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- Tasks: Assist in microbiology tests and manage laboratory tasks with a focus on accuracy and efficiency.
- Company: Join Sonic Healthcare, a leading global healthcare provider with a commitment to quality.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, flexible hours, gym discounts, and comprehensive health plans.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in healthcare while developing your skills in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: No prior experience required; just a passion for science and teamwork.
- Other info: Opportunities for professional growth and a supportive workplace culture.
The predicted salary is between 22600 - 26700 £ per year.
Overview
Medical Laboratory Assistant, Microbiology – Watford General Hospital, Watford
Watford General Hospital, Watford
Up to £26,598 per annum DOE
Job Title: Medical Laboratory Assistant Department: Microbiology Location: Watford General Hospital, Watford, WD18 0HB Contract / Hours: Permanent, Full-time (37.5 hours) Salary range: Up to £26,598 per annum DOE
About us
Sonic Healthcare is an internationally renowned healthcare provider with a demonstrable track record of medical services across the world. Headquartered in Sydney, Australia, Sonic is an ASX Top 50 company that has grown to become one of the worlds leading healthcare providers, specialising in pathology, radiology and primary care medical centres. We have operations in Australia, the USA, Germany, Belgium, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, Ireland and New Zealand. Sonic Healthcare UK encompasses the two main entities in the UK, The Doctors Laboratory (TDL) and Health Services Laboratories (HSL). HSL is a partnership between The Doctors Laboratory (TDL), Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust and University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (UCLH). HSL was formed to provide pathology services to the NHS Trusts and has expanded further to provide services to other NHS Trusts. Over 3,500 staff work at Sonic Healthcare UK, primarily under the TDL or HSL banner. Our purpose is to deliver medically-led diagnostics, innovation, value and long-term investment to healthcare. With our core laboratory based at The Halo Building in London WC1H 9AX, we also have an expanding site in Manchester as well as smaller hospital-based laboratories across the country. We maintain rigorously high standards of quality, whilst also delivering efficiencies to healthcare through careful workforce planning, pioneering technology and significant investment in infrastructure and IT.
About the role
A vacancy has arisen for a Medical Laboratory Assistant (MLA) in our Microbiology Department based at Watford & Hemel Hempstead Hospitals following implementation of a new Pathology and Phlebotomy services programme commissioned by the Herts and West Essex Integrated Care Board with services which commenced from 1st March 2025. The role will involve performing routine preparation and tests, including basic analytical processes, accurately and efficiently under the supervision of a qualified BMS staff, bringing any unusual test requests or results to the attention of the appropriate member of staff. The successful candidate will also be required to enter patient requests into the pathology computer system (WinPath and Helix) and carry out clerical and technical tasks in accordance with sample handling procedures. Staff will be required to assist in handling and distribution of incoming and outgoing goods, equipment, specimens and reagents as well as managing the laboratory users Helpdesk. The laboratory operates a 24/7 service so the successful candidate will be expected to participate in shifts to cover this timeframe including weekends and weekday late shift.
- Training and development opportunities supporting professional development
- Annual salary review – No banding restrictions: As we are a private company we are not restricted by salary bandings and so are able to negotiate appropriate salaries based on experience. This also means that annual salary reviews do not hit a band ceiling.
- Discounted gym membership with a corporate gym membership scheme
- Cash healthcare plan cash back on a variety of healthcare costs including dentist and opticians
- Sick Pay Entitlement 5 paid days in the first year of employment, 20 days thereafter
- Permanent Health Insurance and Death in Service Cover
- Life Assurance providing salary continuation for long term illness (six months qualifying period)
- Employee Assistance Programme supporting staff wellbeing
- Season Ticket Loan Scheme
- Perkbox Access to additional staff perks and benefits such as high street discounts
- Company Pension Scheme with employee contributions
- Competitive annual leave allowance 28 days
- Flexible working hours to support shift patterns
Please read the job description and person specification carefully and ensure that your application reflects the knowledge, skills and experience required. We respect and value the diversity of our staff and welcome applications from diverse communities. PLEASE NOTE: WE RESERVE THE RIGHT TO CLOSE THIS VACANCY AT ANY TIME EVEN IF A CLOSING DATE IS SHOWN HERE OR IN ANY OTHER MEDIA
Vacancy ID: 035230 Closing Date: 07-Oct-2025
Contact Person: Arezou Fanaie Contact Email: LNKD1_UKTJ
Seniority level
- Entry level
Employment type
- Full-time
Job function
- Science
- Industries: Medical and Diagnostic Laboratories
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Medical Laboratory Assistant, Microbiology - Watford General Hospital, Watford employer: Health Services Laboratories
Contact Detail:
Health Services Laboratories Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Medical Laboratory Assistant, Microbiology - Watford General Hospital, Watford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at Watford General Hospital on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give us insider info and maybe even a referral!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your microbiology knowledge. We should be ready to discuss specific tests and procedures relevant to the role. Confidence is key!
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your soft skills! Being a Medical Laboratory Assistant isn’t just about technical skills; we need to demonstrate teamwork and communication abilities during interviews.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we can track your progress and keep you updated on any new opportunities.
We think you need these skills to ace Medical Laboratory Assistant, Microbiology - Watford General Hospital, Watford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Thoroughly: Before you start your application, take a good look at the job description. Make sure you understand what we're looking for in a Medical Laboratory Assistant and tailor your application to highlight your relevant skills and experiences.
Showcase Your Skills: When writing your application, don’t just list your qualifications. We want to see how your skills match the role. Use specific examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your ability to perform routine tests and handle clerical tasks efficiently.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Avoid jargon and overly complex language. We appreciate straightforward communication, so make sure your application is easy to read and understand.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and securely. Plus, it shows you're keen on joining our team at Watford General Hospital!
How to prepare for a job interview at Health Services Laboratories
✨Know Your Microbiology Basics
Brush up on your microbiology knowledge before the interview. Be prepared to discuss common tests and procedures you might encounter as a Medical Laboratory Assistant. This shows your enthusiasm for the role and your understanding of the field.
✨Familiarise Yourself with WinPath and Helix
Since you'll be entering patient requests into the pathology computer system, it’s a good idea to familiarise yourself with WinPath and Helix. If you can mention any experience or knowledge about these systems during the interview, it will definitely give you an edge.
✨Demonstrate Teamwork Skills
The role involves working closely with qualified BMS staff and other team members. Be ready to share examples of how you've successfully collaborated in previous roles or projects. Highlighting your ability to work well in a team will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Prepare Questions About Shift Patterns
Since the laboratory operates 24/7, it's important to show that you're flexible and willing to participate in shifts. Prepare thoughtful questions about shift patterns and how they manage work-life balance. This demonstrates your commitment and interest in the role.