West London NHS Trust
Medical Laboratory Assistant
How your CV stacks up
Upload your CV to see how well it fits this job role
?%
North Bristol NHS Trust (NBT) and University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust (UHBW) have merged as of 1st July 2026 to become Bristol NHS Foundation Trust. This creates an exciting future that brings together the best of both organisations. As a single, strong and sustainable organisation, we will not only be able to deliver better outcomes for our patients and fairer care for our population, but it will also provide greater opportunities for our people.
Bristol NHS Foundation Trust recognise the value of a healthy work-life balance. When applying, speak to us about how we might be able to accommodate flexible working, so your work life fits around your home life.
We particularly welcome applications from Black, Asian and minority ethnic candidates as they are under-represented within the Trust.
Our job adverts may close as soon as sufficient applications have been received. Considering this, if you are interested in this role, please do apply as soon as you can.
Generative artificial intelligence (AI) describes algorithms that can be used to produce new content, including audio, code, images, text, simulations, and videos. It is developing all the time and is now being used as a support mechanism for all kinds of content-based creations. Please note the use of AI is monitored and if applicants have used it then they are required to declare this.
Job Overview
The department of Cellular Pathology are looking to appoint an enthusiastic, adaptable, and dedicated individual to provide an effective and efficient Medical Laboratory Assistant service within the Neuropathology laboratory at Southmead Hospital.
The post holder will play a key role in supporting the efficient operation of the Neuropathology laboratory by undertaking a range of laboratory support and maintenance activities. Duties will include assisting with the preparation and processing of clinical specimens for diagnostic testing, data entry, supporting consultants and Biomedical Scientists during specimen cut-up, preparing reagents, receiving pathological specimens, washing laboratory glassware, maintaining laboratory equipment and the working environment, and filing laboratory archive materials, in accordance with departmental policies and quality standards.
This is a full-time substantive position (37.5 hours per week), working five days per week (Monday to Friday), with cover required between 08:30 and 17:15.
Neuropathology resides within the Cellular Pathology department, and the post may be required to work within Histology increasingly overtime. This post is not intended to support training towards qualification as a Biomedical Scientist.
This post will commence at a Band 2, with progression to a band 3 after 6 months upon review of competency progress.
Main duties of the job
- Participate in the receipt, identification, recording, storage, and disposal of specimens, identifying and resolving issues effectively.
- Participate in the input, retrieval, and maintenance of data from departmental and other relevant IT systems.
- Assist Pathologists and Biomedical Scientists during specimen cut-up.
- Participate in departmental digital imaging activities as required.
- Prepare reagents for routine laboratory use.
- Perform general laboratory duties, including checking instruments, recording temperatures, washing glassware, and maintaining laboratory records.
- Be responsible for the day-to-day maintenance, cleanliness, and safe operation of laboratory equipment and the working environment.
- Participate in and assist with the preparation, cleaning, and decontamination of equipment and working areas.
- Notify senior staff of any problems or incidents encountered during the performance of duties.
- Work according to documented Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and suggest improvements within own area of work.
- Work within established Health and Safety guidelines, maintaining safe and efficient working practices and following relevant codes of practice.
- Participate in staff appraisal processes in accordance with Trust policies and procedures.
- Participate in training, Continuing Professional Development (CPD), competency assessments, seminars, tutorials, and other learning activities as required.
Reasons to use Rodeo
Start with a chat, not a search bar
Grad scheme, placement, apprenticeship? Not sure what you want yet — that's fine. Your agent talks it through with you and turns "I have no idea" into a shortlist.
It searches the market for you
Every day your agent scans the market matching roles against what actually matters to you, not just keywords on a CV.
Only hits
No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.
Working for our organisation
Bristol NHS Foundation Trust brings together more than 28,000 staff to deliver over 160 clinical services across thirteen hospital locations, operating from three main sites at Southmead, Bristol city centre and Weston.
With an annual turnover of £2.3 billion, we are now one of the largest NHS trusts in the United Kingdom. Our hospitals are spread across Bristol and Weston, join us and you can enjoy the very best of both worlds; city living within a stone’s throw of the countryside or beside the seaside, both with easy access to all that the South West has to offer.
Bristol NHS Foundation Trust values all people as individuals. As an equal opportunities employer actively working towards a diverse workforce we aim to recruit and retain a workforce which represents the rich diversity of the local population at all levels and are committed to designing our services around the needs of individual patients and those around them. Anonymous information will be used from your application in order to ensure we’re meeting our pledge.
