Medical Laboratory Assistant

Job description
Our Pathology department supports every corner of University Hospitals Birmingham; it dictates clinical decisions and patient pathways across the Trust and supports our renowned research labs in the study of disease.

As demand increases, we have ensured the delivery of this service through new investment and are looking to increase our team of Medical Lab Assistants in the support of our Biomedical Scientists.

As a flexible employer, we invite applications across Solihull, Good Hope, QE, and Heartlands where you will work collaboratively to support Clinical Biochemistry Immunology across all locations.

Working within standard operating procedures, you will be tasked with processing patient specimens for biomedical testing. This includes labeling and preparing specimens and problem-solving in the event of misplaced samples. You will perform a range of laboratory tests, which require accuracy and good hand-eye coordination. You will ensure temperature monitoring and understanding of automated instruments and equipment.

Candidates will be required to have a flexible approach as the departments operate a 24/7 rota.

Following training, you will be required to support the department shift pattern of earlies, days, nights, and weekends.

In return, you can expect to join likeminded people who deliver unequivocal excellence in all aspects of their role, who are encouraging and supportive of new team members, and who embrace our values of being Kind, Connected and Bold.
Main duties, tasks skills required

You will provide an internal service to clinicians and other healthcare workers by receiving, logging, and supporting processes accurately and often in time-sensitive situations.

You will perform a range of laboratory tests following standard operating procedures that require speed, accuracy, and good hand-eye coordination, e.g., handling pipettes, microtomy, using a centrifuge, use of analysers and specialist laboratory equipment as directed by a supervisor or manager.

You will work safely to handle, use, and dispose of biological samples and hazardous chemicals, performing laboratory administration duties such as recording specimen details, traceability, recording, and updating information on laboratory systems.

Additionally, you will ensure daily housekeeping to include work areas, cleaning, decontamination, and maintenance of laboratory equipment within Trust guidelines.

Supporting you with this will be the Lab Manager, who will lead on your induction to the Trust and provide critical training on all internal systems and processes.
About us

We are recognised as one of the leading NHS Foundation Trusts in the UK. Our vision is to Build Healthier Lives, and we recognise that we need incredible staff to do this.

Our commitment to our staff is to create the best place for them to work, and we are dedicated to:
• Investing in the health and wellbeing of our staff, including a commitment of offering flexible working where we can.
• Offering our staff a wide variety of training and development opportunities, to support their personal and career development objectives.

UHB is committed to ensuring that our staff are treated fairly and feel that they belong, by creating a kind and inclusive environment. This is about equity of opportunity; removing all barriers, including discrimination and ensuring each individual member of staff reaches their true potential, achieves their ambitions, and thrives in their work. This is more than words. We are taking action. Our commitment to an inclusive culture is embedded at all levels of the organisation where every voice is heard, driven by our diverse and active staff networks, and at Board level by the Fairness Taskforce led by our CEO. We nurture a culture that empowers staff to challenge discriminatory behaviours and enables people to bring their 'whole self' to a kinder, more connected and bold place to work.

University Hospitals Birmingham is a Smoke-Free premises hospital.
Person specification
QualificationsEssential
• Education to GCSE in English and Maths.
• NVQ level 3 or equivalent.
ExperienceEssential
• Awareness of National Health Service.
• Awareness of the role of Medical Laboratories.
• Awareness of Health and Safety issues.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1+75 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions. Read more