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Job summary

Main area
Virology
Grade
Band 3
Contract
Permanent
Hours
Full time - 37.5 hours per week (24/7 shifts)
Job ref
287-LCL-18-25
Employer
Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Employer type
NHS
Site
Liverpool Clinical Laboratories
Town
Liverpool
Salary
£24,625 - £25,674 per annum
Salary period
Yearly
Closing
03/06/2025 23:59

Employer heading

Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust logo

Medical Laboratory Assistant - Virology

Band 3

Job overview

The Medical Laboratory Assistant (MLA) role will be based in the department of Virology.  We are looking for applicants with clinical laboratory experience to participate in the activities of the department. The successful applicant will be trained to participate in the weekly bench duties performed by our MLA team, as well as wider involvement in quality, health and safety and service development.

Our Virology laboratory benefits from fully automated serology and molecular work solutions that run alongside our specialist molecular work areas, allowing us to put our patients and service users at the heart of an innovative and forward-thinking diagnostic service.

The successful candidate will be expected to participate in an extended seven-day service 8am to 8pm and to participate in overnight working when required by the Trust in response to service needs such as increases in seasonal activity.

Knowledge and experience of working in a Virology laboratory would be desirable and full training will be made available to the successful candidate. If you believe that you have the knowledge, skills and an approach that fits with our department then we want to hear from you.

Main duties of the job

The post holder will receive and  process specimens for routine and specialist testing. The work will be multidisciplinary in nature and consist of the analysis of multiple specimen types utilising various manual, semi-automated and automated techniques and equipment as instructed. The postholder will also maintain analytical equipment in optimum operational condition. 

As directed, the post holder will participate in 24/7 shift work across all LCL sites.

The postholder will undertake training as necessary to ensure both professional and personal development. They will also undertake annual appraisal and bi-annual competency assessment.

The post holder will liaise with both scientific and clinical staff within the LCL and staff across the wider Trust as necessary and within their scope of practice.

With supervision available, the post holder will carry out any other reasonable duties commensurate with the role and aligned to the needs of the service.

Working for our organisation

Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust comprises Aintree University Hospital, Broadgreen Hospital & Royal Liverpool University Hospital.

We are part of NHS University Hospitals of Liverpool Group, formed on 1 Nov 2024 from the coming together of LUHFT and Liverpool Women’s NHS Foundation Trust. The Group was born from a shared aim to improve the care we provide our patients.

UHLG is one of the largest employers in the region, with over 16,800 colleagues dedicated to caring for our communities - from birth and beyond. 

For the 630,000 people across Merseyside, we are their local NHS. We provide general and emergency hospital care, alongside highly specialised regional services for more than two million people in the North West.

Aintree University Hospital is the single receiving site for adult major trauma patients in Cheshire and Merseyside and hosts a number of regional services including an award-winning stroke facility. Broadgreen Hospital is home to elective surgical, diagnostic and treatment services, together with specialist patient rehabilitation. Liverpool Women’s Hospital specialises in the health of women and babies, delivering over 7,200 babies in the UK’s largest single site maternity hospital each year. The Royal Liverpool University Hospital is the largest hospital in the country to provide inpatients with 100% single bedrooms and focuses on complex planned care and specialist services.

For roles at Liverpool Women’s, visit their careers page.

 

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Key Responsibilities

  • To develop the knowledge and skills required for the preparation of specimens for processing relevant to the department (within departmental scope of practice and SOPs).
  • Adhere to all Health and Safety policies and work within HSE and departmental Health and Safety regulations.
  • Undertake day to day maintenance, calibration, control, troubleshooting and operation of all routine and specialised equipment within the section(s), as directed by department 
  • Comply with all quality standards and adhere to the quality management systems pertaining to the department.
  • Stock control and where directed the ordering of supplies as required.
  • Ensure compliance with Standard Operating Procedures, working on own initiative with supervision available.
  • Ensure compliance with all relevant regulatory bodies and legislation

For full details, please refer to the attached job description and person specification

Person specification

Qualifications

Essential criteria
  • Numerate and Literate to GCSE level (To include English and Mathematics)
Desirable criteria
  • Knowledge of Biomedical tests
  • Knowledge of medical terminologies
  • Must maintain a continuous development portfolio

Experience

Desirable criteria
  • Previous experience in a laboratory environment

Knowledge

Essential criteria
  • Demonstrably Computer literate, with demonstrable data entry experience
  • Knowledge/understanding of confidentiality and data protection issues
  • Knowledge and interest in biomedical science.
  • Understands the role of medical laboratories and quality systems
  • Awareness of Health and Safety issues

Skills

Essential criteria
  • Ability to communicate courteously verbally and in writing. Work as part of a team or on own initiative. Work in an organised, time efficient and methodical manner.
  • Familiar with use of basic laboratory equipment e.g., pipette, pH meter, centrifuge etc. Scientifically numerate.
  • Attention to detail

Other

Essential criteria
  • Ability to follow and occasionally give clear written and verbal instructions
  • Willingness to work with biological materials
  • Ability to organise and prioritise own work

Employer certification / accreditation badges

Fair Employment Charter Status - Aspiring LevelNHS Pastoral Care Quality AwardVeteran AwareApprenticeships logoNo smoking policyPositive about disabled peopleInvestors in PeopleArmed Forces Covenant Gold AwardMindful employer.  Being positive about mental health.Disability confident committedStep into health

Application numbers

This vacancy may close early if it receives a high number of applications. Please complete and submit your application in good time to avoid disappointment.

Documents to download

Apply online now

Further details / informal visits contact

Name
Jay Moorcroft
Job title
Laboratory Manager
Email address
[email protected]
Telephone number
0151 706 4410
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