Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Assist biomedical scientists with lab duties and specimen processing.
- Company: Join North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust, dedicated to outstanding healthcare.
- Benefits: Enjoy 27 days holiday, flexible working, NHS discounts, and a competitive pension scheme.
- Other info: Full-time, fixed term for 12 months at West Cumberland Hospital.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in healthcare while developing your skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: GCSE in science required; NVQ 2 in clinical lab support is a plus.
The predicted salary is between 20400 - 24400 £ per year.
Medical Laboratory Assistant (MLA)
Go back North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust
The closing date is 07 April 2026
Medical Laboratory Assistant Band 2 – West Cumberland Hospital , 37.5 hours per week. Fixed Term – 12 months
Provision of a comprehensive service to North Cumbria Hospitals and primary care Trusts. The departments offer core analyses on a frequent basis, processing urgent requests and a variety of specialised tests. The majority of the pathology service is provided on a 24/7 basis. Out of hours cover is delivered via extended working arrangements, on call, or shift patterns according to the urgency and volume of the work.
Main duties of the job
Support biomedical scientists in a range of laboratory duties including the processing of clinical specimens for testing, registration of patients onto the pathology computer system, specimen reception duties, telephone enquiries and general housekeeping duties
About us
At NCIC, we have an ambition to deliver outstanding healthcare services to the population of North Cumbria. The Trust is committed to creating a centre of excellence in providing rural and remote healthcare and provides a wide range of community and acute services throughout our county.
Our 5 key principles demonstrate our belief in the delivery of \’safe, high quality care every time\’:
Being a clinically led organisation
Quality and safety at the heart of our Trust
A positive patient experience every time
A great place to work
Managing our money well
As an organisation we are serious about supporting a diverse workforce that reflects our local community and are very much focused on being an inclusive and compassionate place to work.
Across the North East and North Cumbria we are working together to deliver our ambition to be the greenest region in England by 2030. All staff are expected to support sustainability.
Job responsibilities
Please see attached job description and person specification for further information regarding the role and the essential and desirable criteria required to be met by applicants.
Please note, due to changes implemented by the Government to the UK immigration policy, individuals who require a Health and Care Visa or a Skilled Worker Visa may no longer be eligible for sponsorship where the UKVI salary threshold is not met or if the occupation is not included in the updated Immigration Salary List (ISL). Applicants must check their eligibility to be employed in any role they are interested in applying for, prior to completing an application for employment. Any applicants who do not meet the eligibility criteria will not be progressed. For further information visit theUK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
If you are applying under the Disability Confident Scheme or Armed Forces Covenant and you meet all the essential criteria for a post, you will be guaranteed an interview.
Relocation assistance may be available for successful applicants moving to the region for certain posts. Please see our Policy for eligible vacancies.
Disclosure and Barring Service:
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.
The cost of the DBS must be met by the successful candidate(s) through salary deduction. DBS charges are as follows if applicable to the post:
- Standard Check: £21.50 + Administration cost of £6.50 = £28.00. Deducted from salary over following 4 months or one off payment.
- Enhanced Check: £49.50 + administration cost of £6.50 = £56.00. Deducted from salary over following 4 months or one off payment.
NCIC can offer successful future employees the following benefits:
- 27-day holiday scheme rising to 33 after 10 years
- NHS Discounts*
- Salary Sacrifice schemes including lease cars and Cycle to Work*
- Vivup is a free, confidential counselling and information service to assist with personal or work-related problems
- *Subject to eligibility
Please ensure that you document evidence of meeting all the essential criteria in the supporting information.
If sufficient response is received this post could be closed earlier than the specified closing date, please apply as soon as possible to ensure that your application is considered.
Candidates who have been successfully shortlisted for interview will be asked via an email notification to log on to their Trac account to select an interview time. This will usually be within 2 weeks of the closing date.
Person Specification
Qualifications
- GCSE in science or equivalent.
- NVQ 2 in clinical laboratory support or equivalent.
Skills and Aptitudes
- Able to work as part of a team.
- Good communication and interpersonal skills.
- Able to prioritise work to meet deadlines in a busy environment
- Good hand-eye coordination.
Personal Circumstance
- Meticulous
- Motivation
Other requirements
- Flexibility in working hours, including weekends and evenings
Knowledge and Experience
- Work in a customer service environment.
- Equality issues
- Laboratory work.
- NHS systems
- Interest in sciences or healthcare related fields
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
North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Medical Laboratory Assistant (MLA) employer: North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust
Contact Detail:
North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Medical Laboratory Assistant (MLA)
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific duties of a Medical Laboratory Assistant. Understanding the core analyses and urgent requests that the role entails will help you demonstrate your knowledge during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust. They can provide valuable insights into the work culture and expectations, which can be beneficial for your interview preparation.
✨Tip Number 3
Highlight any relevant experience in customer service or laboratory settings during your discussions. This will show your ability to handle the fast-paced environment and your commitment to quality care.
✨Tip Number 4
Be prepared to discuss your flexibility regarding working hours, including weekends and evenings. The role requires adaptability, so showcasing your willingness to meet these demands can set you apart from other candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Medical Laboratory Assistant (MLA)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description carefully to understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Medical Laboratory Assistant position. Tailor your application to highlight relevant skills and experiences that match these criteria.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Make sure to emphasise any qualifications you have that are essential for the role, such as a GCSE in science or equivalent. If you have additional qualifications like an NVQ 2 in clinical laboratory support, be sure to mention them.
Showcase Your Skills: In your CV and cover letter, focus on skills that are crucial for the role, such as data entry, teamwork, and good communication. Provide specific examples of how you've demonstrated these skills in previous roles or experiences.
Follow Application Instructions: Ensure you follow all application instructions provided by North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust. This includes submitting all required documents and checking your eligibility for the role before applying.
How to prepare for a job interview at North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust
✨Know Your Role
Familiarise yourself with the specific duties of a Medical Laboratory Assistant. Understand the importance of supporting biomedical scientists and processing clinical specimens, as well as the significance of accuracy in data entry and patient registration.
✨Demonstrate Teamwork Skills
Since the role involves working closely with a team, be prepared to discuss your experience in collaborative environments. Highlight examples where you successfully worked as part of a team to achieve common goals, especially in high-pressure situations.
✨Show Enthusiasm for Healthcare
Express your passion for healthcare and the sciences during the interview. Share any relevant experiences or interests that demonstrate your commitment to providing high-quality care and your understanding of the NHS's values.
✨Prepare for Practical Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities and how you handle busy environments. Be ready to provide examples of how you've prioritised tasks and managed time effectively in previous roles or academic settings.