Senior Medical Laboratory Assistant

Job summary Band 3: £25,760 - £27,476 Full time hours: 37.5 Permanent contract Location :Queen Alexandra Hospital, Southwick Hill Road, Cosham, Portsmouth, PO6 3LY Main duties of the job To contribute to the provision histopathology to the service users and patients of Portsmouth Hospitals in the role of Senior Medical Laboratory Assistant by assisting with the delivery of high-quality, reliable and efficient histology, from a UKAS accredited laboratory. The post holder will support a team of Biomedical Scientists, Associate Practitioners, other Medical Laboratory Assistants, Admin staff and medical staff in the day-to-day operation and maintenance of the histology laboratory premises and equipment. The post holder will assist in performing routine laboratory duties and technical tasks under the supervision and direction of qualified scientific staff. About us Here at Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust, we are proud to provide expert, compassionate care for our local population. We are ranked as the third in the country for research, embedding education and training across the organisation. Our main hub is the Queen Alexandra Hospital, which is one of the largest hospitals on the south coast employing over 8,700 staff. Our patients come from all walks of life and so do we. We hire great people from a wide variety of backgrounds because it makes our hospital stronger. If you share our values and our enthusiasm for getting it right for patients, colleagues, and our community, you will find a home at Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust. Details Date posted 18 September 2026 Pay scheme Agenda for change Band Band 3 Salary £25,760 to £27,476 a year Contract Permanent Working pattern Full-time Reference number REF2625Q Job locations Queen Alexandra Hospital Southwick Hill Road Cosham PO6 3LY United Kingdom Job description Job responsibilities Specimen reception and maintaining accurate records. Handle enquiries (telephone and face-to-face) in an effective and efficient manner and according to departmental procedures. Booking on/requesting of cases on LIMS. Assist specimen dissection team and with the processing of specimens. Equipment maintenance. Stock and consumables management. Archiving of blocks and slides. Paratrimming and processor maintenance Embedding of blocks under the supervision of the BMS team Microtomy under the supervision of the BMS team Internal quality control under the supervision of the BMS team Complete all training and always follow standard operating procedures. Help the department maintain UKAS accreditation. Outsourcing of specimens Keep accurate records for samples which will act as an audit trail in the event of mistakes or problems. Perform general clerical duties, as required. Assist with specific tasks/projects (commensurate with experience) delegated by more senior staff. Participate in laboratory routine work as required under the direction and supervision of qualified staff in line with standard operating procedures. Organise and prioritise their own workload and inform colleagues of any outstanding tasks Please note this role does not offer sponsorship For further information about the role please refer to the Job Description. Job description Job responsibilities Specimen reception and maintaining accurate records. Handle enquiries (telephone and face-to-face) in an effective and efficient manner and according to departmental procedures. Booking on/requesting of cases on LIMS. Assist specimen dissection team and with the processing of specimens. Equipment maintenance. Stock and consumables management. Archiving of blocks and slides. Paratrimming and processor maintenance Embedding of blocks under the supervision of the BMS team Microtomy under the supervision of the BMS team Internal quality control under the supervision of the BMS team Complete all training and always follow standard operating procedures. Help the department maintain UKAS accreditation. Outsourcing of specimens Keep accurate records for samples which will act as an audit trail in the event of mistakes or problems. Perform general clerical duties, as required. Assist with specific tasks/projects (commensurate with experience) delegated by more senior staff. Participate in laboratory routine work as required under the direction and supervision of qualified staff in line with standard operating procedures. Organise and prioritise their own workload and inform colleagues of any outstanding tasks Please note this role does not offer sponsorship For further information about the role please refer to the Job Description.