Lab Technician

Job Overview

The role sits within the clinical laboratory at Metabolic Health, a private specialist clinic focused on metabolic and chronic disease management. The successful candidate will carry out a broad range of clinical laboratory procedures, ensuring accurate and timely results that directly support patient diagnosis and treatment. This is a hands-on technical role that demands precision, a commitment to quality, and the ability to work well in a fast-paced clinical setting.

Job Summary

As Laboratory Technician or Technologist, you will be responsible for the day-to-day operation of the clinical laboratory. You will process and analyse a wide range of biological samples, maintain equipment to the highest standard, and contribute to the quality management systems that underpin safe, effective laboratory practice. You will work closely with clinical scientists, pathologists, and the wider clinical team to ensure every result is delivered accurately and on time.

Core Responsibilities

1. Sample Management
   • Receive, sort, label, and process clinical samples including blood, tissue, and urine specimens.
   • Preserve specimens after examination and discard after the relevant storage period.
   • Maintain specimen integrity throughout the analytical process and preserve highly abnormal specimens and blood films where possible.
2. Testing and Analysis
   • Perform routine and moderately complex scientific tests using specialised automated medical equipment.
   • Operate laboratory instruments and analysers, and carry out manual laboratory examinations.
   • Generate and release results within defined Turn Around Time (TAT) targets, including critical results.
   • Evaluate analyser flags and escalate abnormal findings to the appropriate clinical team member.
   • Release amended or corrected reports after communicating with the referring clinician.
3. Quality and Safety
   • Perform daily, weekly, and monthly maintenance and calibration on all laboratory instruments.
   • Run Quality Control, including establishing IQC means, calculating Mean, SD, and %CV, compiling monthly IQC, and reviewing EQA evaluations.
   • Perform Factor Calibration for Haematology Analysers and validate or verify analytes as required.
   • Follow standard operating procedures in line with ISO 15189, UKAS accreditation standards, and CQC requirements.
   • Enforce health and safety protocols covering biological hazards and dispose of hazardous chemical and biological waste safely and in compliance with UK COSHH regulations.
4. Data Management and Reporting
   • Accurately log results, prepare technical reports, and upload data to electronic medical records using NHS-compliant systems.
   • Use the laboratory information system (LIMS) proficiently and ensure documentation meets audit and compliance standards.
   • Inform critical values as per the defined procedure and maintain clear records throughout.
   • Ensure all handling of patient information complies with UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018.
5. Inventory and Consumables
   • Monitor laboratory supply inventory and order consumables to avoid disruption to testing.
   • Enter referral laboratory results and manage the return of external sample reports in a timely manner.
   • Maintain clear communication across shifts and during all handover instances.
   • Assist senior clinical scientists and pathologists and liaise with clinicians regarding test ordering and clinical requirements.
   • Participate in training programmes, staff meetings, and quality improvement activities.

Requirements

Experience

• Minimum three years of experience in a clinical or hospital laboratory setting.
• Familiarity with automated laboratory platforms and NHS-compliant LIMS.
• Experience working within CQC-regulated or ISO 15189-accredited laboratory environments is an advantage.

Technical Skills

• Strong technical ability with a proven track record of troubleshooting equipment and analytical issues.
• Competent in Quality Control processes including IQC and EQA.
• Proficient in laboratory information systems and electronic medical record platforms.

Communication and Collaboration

• Clear written and verbal communication with the ability to liaise effectively across clinical teams.
• Accurate and detail-oriented, particularly when recording results and managing specimen data.

Professionalism and Confidentiality

• Committed to delivering accurate, high-quality results in line with laboratory safety and compliance standards.
• Calm and composed under pressure with a methodical and solutions-focused approach.
• High level of discretion in handling patient information in accordance with UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Science, Medical Laboratory Technology, or a closely related life science (Technologist route). A Diploma in Medical Laboratory Technology is accepted for Technician roles.
• Registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) as a Biomedical Scientist is required for higher-tier roles within regulated clinical laboratory settings.
• Evidence of continued professional development (CPD) in line with HCPC requirements.
• IBMS membership or equivalent professional body affiliation is desirable.

Regulatory and Compliance Context

This role operates within the regulatory framework of the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and in accordance with ISO 15189 and UKAS accreditation standards. The postholder must adhere to the laboratory’s infection prevention and control procedures, support patient safety standards, and maintain compliance with all relevant UK healthcare legislation, including UK GDPR, the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, and COSHH regulations.

Competency

What Good Looks Like

• Accuracy – Delivers precise results every time. Catches errors before they reach the clinician.
• Technical Expertise – Operates and maintains complex analysers with confidence. Troubleshoots without delay.
• Quality Mindset – Understands why QC matters. Flags anomalies and acts on them immediately.
• Communication – Documents clearly. Communicates critical values promptly and professionally.
• Team Contribution – Supports colleagues across shifts. Hands over with clarity and care. Looks for better ways to work. Engages with audits and quality processes.