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Senior Medical Laboratory Assistant - Cellular Pathology
University Hospitals Dorset NHS Foundation Trust View all jobs
Posted 14 day(s) ago
Reference: 2350825
Job summary
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
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.
About us
Our values define who we are as #TeamUHD. They underpin everything we do now and in the future. They define how we treat our patients, visitors, and each other, our valued teammates and colleagues. UHD are investing in services across the Trust, with many being transformed and developed following merger and the New Hospital Programme. This means that some services may move site this year or next, either temporarily or long term. Recruiting Managers interviewing for this role will be happy to answer any specific questions that you have about this at interview.
Please note if the role or service is relocated as part of a planned move, employees will not be eligible for excess mileage reimbursement. Travel from the postholder's home to the new work base will be considered a normal commute. Any other changes not related to this relocation will be managed according to the relevant Trust or National terms and conditions.
Details
Date posted
18 September 2026
Pay scheme
Agenda for change
Band
Band 3
Salary
£25,760 to £27,476 a year pa
Contract
Permanent
Working pattern
Full-time
Reference number
153-SP06563-A
Job locations
Royal Bournemouth Hospital
Bournemouth
BH7 7DW
United Kingdom
Job description
Job responsibilities
To understand the role in more detail please read the full job description and person specification documents which are attached to this advert.
Job description
Job responsibilities
To understand the role in more detail please read the full job description and person specification documents which are attached to this advert.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Good General Education
- 'A' levels or equivalent in Science
Desirable
- Completion of Pathology Support Worker qualification or IBMS Support Staff portfolio part 1 and 2.
- Further scientific qualification
Experience
Essential
- Demonstrable experience of working in scientific area as a Medical Laboratory Assistant or equivalent
- Able to work accurately and with good hand-eye co-ordination
- Experience of using common IT software
Desirable
- Previous experience working as a MLA in Cellular Pathology
- Experience of quality management system
- Experience of using hospital IT systems
Technical Skills Competencies
Essential
- Must be able to understand and work within established Standard Operating Procedures and relevant Health & Safety policies, including COSHH
- Work flexibly in response to changing circumstances.
- Works within limits of responsibility
- Good interpretive skills at bench level
- Good attention to detail and accuracy
- Handling biological specimens
- Recognises and reports problems as they arise
Desirable
- Understand the importance of quality at all levels of our work.
- Happy to work in a busy environment
- Knowledge of microtomy
- Demonstrable experience in assisting dissection
Knowledge
Essential
- Understanding of Cellular Pathology
Desirable
- Understanding of UKAS requirements
- Understand the role of Histopathology within the NHS.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Good General Education
- 'A' levels or equivalent in Science
Desirable
- Completion of Pathology Support Worker qualification or IBMS Support Staff portfolio part 1 and 2.
- Further scientific qualification
Experience
Essential
- Demonstrable experience of working in scientific area as a Medical Laboratory Assistant or equivalent
- Able to work accurately and with good hand-eye co-ordination
- Experience of using common IT software
Desirable
- Previous experience working as a MLA in Cellular Pathology
- Experience of quality management system
- Experience of using hospital IT systems
Technical Skills Competencies
Essential
- Must be able to understand and work within established Standard Operating Procedures and relevant Health & Safety policies, including COSHH
- Work flexibly in response to changing circumstances.
- Works within limits of responsibility
- Good interpretive skills at bench level
- Good attention to detail and accuracy
- Handling biological specimens
- Recognises and reports problems as they arise
Desirable
- Understand the importance of quality at all levels of our work.
- Happy to work in a busy environment
- Knowledge of microtomy
- Demonstrable experience in assisting dissection
Knowledge
Essential
- Understanding of Cellular Pathology
Desirable
- Understanding of UKAS requirements
- Understand the role of Histopathology within the NHS.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 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.
Employer details
Employer name
University Hospitals Dorset NHS Foundation Trust
Address
Royal Bournemouth Hospital
Bournemouth
BH7 7DW
United Kingdom
Employer's website
Employer details
Employer name
University Hospitals Dorset NHS Foundation Trust
Address
Royal Bournemouth Hospital
Bournemouth
BH7 7DW
United Kingdom