Medical Laboratory Assistant - College of Medicine and Health - 107604 - Grade 3

This role involves patient sample management and supports biomedical scientists and research teams across multiple platforms. The position is within the Clinical Immunology Service at the University of Birmingham and requires flexible working to meet variable sample volumes.

Main Duties

• Receive, book, unpack, identify, separate and assign unique specimen numbers in the laboratory information management system (LIMS).
• Assist with routine laboratory tasks for research studies, including the preparation and processing of blood spots and peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) samples under supervision.
• Report any issues with samples, equipment or processes to senior staff promptly.
• Accurately record and update sample information in laboratory systems to ensure traceability.
• Maintain cleanliness and organisation of laboratory work areas, equipment and storage facilities such as fridges and freezers.
• Prepare and load samples onto machines, conduct staining in accordance with SOPs, return specimens to racks, archive worksheets and transfer records to permanent electronic storage.
• Dispose of laboratory waste—including biological material, plastics, cardboard and excess reagents—in line with University and Covenant Health & Safety/waste protocols.
• Pack soiled lab coats for laundry and replenish drawers as needed.
• Adhere to and support staff and students with the University’s Health and Safety policy.
• Implement carbon reduction and energy‑saving measures.
• Maintain adequate stock levels, ensuring chemicals are correctly labelled and stored in line with EU regulations.
• Contribute to regular laboratory cleaning hygiene policies and procedures.
• Pack and dispatch referral specimens to comply with Post Office and Health and Safety regulations (UN3373/Category B).
• Assist office tasks such as answering phone calls, monitoring emails, preparing reports, filing, maintaining stocks of forms and sending out completed reports and trial kits.
• Receive and check deliveries, manage stock of laboratory consumables and notify section heads when re‑ordering is required.
• Train new staff, visitors and students on processes and procedures.
• Perform any other duties reasonably required by the Line Manager or Technical Managers.
• Prioritise urgent clinical samples to ensure timely testing.
• Engage in continuous professional development (CPD) activities organised by the university.

Qualifications

• GCSE (A‑C/4‑9 or equivalent) in Mathematics, English and Science, or NVQ Level 2, BTEC Level 2 or equivalent.
• Practical experience in laboratory techniques and patient sample handling.
• Understanding of the confidentiality and clinical impact of handling patient samples.
• Previous experience in an NHS laboratory is preferred.
• Positive service attitude and courtesy in dealing with others.
• Ability to organise and manage own workload in consultation with supervisors.
• Teamworking skills and flexibility to support general activities within the department.
• Awareness of current Health & Safety policies.
• Basic understanding of commonly used software packages.

Benefits

• 40 days paid holiday each year.
• One paid day per year for volunteering.
• Occupational sick pay.
• Pension scheme.
• Subsidised day nurseries.
• Overtime payment and days off in lieu on university closed days.