Detailed Job Description And Main Responsibilities
Please refer to the attached job description for full details of the main duties and responsibilities that the post holder is required to undertake.
Communication Skills
The post holder communicates effectively and professionally with Pathologists, Biomedical Scientists, MLAs, clinicians, porters, couriers, administrative staff, and other visitors to the department. The role involves receiving and handling telephone and face-to-face enquiries, accurately recording laboratory information, reporting issues to senior staff, and supporting consultants and Biomedical Scientists during specimen cut-up.
The post holder works as part of a multidisciplinary team, maintains effective working relationships, and assists with the induction and training of new staff as required. Communication barriers, such as a busy laboratory environment or the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), are overcome through clear, concise communication and adherence to departmental procedures.
Professional knowledge and expertise
Numerate and literate with minimum 4 GCSE’s, or equivalent, including Maths & English & a Science and able to speak, receive and issue instructions in English without the risk of any misunderstanding.
Theoretical laboratory knowledge and practical skills at NVQ3 or equivalent requiring evidence of understanding of a range of routine and non-routine work procedures acquired through training, laboratory-based experience and competence assessment.
Ability to work as part of a team
Knowledge of MS office including Outlook, Word and Excel and basic medical terminology
Keyboard / PC skills are required to perform the data-entry functions of the department
Effective communication skills written and verbal, enabling the post-holder to develop and maintain good working relationships.
Good organisational skills are required to work effectively whilst performing their own work under the supervision of qualified staff
To recognise one’s own limitations in terms of knowledge and experience, and to request guidance accordingly
Get help with your application
Your very own career expert that helps elevate your application to the next level.
Previous experience of pathology laboratory work, ideally in histology
Working knowledge of the appropriate protocols and SOPs used within the Department including those relating to Health and Safety
Working knowledge of the computer systems used and keyboard skills
Manual dexterity, good hand-eye co-ordination and ability to work accurately e.g. when transcribing data, performing microtomy
Ability to move between activities as required to meet service needs
Knowledge and experience of general laboratory maintenance activities, preferably in a medical laboratory environment
Some knowledge and experience of using databases and other office applications running on a Microsoft-Windows platform.
Work environment
All members of staff are required to participate in the Trust’s annual staff appraisal process.
A few work activities involve the handling of moderate loads or continual repetitive movements for considerable periods during each working day.
A high level of concentration is required to ensure that departmental procedures are followed.
The post-holder may be exposed to a range of pathological specimens received by the department daily, including:
- Both fresh and formalin-fixed samples of tissue biopsied during surgery
- Formalin-fixed brains and spinal cords removed during autopsy
There is regular handing of hazardous chemicals under controlled conditions and of pathological specimens under appropriate levels of containment.
There is a requirement to wear protective clothing and apparatus. In addition to wearing laboratory coats, protective latex/nitrile gloves are used regularly. Goggles, facemasks, etc. are also used as and when appropriate.
Person specification
Essential
Essential criteria
- 4 GCSE’s, or equivalent, including Maths & English & a Science
- Good IT skills and knowledge of MS programs
- The ability to exercise initiative, independent judgement and decision-making
- Ability to organise and prioritise own workload
- Effective keyboard skills written and verbal
- Ability to work in an accurate and timely manner with a high level of concentration
- Good interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal
- Able to work effectively as part of a team, and independently
We hope that you will decide to join us and become part of this exciting journey, helping us to shape our future together.
As an equal opportunities employer actively working towards a diverse workforce we aim to recruit and retain a workforce which represents the rich diversity of the local population at all levels and are committed to designing our services around the needs of individual patients and those around them. Anonymous information will be used from your application to ensure we’re meeting our pledge.
The Trust is committed to investing in and caring for all our staff. We will support you in maintaining and improving your health and wellbeing, as well as your career development through management and training support - developing exceptional people for exceptional careers.
BFT is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults.
To comply with Part 7 of the Immigration Act 2016 all applicants must be able to speak fluent English to an appropriate standard which will be assessed at Interview.
If you require sponsorship for a visa to work in the UK, to avoid disappointment, please check to ensure you are eligible under the UKVI points based system.
The Trust uses electronic new starter forms on Trac to collect personal details. Information collected is securely stored and used to set up the employee record on the ESR HR system.
By applying for
“It took my CV and asked me questions relevant to understanding what kind of jobs to suggest for me. Suggestions were almost perfect. Jobs were exactly what I’ve been looking for.”
Jessica, London
Skills
Location