Medical Laboratory Assistant

Job summary Applications are invited from enthusiastic, confident, motivated and hardworking individuals to work as Medical Laboratory Assistants (MLA's) within Microbiology in Pathology at North Tyneside General Hospital MLAs are the first point of contact for the Laboratory therefore a friendly, approachable personality and excellent communication skills are essential. You should have good attention to detail, manual dexterity and the ability to follow defined protocols whilst working quickly but effective under pressure. Please note we reserve the right to close this vacancy prior to the closing date once the required number of suitable applications have been received. Main duties of the job The role involves supporting scientific staff in the receipt, analytical preparation, labelling and data entry of patient samples & requests, maintenance and quality control of specialised analysers and other technical equipment and general laboratory support duties. The role requires a calm, organised approach with attention to detail and good keyboard skills. Previous experience in an NHS clinical laboratory would be an advantage, but not essential as full training will be provided. The Microbiology department operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week service provision. About us We manage three major locality hospitals at North Tyneside, Wansbeck and Hexham, plus a number of smaller community hospitals and clinics from Tynemouth to Berwick on Tweed, in addition to our state-of-the-art Northumbria Specialist Emergency Care Hospital, the first of its kind in England. We also care for people in their homes and provide services from facilities in local communities such as health centres. We give people greater choice and control over their care to help them to live independently at home and avoid hospital admission where appropriate.High quality patient care is at the heart of everything we do and we strive to ensure every single patient and service user has an exceptional experience with us. We have one of the most extensive patient experience programmes of any trust in England. Details Date posted 30 September 2026 Pay scheme Agenda for change Band Band 2 Salary £25,272 a year per annum Contract Permanent Working pattern Full-time, Flexible working Reference number 319-8293437JA Job locations North Tyneside General Hospital Rake Lane North Shields NE29 8NH United Kingdom Job description Job responsibilities The main duties of the role are to: Perform sample reception and processing duties including the receipt, data entry and preparation of samples for analysis. Manual and automated sample processing using analysers and or other equipment, and sample archiving and waste disposal. Perform clerical tasks including data input of patient demographics and test request information and maintaining clerical records. Perform general housekeeping duties including maintaining stock levels, general cleaning and waste disposal. Maintain and promote a professional image for the department. The work of the service brings staff into constant contact with human body fluids, tissues and hazardous chemicals. This may be blood, urine, fluid and faeces. The post holder will be responsible to the Biomedical Scientists in Microbiology. The work involves handling biological samples and paperwork associated with this process therefore the departmental health and safety policies must be adhered to at all times. NB: Post holder must not work outside their defined field of competence. Job description Job responsibilities The main duties of the role are to: Perform sample reception and processing duties including the receipt, data entry and preparation of samples for analysis. Manual and automated sample processing using analysers and or other equipment, and sample archiving and waste disposal. Perform clerical tasks including data input of patient demographics and test request information and maintaining clerical records. Perform general housekeeping duties including maintaining stock levels, general cleaning and waste disposal. Maintain and promote a professional image for the department. The work of the service brings staff into constant contact with human body fluids, tissues and hazardous chemicals. This may be blood, urine, fluid and faeces. The post holder will be responsible to the Biomedical Scientists in Microbiology. The work involves handling biological samples and paperwork associated with this process therefore the departmental health and safety policies must be adhered to at all times. NB: Post holder must not work outside their defined field of competence.