Job summary
- Main area
- Histopathology
- Grade
- Band 3
- Contract
- Fixed term: 14 months (FTC until 1st October 2026)
- Hours
- 27.5 hours per week (Part time - 27.5 hours per week)
- Job ref
- 390-CSS-BR-9792
- Employer
- Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust
- Employer type
- NHS
- Site
- Broomfield
- Town
- Chelmsford
- Salary
- £24,937 - £26,598 Per Annum Pro Rata for Part Time
- Salary period
- Yearly
- Closing
- 15/08/2025 23:59
Employer heading

Medical Laboratory Assistant (MLA)
Band 3
Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust is the only acute hospital provider in the Mid and South Essex Integrated Care System (ICS), which is a system of health and care partners working together for our local population.
Within Mid and South Essex there are 149 GP practices, operating from over 200 sites, forming 27 Primary Care Networks and one Ambulance Trust. There are also three main community and mental health service providers who work together through a community collaborative.
We collaborate with other valuable partners, including three Healthwatch organisations, nine voluntary and community sector organisations and three top tier local authorities, with seven district, borough and city councils, as well as our local universities.
Job overview
We are looking for an enthusiastic person interested in laboratory work to join our busy, friendly team in Histopathology at Broomfield Hospital. This support role is vital to the smooth running of the department and includes assisting consultant histopathologists during specimen sampling, equipment maintenance, filing etc. A clean, methodical and tidy approach to work is important.
'In-house' training will be given, so no previous experience is necessary. However, it will be advantageous to have worked in a laboratory environment previously, especially in histology and some IT experience would be of benefit. This exciting and varied role could be exactly what you have been waiting for- the best career move you have ever made! There may be opportunities for further training if appropriate.
If you are interested in the role and believe you hold the qualities we require, then apply today!
Please be aware this may close early due to the number of applications.
Main duties of the job
Cellular Pathology at Broomfield Hospital is a busy department that incorporates Histology and Non-gynae sample preparations. The department handles approximately 30,000 specimens p.a. (including non-gynae cytology) and specialises in Breast, Head & Neck; and upper GI work and has close liaison with oncology research trials and University of Essex and Anglia Ruskin University.
The laboratory is working towards UKAS accreditation and is licensed by HTA.
Your main duties include but not limited to the following
Under the supervision of Health Professions Council registered staff, process histological specimens for microscopic diagnosis, in accordance with departmental policies and standard operating procedures.
You will work as part of a team to provide a high quality, cost-effective Pathology Service, which meets the needs of the Trust.
Undertake routine technical duties and assist with general clerical duties as required.
Working for our organisation
We work together, and in conjunction with MSE Health and Care Partnership, to deliver excellent local and specialist services, to improve the health and wellbeing of our patients in a compassionate way, and provide a respectful, but vibrant place for staff to develop, innovate and build careers.
From facilities through to consultant specialists we want to be the best, to achieve this we need to recruit not just those who are the finest in their field but also those who have the potential to be. Yes, experience is important but so is outlook – if you are dynamic, forward-thinking and enthusiastic we want you to join us.
We not only offer you a good working environment with flexible working opportunities, but also the opportunity to develop your career with access to appropriate training for your job and the support to succeed and progress
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Are you looking for an exciting role as our Medical Laboratory Assistant using your unique qualities, then we want to hear from you?
For full details about this varied and rewarding role, please see attached job description.
We look forward to your application.
Person specification
Education/qualifications
Essential criteria
- NVQ/ GCSE basic numeracy and literacy
Desirable criteria
- A levels
Knowledge & Experience
Essential criteria
- Basic science background
Desirable criteria
- Previous laboratory experience. Data inputting experience.
- NHS Experience
Applicant requirements
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.
Documents to download
Further details / informal visits contact
- Name
- Sika Phiri
- Job title
- Histopathology Service Manager
- Email address
- [email protected]
- Telephone number
- 03004432446
- Additional information
Sika Phiri
Histopathology Service Manager
Telephone: 03004432446
Email: [email protected]
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