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- Tasks: Join our team as a Medical Laboratory Assistant, processing blood donations and supporting hospital blood banks.
- Company: NHS National Services Scotland is dedicated to improving health and well-being across Scotland.
- Benefits: Enjoy a pension scheme, flexible working policies, and discounts on leisure and shopping.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in healthcare while working in a supportive and inclusive environment.
- Qualifications: Must be part of the Armed Forces Community with strong attention to detail and communication skills.
- Other info: This is a fixed-term role until March 2026, based in Edinburgh.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.
- This post is open to Armed Forces Community Applicants only and is a Fixed Term position until 31st March 2026**
About The Organisation
National Services Scotland (NSS) is a national NHS Board operating right at the heart of NHSScotland providing invaluable support and advice at a strategic and operational level. NSS supports customers to deliver their services more efficiently and effectively and we offer shared services on a national scale using best-in-class systems and standards. Our priority is always the same to improve the health and well-being of the people of Scotland. We do this by working in partnership with colleagues across Health and Social Care to deliver fit for purpose solutions and systems, delivering high quality services that help our stakeholders to free up resources so they can be re-invested into essential services.
The Post
A vacancy has arisen for a Medical Laboratory Assistant (MLA) position within the Manufacturing Department. Applications are invited from Armed Forces Community individuals, who are organised and enthusiastic with excellent interpersonal skills, scrupulous attention to detail and excellent written and verbal communication skills.
The departmental duties will include undertaking tasks, following controlled documented procedures, to manufacture blood components for transfusion from whole blood and apheresis collections and the subsequent distribution of blood components to hospital blood banks throughout Scotland. This will involve working as part of the team processing blood donations, receiving and making telephone calls, manual lifting and moving of stock, record completion and the operation of various IT software applications.
The Candidate
The successful candidate must be a member of the Armed Forces Community (i.e. a veteran, service leaver or a member of their family including spouse, partner or dependent)
This is an exciting opportunity to join the SNBTS Manufacturing team. The successful candidate will be working with biohazard material (e.g. untested blood) within a Processing environment whilst adhering to the principles of Good Manufacturing Practice.
The successful candidate will be required to undergo a Disclosure Scotland check. Any candidate who have lived/worked overseas for more than 12 months in the preceding 5 years will also be required to provide a criminal record check from the appropriate overseas agency.
Location and Working Pattern:
The Jack Copland Centre, 52 Research Avenue North, Heriot-Watt Research Park, Edinburgh, EH14 4BE
Monday to Friday, 37 hours per week
It is a condition of this employment that you must live and remain a resident within the UK for the post in which you will be employed with NSS.
Benefits
Our benefits package includes pension scheme, comprehensive range of work life balance policies, occupational health services, learning resource centres and discounted leisure, financial and shopping benefits –
Inclusion
NHS National Services Scotland (NSS) is a national board and, as an anchor institution, it is our ambition to be a diverse and inclusive organisation where everyone feels welcome. We recognise that flexible working creates an inclusive workplace where employees can thrive and feel confident about their ability to balance their personal and professional responsibilities. This is supported through Once for Scotland flexible working policies. NSS has made a long-term commitment to staff health and well-being and offers many learning and development opportunities to support and improve our approaches to diversity, inclusion and mental health in the workplace. There are a number of equality staff networks in place which all staff are welcome to join. We are also an equal opportunities employer and as such guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for our vacancies. As an accredited Disability Confident Leader, it is the aim of NSS to offer a fully accessible and inclusive recruitment service that supports applicants on their candidate journey. If you are interested in any reasonable adjustments, please contact the Recruitment Team on NSS.wfrs@nhs.scot
Further Information
To register your interest with Armed Forces Talent Programme (AFTP) please
For an informal discussion on the post, please contact Mark Gray (Head of Components) at Mark.Gray@nhs.scot
Closing date for completed applications is 11.59pm on 17th August 2025
Please note: This post may close earlier than the above date, once sufficient applications are received. Therefore, please make sure you complete and submit your application at an early stage.
Further Information On NSS Is Available From
Please note that the majority of correspondence is sent by e-mail only, so please check your e-mail regularly (including junk folders).
NHS National Services Scotland is an equal opportunities employer and as committed participant in the disability confident scheme, guarantees to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for our vacancies. #J-18808-Ljbffr
Medical Laboratory Assistant (Armed Forces Community) employer: NHS National Services Scotland
Contact Detail:
NHS National Services Scotland Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Medical Laboratory Assistant (Armed Forces Community)
✨Tip Number 1
Make sure to highlight your experience within the Armed Forces Community. This role specifically seeks candidates from this background, so emphasising your military service or connection can set you apart.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) principles. Understanding these guidelines will not only help you in the interview but also demonstrate your commitment to quality and safety in a laboratory environment.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your interpersonal skills and teamwork experience. The role involves working closely with others, so be ready to share examples of how you've successfully collaborated in past roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Reach out for an informal chat with Mark Gray, the Head of Components. This can give you valuable insights into the role and the team, making you more prepared and confident during the application process.
We think you need these skills to ace Medical Laboratory Assistant (Armed Forces Community)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Medical Laboratory Assistant position. Highlight key skills such as attention to detail, communication skills, and teamwork in your application.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to reflect your experience and skills relevant to the role. Emphasise any previous work in laboratory settings or roles that required meticulous attention to detail and strong interpersonal skills.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that not only outlines your qualifications but also demonstrates your enthusiasm for the role and the organisation. Mention your connection to the Armed Forces Community and how it shapes your commitment to the position.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application materials for spelling and grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial for this role.
How to prepare for a job interview at NHS National Services Scotland
✨Understand the Role
Make sure you thoroughly read the job description and understand the responsibilities of a Medical Laboratory Assistant. Be prepared to discuss how your skills and experiences align with the specific tasks mentioned, such as processing blood donations and adhering to Good Manufacturing Practice.
✨Highlight Relevant Experience
If you have any previous experience in a laboratory setting or working with biohazard materials, be sure to mention it. Discuss any relevant training or certifications you may have, especially those related to health and safety protocols.
✨Showcase Interpersonal Skills
Since excellent interpersonal skills are crucial for this role, think of examples where you've successfully communicated with team members or handled difficult situations. Be ready to demonstrate your ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.
✨Prepare Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions to ask the interviewer about the team dynamics, the challenges faced in the role, and opportunities for professional development. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.
