Medical Laboratory Assistant

Department of Microbiology (Stockport NHS Foundation Trust) – Medical Laboratory Assistant – full‑time or part‑time hours available. An excellent opportunity has arisen within the Microbiology Department at Stepping Hill Hospital for a medical laboratory assistant to join our professional team. The successful applicant will join a passionate and highly motivated staffing group providing diagnostic services to the hospital and to the GP practices in Stockport and the High Peak areas.

The role includes processing of patient samples, enrolling patient data into the laboratory information management system, sterilisation and disposal of laboratory waste. The laboratory has ISO 15189 accreditation and is committed to providing a service of the highest quality 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, requiring flexibility to work at peak times.

Responsibilities

• Reception, recording and preparation of patient samples.
• Sort and identify specimens received in the laboratory.
• Enter patient’s details and sample data onto the computer.
• Process and culture clinical samples according to specimen type and clinical details.
• Assist the Biomedical Scientists by preparing slides for examination and other technical duties under supervision.
• General clerical duties (filing, telephone answering, photocopying, etc.).
• Unpack deliveries of culture media and monitor stocks day‑to‑day.
• Safe disposal of clinical waste and operation of the laboratory autoclave after training.
• Perform other miscellaneous and technical duties under supervision and according to protocols.

Core hours are between 9:00 am and 5:20 pm, with rostered early, late and weekend shifts. Work is Monday to Friday, with rostered duties at weekends on a rotational basis.

The Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff to share this commitment and promote safeguarding by implementing the Trust’s policies and procedures.

Stockport NHS Foundation Trust is committed to promoting and championing a culture of diversity, fairness and equality for all applicants. Applications are welcomed from all backgrounds, and we strive to reflect the community we serve in our workforce.

We recognise that flexible working is important. Requests for flexible working are taken seriously and considered in the context of service needs.

This role is unfortunately not eligible for visa sponsorship/Skilled Worker Route under the UK Health and Care Worker visa route. We encourage applications from candidates who already have the right to work in the UK.

If you require support with your application please contact a member of the recruitment team, who can discuss alternative application methods.

Benefits

• Between 27–33 days of annual leave plus bank holidays.
• NHS pension scheme membership.
• Salary sacrifice schemes for lease cars, home electronics and more.
• NHS staff discounts.
• Cycle to work scheme.
• Salary finance – for loans, savings, budget planning and tips on managing debt.
• Stockport Credit Union – local financial advice.

Please note that the vacancy may close early if we receive a suitable number of applications.