissection.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
To understand the role in more detail please read the full job description and person specification documents which are attached to this advert.
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Applying for this NHS job
This advert is for Senior Medical Laboratory Assistant - Cellular Pathology with University Hospitals Dorset NHS Foundation Trust in Poole, England. It is listed as a Band 3 Medical laboratory assistant role. The advertised salary is £25,760 - £27,476 pa. The contract type is Permanent: Full Time Monday - Friday, 08:15-16:45. The application deadline is 30 Sep 2026.
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