At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our microbiology team as a Medical Lab Assistant, supporting patient sample processing.
- Company: Be part of County Durham & Darlington NHS Foundation Trust, dedicated to quality healthcare.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible shifts, hands-on experience, and the chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Must be able to lift up to 16kg and work on a 24/7 shift rota.
- Why this job: Gain valuable skills in a dynamic environment while contributing to patient care and community health.
- Qualifications: Basic numeracy and literacy; NVQ CLS or equivalent; science GCSE preferred.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 36000 € per year.
County Durham & Darlington NHS Foundation Trust
Medical Lab Assistant
The closing date is 13 August 2025
We are delighted to offer an exciting opportunity forMedical Laboratory Assistants (MLA). We are looking for enthusiastic,well-motivated, innovative individuals to join our team in providing a qualitymicrobiology service to our service users, within our busy Microbiologydepartment. We are seeking hardworking individuals with excellent attention todetail.
The Medical Laboratory Assistant role involvesworking as a member the microbiology team providing support to a team ofBiomedical Scientists and Associate Practitioners helping them prepare patientsamples to be tested in a timely manner and providing our patients with anexcellent service.
Main duties of the job
The main tasks include:
Prioritising urgent samples to avoid delays and ensure bestpatient care.
Receipt of samples from hospitals in the Trust, GPs andother service users.
Registration of high volumes of patient, sample and testinformation into the lab computer system and ensuring all patient informationis input into our system accurately and that the correct tests are selected.There are 1000s of different test codes and you must have excellent attentionto detail to select the correct codes.
Preparing and correctly loading the samples on to laboratoryanalysers and organising samples to be processed in a timely manner.
Answering reception and telephone queries and liaising withother Trust staff and the general public - requiring excellent customer serviceand communication skills.
Receipting deliveries into the department, unpacking andorganising the stock as requested (this job role will require multiple boxes orcartons of up to 16kg each to be moved).
Safely using the autoclave within the department tosterilise waste and safely discard through the correct waste streams.
Please refer to the Job Description and PersonalSpecification for full details
About us
If you are being interviewed you must accept an interview slot in the system to continue, even if you have arranged with the manager
You must be able to produce ALL certificates stated essential in the person specification or you will not be able to complete pre-employment checks
We provide hospital services from two acute sites - Darlington Memorial Hospital and University Hospital of North Durham. We have a centre for planned care in Bishop Auckland and provide care from community hospitals in Chester-le-Street, Shotley Bridge, Barnard Castle, Sedgefield and Weardale as well as over 80 other community based settings and providing care in patients\' homes.
We particularly welcome applications from disabled and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) candidates as BAME and disabled people are currently under-represented
Full Job Descriptions can be found in the adverts supporting documents
Over reliance onAI-generated content is discouraged and may diminish the applicant\'s chances ofsuccess
For the most up-to-date information on visa requirements and eligibility, please check online to determine whether you can apply.
From April 9th 2025 - Healthcare assistants - You must have a minimum of two yearsof experience working within the NHS as a HCA for the Trust to considersponsorship (we will only consider sponsorship if you meet this criteria andhave a current visa expiring within 3 months)
Job responsibilities
Following full training the post holder will be an integralpart of the microbiology department, responsible for processing a variety ofmicrobiological samples using both manual and automated systems in routinebacteriology & molecular areas of the department. This will also includedealing with telephone calls from service users.
This is a supervised role and will include carrying outlaboratory, clerical, logistics and technical duties.
Post holders should be able to demonstrate good keyboardskills, be computer literate and have experience of working in a reception orclerical environment.
The role requires some manual handling work so you must beable to lift boxes up to 16kg.
Excellent communication skills are essential and you must beable to ask questions and take on board information given. An ability to planand prioritise your own workload is essential.
Post holders must be able to work on a 24/7 shift rota whichincludes day shifts, late shifts, night shifts, weekend shifts (day &night), bank holiday shifts (day & night) including Christmas. This is arequirement of the post. Day shifts and late shifts are 7.5 hours. Nightshifts, weekends and bank holidays shifts are 12 hours in length.
Due to the high amount of samples we receive this role willinclude high volumes of data input so the ability to work in an accurate,methodical way is essential.
If you are well organised, have excellentattention to detail, are a good communicator, a team player, are conscientiousand flexible this job may suit you.
Person Specification
Qualifications
- Basic numeracy and literacy
- NVQ CLS or equivalent
- Science and/or math\'s GCSE or above
- IBMS Certificate of Achievement Part 1
Special Requirements
- Able to handle blood and body samples.
- Able to lift and move multiple boxes and cartons of up to 16kg.
- Able to work flexibly.
- Able to participate in shift working including nights, weekends and bank holidays.
Special Skills & Knowledge
- Follows protocols and instructions accurately.
- High level of attention to detail.
- Ability to concentrate for long periods.
- Excellent communication skills, verbal and written.
- Microsoft office applications
Experience
- Clerical work
- Previous hospital laboratory experience
- Employment with public interaction
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 name
County Durham & Darlington NHS Foundation Trust
#J-18808-LjbffrMedical Lab Assistant in North East employer: CDDFT Charity
County Durham & Darlington NHS Foundation Trust is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and dynamic work environment for Medical Laboratory Assistants. With a strong commitment to employee development, we provide comprehensive training and opportunities for career progression within our busy Microbiology department. Our inclusive culture values diversity and encourages applications from all backgrounds, ensuring that every team member can contribute meaningfully to patient care in a vital healthcare setting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Medical Lab Assistant in North East
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific duties of a Medical Lab Assistant, especially in microbiology. Understanding the processes involved in sample handling and data input will help you demonstrate your knowledge during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight any relevant experience you have in laboratory settings or clerical roles. If you've worked with medical samples or in a fast-paced environment, be sure to mention this when discussing your background.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for potential interview questions by practising your responses to common scenarios faced in a lab environment. Think about how you would prioritise tasks or handle urgent sample requests.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your communication skills by being clear and concise in all interactions, whether it's during the interview or when following up. Good communication is key in a role that involves liaising with various stakeholders.
We think you need these skills to ace Medical Lab Assistant in North East
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role:Read the job description thoroughly to understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Medical Lab Assistant position. Tailor your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with these specific duties.
Highlight Relevant Experience:In your CV and cover letter, emphasise any previous experience in laboratory settings or roles that required attention to detail, clerical work, or customer service. Use specific examples to demonstrate your capabilities.
Showcase Your Skills:Make sure to mention your communication skills, ability to work under pressure, and proficiency with computer systems. These are crucial for the role, so provide evidence of how you've successfully used these skills in past positions.
Proofread Your Application:Before submitting, carefully proofread your application for any spelling or grammatical errors. A well-presented application reflects your attention to detail, which is essential for the Medical Lab Assistant role.
How to prepare for a job interview at CDDFT Charity
✨Know Your Role
Familiarise yourself with the specific duties of a Medical Lab Assistant. Understand the importance of attention to detail, especially when it comes to sample registration and prioritisation. This will help you demonstrate your knowledge during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Since the role involves liaising with other staff and the public, be prepared to discuss your previous experiences in customer service or communication. Highlight any situations where you effectively handled queries or provided support.
✨Demonstrate Teamwork
The position requires working closely with Biomedical Scientists and Associate Practitioners. Be ready to share examples of how you've successfully collaborated in a team environment, showcasing your ability to contribute positively to a group.
✨Prepare for Practical Questions
Expect questions that assess your ability to handle the physical demands of the job, such as lifting heavy boxes. Be honest about your capabilities and express your willingness to learn and adapt to the requirements of the role.
