Job Description

We are looking for a full-time, permanent Medical Laboratory Assistant to join our friendly and forward-thinking team in the Toxicology Department at Synnovis, based at the Blackfriars Hub. This is a fantastic opportunity for a motivated and detail-oriented individual who is passionate about supporting high-quality clinical laboratory services in a fast-paced environment.



In this role, you will work alongside Biomedical Scientists and healthcare professionals to assist in the delivery of toxicology testing. Your responsibilities will include specimen reception, accurate data entry, sample preparation, and general laboratory upkeep, all while ensuring adherence to quality standards and health & safety protocols.



If you are enthusiastic, organised, and eager to contribute to a vital area of healthcare, we'd love to hear from you.



To support Biomedical and Clinical Scientists in the processing of biological samples within the Reference Biochemistry and Integrated Toxicology Laboratories. Duties include receiving, sorting, and preparing specimens for analysis, ensuring correct labelling and handling in line with protocols. The post holder will assist in maintaining accurate manual and computerised records, including data entry into the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS), and help manage telephone enquiries professionally.



Additional responsibilities include monitoring stock levels, preparing reagents, and maintaining a clean and safe working environment. The post holder will support routine equipment checks and contribute to the upkeep of the laboratory's quality management system. They may also assist with basic analytical tasks under supervision, and undertake troubleshooting to support reliable service delivery. Liaison with senior staff is required to meet service turnaround times and ensure smooth workflow.



Your development and learning



You will have a suite of learning opportunities available through The ACCE competencies programme, the Scientific Learning and Development Fund and the Synnovis Academy through which you can receive funding / support for advanced qualifications.



Through our Innovation Accelerator Fund, you can apply for finance to get that new innovative scientific project off the ground, and participate with the wider scientific community through symposiums, conferences and other peer group meetings.



At Synnovis, we are currently shaping the future of pathology services by creating a world-leading Hub and Spoke pathology network with our NHS partners. A large part of this modernisation will involve moving 70% of our services to a purpose built, state of the art Hub laboratory in the heart of London. For now, the job you are applying for will be based at one of our hospital sites however, from 1 April 2024 our people and services will start to move to our Hub laboratory in Blackfriars, Southwark, SE1, with some work remaining in refurbished essential services laboratories across our hospital network, focusing on the rapid turnover of urgent tests. Please do ask your recruiting manager if you wish to find out more.



Duties and Responsibilities



To undertake Medical Laboratory Assistant (MLA) duties as directed by qualified Biomedical Scientist or Clinical Scientist staff, or through the supervisor. This includes sample processing, preparation, inputting patient results, and performing associated clerical tasks. To prepare biological samples for biochemical and/or toxicological investigations, ensuring correct handling and labelling in accordance with departmental protocols. To prepare and package samples for despatch to other NHS hospitals or external laboratories, following appropriate transport and documentation procedures. To maintain accurate manual and computerised records, including data entry into the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS), ensuring traceability and compliance with quality standards. To liaise effectively with all areas of the department, other hospital departments, and external organisations to support efficient service delivery and communication. To answer telephone enquiries professionally, providing results where appropriate and referring clinical or technical queries to senior staff. To respond to enquiries from external hospitals regarding outstanding results. To monitor and record fridge and freezer temperatures daily, ensuring storage conditions meet required standards and reporting any deviations promptly. To assist with the training and supervision of other MLA colleagues, ensuring safe and accurate execution of procedures related to Reference Biochemistry and Integrated Toxicology sample handling. To maintain patient confidentiality at all times, in accordance with the Data Protection Act and Trust policies, ensuring sensitive information is only shared with authorised personnel. To work collaboratively with the team to regularly review and improve working practices, contributing to the department's commitment to delivering a high-quality and safe service. To follow and implement the Department of Clinical Biochemistry's Safety Policy and Code of Practice, and to report any safety concerns or incidents to the departmental Safety Officer. To develop a basic understanding of the scientific principles underlying laboratory investigations, supporting professional development and contextual awareness of laboratory processes. To ensure compliance with all relevant legislation, including the Data Protection Act, and uphold the Trust's values and standards in all aspects of work.

Synnovis is a pathology partnership between SYNLAB UK and Ireland, and the NHS, including sites, Guy's & St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust and King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, to deliver and transform pathology services across South East London.



The partnership provides services to 1.7 million people living in South East London, as well as to hundreds of thousands of patients from outside the region who use local healthcare services.



The partnership provides diagnostics, testing and digital pathology for hospital trusts, GP services and other healthcare providers.



The hub is an eight-storey building, and we are working across 10 floors including the ground and lower ground floors. Synnovis' corporate function operates from the hub on the 8th floor, above the laboratories underneath. This is a total net internal area of almost 10,000m squared across the 10 floors.



Based in Blackfriars, it's less than a 5 minute walk from Southwark Tube or Blackfriars station and nestled closely to a vast array of entertainment and fabulous places to dine, relax and meet people.