Job Summary

University Hospitals Birmingham (UHB) is one of the largest teaching hospital trusts in England. We are seeking enthusiastic Medical Laboratory Assistants (MLAs) to join our Pathology teams within Microbiology and Molecular Pathology. Full-time and part-time opportunities are available.

Recruitment Process

• Online assessment: 20/08 to 23/08 (following shortlisting)
• Interviews: 31/08 or 01/09 (for successful candidates)

Role Descriptions

Microbiology

In Microbiology, the role is laboratory based and involves:

• Supporting diagnostic testing by receiving, sorting, labelling, and preparing patient specimens
• Maintaining records
• Resolving sample issues
• Data entry
• Telephone enquiries
• Communication of results to clinicians and other healthcare workers

The post holder may also be required to operate specialist laboratory equipment.

Molecular Pathology

In Molecular Pathology, the role is primarily administrative, supporting one of Europe's largest solid tumour genetic profiling services. Duties include:

• Specimen reception and booking-in
• Maintaining accurate records
• Supporting the movement of samples through the diagnostic pathway

Strong organisational, communication and data-entry skills are essential.

In both areas, you will:

• Work with standard operating procedures
• Manage routine enquiries
• Escalate non-routine issues appropriately
• Support training of staff
• Contribute ideas to improve ways of working within the laboratory

Previous laboratory or healthcare support experience is desirable but not essential.

Main Duties, Tasks & Skills Required

• To safely handle, use and dispose of biological samples.
• To receive, check conditions and record details of incoming goods.
• To collect, receive, sort, check patient and request details, label and process and where appropriate, dispatch patient samples in line with departmental procedure.
• To book in and register specimens on the laboratory information system, supporting Specimen Reception within Microbiology or the Molecular Pathology Diagnostic Service (MPDS) as applicable to the post.
• To report to the relevant supervisor or manager any errors or incidents in line with departmental procedure.
• Prepare reagents according to standard operating procedures as directed by a supervisor or manager (Microbiology).
• Perform a range of laboratory tests following standard operating procedures that require speed, accuracy and good hand-eye co-ordination (Microbiology).
• Perform daily housekeeping duties, for example tidying and cleaning benches and work areas, cleaning, decontamination and maintenance of laboratory equipment (Microbiology).
• Perform monitoring and recording of equipment, for example temperature monitoring, and inform a supervisor or manager of any non-conformances.
• Demonstrate an understanding of automated instruments and equipment, with maintenance and problem-solving being crucial (Microbiology).
• Undertake accurate data entry, filing and administrative tasks to maintain patient and specimen records on laboratory systems (Molecular Pathology).