Job summary

Main area: Biochemistry
Grade: Band 3
Contract: Permanent
Hours: Part time - 30 hours per week (Monday to Friday 1500hrs to 2100 hrs)
Job ref: 251-FCSS7309-MLA

Employer: Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Employer type: NHS
Site: Basingstoke and North hampshire hospital
Town: Basingstoke
Salary: £25,760 - £27,476 pa pro rata
Salary period: Yearly
Closing: 11/11/2026 23:59

Medical Lab Assistant Blood Sciences

Band 3

Our cultural ambition is to have a culture that places people at the heart of all we do, where we all belong, and where learning, improvement and excellence thrive.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

After training, MLAs will be required to carry out a range of laboratory procedures including maintenance and operation of Preanalytical systems (Roche 8100 Track) and loading of samples onto Roche 8000 lines.

The post holder will also be required to work as part of the administration team entering patient data from request forms onto the host laboratory computer and answering telephone enquiries to the lab as required.

Under the supervision of a State Registered Biomedical Scientist

To undertake a range of laboratory procedures to help maintain and operate equipment with minimal supervision.

To adhere strictly to standard operating procedures (SOP’s) used within the laboratory, drawing the attention of Biomedical Scientists to any issues identified with the pre analytical workflow.

To monitor the operation and assist in the maintenance of selected laboratory equipment as defined in the health and safety policy.

The operation of laboratory equipment adhering to set protocols and procedures

To plan and organise their work within the demands of the team, assisting new staff to become fully informed of the routine laboratory procedures performed by MLA’s.

The reception and sorting of specimens according to laboratory protocols ensuring unlabelled or incorrectly taken samples are identifies and appropriate action taken.

Receive uniquely identify, label and prepare samples analysis

The cleaning, sterilisation or disinfection of work areas and equipment.

The safe disposal of specimens, solutions, glass and confidential waste in accordance with department policy and Health and Safety regulations.

To perform the re-packaging and sending of samples away for referral analysis.

To advise Biomedical Scientists when stocks of reagents and consumables are approaching minimum stock levels.

To enter patient data into the departmental computer system. Maintaining accurate patient data files

Perform general office duties, including sorting, photocopying and filing as required.

To work flexibly to provide a service that is in the best interests of the department.

Conform to departmental policies and procedures, confidentiality and security.

Information technology and equipment.

Be able to use the Hospital Information system within Trust protocols and guidelines.

To use and search other data bases for patient information in response to enquiries.

Environment and location

Frequent exposure to unpleasant blood, body fluids and other biological material that are potentially infective with pathogenic micro-organisms and viruses

To wear the personnel protective clothing whenever appropriate.

Light lifting and carrying will be required including using stairs during the transport of chemicals, reagents and samples.

Health and safety

Maintain and promote high standards of health and safety at work.

Conform to policies and protocols of Manual Handling, Health & Safety, COSHH regulations.

Person specification

Education

Essential criteria

Good sound general education to NVQ level 2

Desirable criteria

Basic computer skills
Experience of handling telephone calls

Work experience

Essential criteria

Previous experience of working in a team

Desirable criteria

Previous laboratory or hospital experience in UK

Skills and ability

Essential criteria

Ability to work under pressure in a busy environment

Using AI in Your Application

We support the use of technology to help manage time and improve efficiency, but it is your responsibility to ensure your application is personalised and accurately reflects your own skills, experience and values.

AI tools can be useful when drafting an application, but they should only be used to assist you. The content submitted must be your own work and an authentic representation of your knowledge, abilities and experiences.

Applications that rely heavily on AI-generated content may be rejected. For example, we may receive multiple applications containing identical or generic wording that does not reflect the individual applicant.

The use of AI during assessments, including interviews, is not permitted unless this has been agreed in advance as a reasonable adjustment. For virtual interviews, you may be asked to provide a 360-degree view of the room and confirm that no additional devices are being used. If AI use is suspected during an interview, we may pause the interview, ask questions regarding its use, or adapt our assessment approach.

Working in healthcare requires integrity, honesty and accountability. We expect all applications and assessments to be a genuine reflection of your own experience, knowledge and values.

Our Commitment to Inclusion

We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion in both the delivery of our services and the recruitment and management of our staff.

We welcome applications from everyone who has the skills, experience and values required for the role, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marriage or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity.

Happy to Talk Flexible Working

We are committed to supporting flexible ways of working and will consider all requests for flexible and part-time working wherever service needs allow.

Important Information About Your Application

Recruitment Process

Applications are submitted through our recruitment system, Trac. Following submission, all correspondence relating to your application will be sent from apps.trac.jobs. Please regularly check your inbox, including your junk or spam folders.

Shortlisted candidates will normally be contacted at least five working days before their interview date.

Vacancy Closing Dates

This vacancy may close before the advertised closing date if sufficient applications are received. We therefore encourage you to submit your application as early as possible.

English Language Requirement

In line with Part 7 of the Immigration Act 2016, all applicants must be able to communicate effectively in spoken and written English. This will be assessed during the recruitment process.

Pre-Employment Checks and Probation

Keeping Patients Safe

At Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, patient safety is our highest priority. We recommend that staff are vaccinated against COVID-19 and understand that we continue to care for patients who are COVID-19 positive within our services.

Probationary Period

All new employees will be required to complete a six-month probationary period as part of their employment with the Trust.

Tackling Climate Change: Hampshire Hospitals aims to embed sustainability and net zero carbon principles into the delivery of care across all its services. To find out more, search HHFT Climate Action or [email protected].