Medical Laboratory Assistant (Histology & Digital Lab) in Oxford

Work Environment

This position is fully Lab Based; Kidlington, Oxford, UK. Travel may be very rarely required on an ad hoc basis. Regrettably we cannot offer UK sponsorship or UK Visa for role.

Shift Work

You will work on a 8.5 hour shift basis per week. (Rota) Shift Times will be scheduled each week on a rota and communicated by your Line Manager.

About our Lab

Step into Diagneixa - a cutting‑edge digital pathology environment where innovation meets purpose. Working for Diagnexia means taking a step into a forward‑thinking, digitally‑driven diagnostic laboratory at the forefront of diagnostic innovation. At the heart of our laboratory in Kidlington Oxford, is a passionate team dedicated to advancing healthcare. For you this means working alongside open, skilled colleagues who inspire growth and learning every day. We provide unmatched opportunities for ongoing personal and professional career development. You’ll take on new and exciting challenges, and your professional journey will be fuelled by continual learning, amazing collaboration, and working together to make a real difference. Ready to shape the future of pathology, and grow personally and professionally? If so join us.

About the role

Our Medical Laboratory Assistants are the operational foundation of our Diagnexia Oxford Lab Operations. You work across the Histopathology laboratory functions as directed by the daily rota, building technical competency against a structured module framework from day one.

Career progression

At Diagneixa, our laboratory team includes senior Biomedical Scientists, Associate Practitioners, Medical Laboratory Assistants and Support Technicians. We’re going through a really important phase of growth and structure‑building within our laboratory. We have a clear, more intentional MLA model. Once that gives you proper career progression, stronger support, and more opportunity over time. You can see the role you’re joining, understand what sits above it, and know what progression looks like from day 1.

Your career journey with us

Our MLA roles are the entry point to our Associate Practitioner (AP) pathway. You join at entry level Medical Laboratory Assistant (L1), work through probation, and progress to MLA (L2) after achieving technical competency against a predetermined and structured MLA module framework. Once MLA (L2) role is the entry point to the Associate Practitioner pathway for those who wish to progress further. Staff who achieve our full L2 module completion and demonstrate the quality behaviours expected at that level are eligible to be considered for the AP track. This is not automatic however, it is subject to a formal selection process and the availability of AP posts. You may have the opportunity to progress to BMS, subject to you holding an IBMS accredited degree. Your progression within the role, and your salary, is directly linked to the modules you achieve sign‑off on.

Key responsibilities

• Receive, log, and label specimens, slides & blocks; check formalin adequacy and chain of custody at the point of receipt.
• Data entry and competent in the use of the LIMS and Tracking System, including its use in registration and verification of data relating to pathology specimens, slides and blocks.
• Load and unload tissue processors; check reagent levels, select correct programme, monitor cycle completion.
• Run routine H&E staining; assess slide quality against defined criteria before release.
• File, retrieve, and return slides and blocks; maintain storage compliance.
• Carry out routine and non‑routine specimen preparation and/or analysis including assisting medical and scientific staff at dissection, and performing routine laboratory tasks, following training, such as embedding and microtomy.
• Set up dissection bench; scribe and label cassettes accurately as directed by BMS during cut‑up.
• Load scanners; manage batch queues; identify and report scan failures before end of session.
• Raise any quality concern, discrepancy, or near‑miss to the BMS on shift — same day, every time.
• Log and communicate using Freshdesk, ClickUp, and chat as required.
• Ensure compliance with GDPR/CQC regulations and maintain patient records in accordance with all data protection protocols.
• Respond to incoming calls, voicemails, and email tickets in a polite and supportive manner, seeking scientific staff advice where required.
• Basic troubleshooting of customer support problems.

Additional Areas

• Track and document technical problems.
• Know the limits of own practice and escalate uncertainties, concerns and technical issues to senior member of staff when appropriate.
• Assist with Laboratory stock control and carry out regular checks of stock levels, replenishing and ordering these as appropriate.
• Assist with equipment verification work and Research Pathology technical support as required.
• Comply with all applicable health and safety requirements.
• Participate in relevant audits in line with UKAS requirements and ensure ongoing compliance with UKAS ISO 15189 standards in day‑to‑day work.
• Participate in CPD activities.
• The role will include shift work & weekend work as required.
• Any other duties & responsibilities as may be assigned from time to time.
• You will be expected to apply judgement, scientific knowledge gained within the role and skills in your day‑to‑day work, to provide a high quality and timely result service.

This is a non‑HCPC registered role, and the post holder will therefore not authorise results, nor take responsibility for results issued.

About You (Skills and Experience)

Essential skills

• Ability to work accurately and reliably in a regulated, time‑sensitive environment.
• Willingness to work across all Histopathology Lab functions as directed.
• Clear verbal and written communication; ability to raise concerns without hesitation.
• Commitment to following SOPs and escalating rather than improvising.

Ideal (definite bonus if you have these)

• Experience of previously working in a busy pathology laboratory or within digital pathology (significant advantage).
• Experience in microtomy (significant advantage).
• NVQ Level 2/3 in Laboratory Science or equivalent qualification.
• Experience in MSOffice or Google Sheets.

Soft skills we assess for successful MLA’s

• You communicate fluently in English, in writing and in person.
• You are organised, self‑directed, and bring urgency to your work without needing to be chased.
• You take ownership of your time and output.
• You know that precision matters here. Errors have patient impact and you hold yourself to that standard.
• You build trust quickly with internal teams and external partners alike.
• You are curious, proactive about your own development, and bring fresh thinking to problems.

Start Date for this role is June & July 2026

Benefits

• Good salary with performance based annual increments.
• Healthcare benefits & pension.
• Annual leave.
• A true sense of meaning in your work by contributing to better patient outcomes.
• The opportunity to work alongside a world‑class high performing team in a hyper‑growth startup environment.
• A chance to work on exciting, challenging and unique projects.
• Regular performance feedback and significant career growth opportunities.
• A highly collaborative and supportive multi‑cultural team.
• AI enabled company with access to AI tools.

Diagnexia is an equal opportunities employer and we are committed to the principle of equality. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to age, race, religious beliefs, political views, gender identity, attractional or sexual orientation, national origin or any other classification protected by applicable law.