Job Description

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a self-motivated, dedicated and enthusiastic person to join the Microbiology and Infection service based at the Royal Sussex County Hospital site, Brighton.



We invite applications for the permanent role of Medical Laboratory Assistant. This role is predominantly a data entry role, adding patient details into the laboratory information management system. Other tasks will include stock management and waste management.



We require a Medical Laboratory Assistant to join our team. The post will involve supporting the department in providing diagnostic services and includes predominantly data entry; dealing with telephone enquiries; equipment maintenance; stock control and laboratory waste disposal. On occasion the post may involve some limit laboratory work.



The successful applicant must be detail focused, conscientious and enthusiastic and able to work well as part of a team and under sustained pressure.



You will need good keyboard skills as this role involves using the Laboratory computer system, therefore an ability to concentrate in a busy environment and accuracy under pressure are essential.



The successful applicant must also have good communication and IT skills.



The laboratory provides a 7 day service, including Bank Holidays, and an extended day. The successful applicant will be required to participate in late night, weekend and bank holiday shifts.



The role is full time (37.5 hrs per week) but applications for part time or flexible working requests will be considered.



At UHSussex (UHSx), diversity is our strength, & we want you to feel included to help us always put the Patient First. Your uniqueness & experiences will be part of our creative and innovative community where everyone is encouraged to succeed. We have a range of Staff Networks to help break down barriers, & can offer a buddy to help new members settle in. We're proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2) & a Veteran Aware Trust.



We treat our patients & staff with the same compassion & empathy we expect for ourselves. We're here for them when they need us, and we go above & beyond to meet their needs. This can be seen in our candidate information pack & wellbeing programme, for staff which is extensive & designed to support you when you need it, including where possible, flexible working to support work life balance - because we know that to look after others we must first look after ourselves.



As a university trust and a leader in healthcare research, we value learning, teaching & training so that we can be the best that we can be. From the moment you start with us & throughout your career we will help you to grow & develop. We hope that in choosing UHSx you are choosing a long & happy career where you will be able to see the difference you make & feel valued for all that you do.



We look forward to receiving your application & the start of your journey with UHSx.

Candidate Information Pack:

https://www.uhsussex.nhs.uk/resources/candidate-information-pack/



As an MLA you will work as part of the Microbiology team.



Duties include predominantly data entry (barcode labelling and data entry of confidential information into the laboratory computer system (Winpath). The department handles several sample types including: urine, faeces, blood, tissues, swabs and all other body fluids.



Dealing with in-person, telephone and email enquiries;



Storekeeping; stock rotation and control;



Laboratory waste disposal ensuring all waste is handled, stored and discarded safely.



A good general education to GCSE level or equivalent is required and experience in data entry is essential. Attention to detail to transfer key demographic information.



The service is divided into Clinical Bacteriology, Clinical Virology, and the Environmental departments. The work of each department is organised into work sections and then into work areas or (benches) according to the types of specimen and the investigations performed.



The department performs investigations include microscopy and culture for bacteria and fungi; serological assays for HIV, Hepatitis B and other viral and infectious diseases; molecular department including Sars-Cov2 and identification of lice , fleas and other parasites. In addition the department participates in surveillance schemes for MRSA and other healthcare associated infections, infection control, and handles specimens that may be involved in medico-legal proceedings. Environmental work involves testing water and other environmental samples from a broad geographical area covering Hampshire, Surrey, Sussex and West Kent.