Job Description

Medical Laboratory Assistant - Pathology Sciences (Band 2-3)
We are looking for applicants for the above post.
This post is a full-time appointment and will commence at Band 2, progressing to Band 3 after a minimum period of 6 months and on successful completion of further training. The postholder will be required to participate in a 24/7 rota, working a range of shifts between 08:00 - 08:00 including days, evenings, nights, weekends and bank holidays.
The successful candidates will be working as part of a team providing support to the Pathology Blood Sciences Laboratory which is based in our purpose built building at Southmead Hospital.
Postholders must be able to work as an effective team member, have good data input skills, remain calm under pressure, have a good telephone manner, be able to deal with healthcare professionals, patients and members of the public in a discreet and professional manner and be able to work unsupervised and manage own workload where required.
Please note this is primarily a data input role with some handling of pathology specimens required. This is not a training post and does not support completion of the HCPC Portfolio.
To understand more about what it's like to work in Pathology, watch this video
Main duties of the job
Main duties at Band 2 will include:

• Data input of patient details and test request information
• Sorting, preparation and processing of clinical samples for biological testing
• Assisting with Telephone Helpdesk enquiries
• Communicating test results to appropriate healthcare professionals.

Following progression to Band 3, duties include the following:

• Participating in Sample Referral workflow
• Working within the Blood Transfusion department including transportation of blood products across the Trust.
• Assisting with training new member of staff
• Deputising for Team Leaders as required

The postholder will be required to work a range of shifts between 08:00-08:00 including days, evenings, nights, weekends and bank holidays on a rota basis.
Training will take place during dayshift hours.
This advert may close early, if we have received a sufficient amount of applications. Therefore you are highly advised to apply as soon as possible if you are interested in this position.
About us
The Blood Sciences Sample Reception team support the working of the Blood Sciences Automated Laboratory. We have approximately 35 members of staff within our reception team who work across a variety of shifts to provide 24/7 support to the Haematology, Blood Transfusion, Clinical Biochemistry and Immunology laboratories.
The Blood Sciences Autolab provides analysis of pathology samples for NBT Trust inpatients and outpatients and provides an analytical service to a large number of GP practices.
Details
Date posted
19 September 2025
Pay scheme
Agenda for change
Band
Band 2
Salary
24,465 to 26,598 a year per annum
Contract
Permanent
Working pattern
Full-time
Reference number
339-CCS9596-LGG
Job locations
Southmead Hospital
Westbury-on-Trym
Bristol
BS10 5NB
Job description
Job responsibilities
The postholder will work under the direction of senior staff to work as part of a team to provide 24/7 support to the Blood Sciences laboratory. The post will primarily operate in Sample Reception, providing data input and pre-analytical support.
The postholder must be able to deal with confidential information appropriately, be able to work accurately and to deadlines and be able to work with minimum supervision. Job description
Job responsibilities
The postholder will work under the direction of senior staff to work as part of a team to provide 24/7 support to the Blood Sciences laboratory. The post will primarily operate in Sample Reception, providing data input and pre-analytical support.
The postholder must be able to deal with confidential information appropriately, be able to work accurately and to deadlines and be able to work with minimum supervision.
Person Specification
Essential/Desirable
Essential

• Education to GCSE standard or equivalent in English, Maths and Sciences
• Experience of working as part of a team
• Good interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal
• Experience of using computer systems and data input

Desirable

• Experience of working as a support grade worker in a UK Pathology Laboratory
• Knowledge of sample types and requirements

Person Specification
Essential/Desirable
Essential

• Education to GCSE standard or equivalent in English, Maths and Sciences
• Experience of working as part of a team
• Good interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal
• Experience of using computer systems and data input

Desirable

• Experience of working as a support grade worker in a UK Pathology Laboratory
• Knowledge of sample types and requirements

Skills Required