Senior Medical Laboratory Assistant

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.

Band 3: £25,760 - £27,476

Full time hours: 37.5

Permanent contract

Job Purpose:

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.

Key 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

Education including a minimum of GCSEs in English and Mathematics or equivalent

Experience with electronic handling of data and keyboard skills

Desirable:

Previous laboratory experience

GCSE in Science (either Biology, Chemistry or Combined Science) or equivalent

BTEC or NVQ 2 (Pathology Support) or equivalent.

Skills and Knowledge

Essential:

Evidence of ability to work using own initiative and without direct supervision.

Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Demonstration of manual dexterity through previous employment/interests.

Demonstration of excellent numeracy skills through previous experience or employment.

Good hand to eye co-ordination

Conscientious, methodical approach to duties with attention to detail

Demonstration of good interpersonal skills.

Experience / Personal Qualities:

Essential:

An understanding of the political sensitivities of the Trust

Ability to demonstrate confidentiality and trustworthiness.

A willingness to be flexible and part of a team.

Ability to demonstrate a high degree of concentration and attention to detail

Deal calmly and politely with members of hospital staff who are working in areas of extreme pressure

Ability to juggle many priorities at one time, whilst remaining calm.

Prepared to handle clinical samples.

The health and wellbeing of our staff is at the forefront of everything we do. We are proud to be able to offer our staff some fantastic benefits including our on-site Nursery, access to our free Beach Hut for those long summer days, our on-site Wellness Centre including a gym and a swimming pool, access to our fantastic staff networks including LGBTQ, Race Equality and DisAbility, and awards ceremonies to recognise your achievements. We believe we can offer support to all of our staff when they need it the most.

We welcome the unique contributions that you can bring in terms of your education, opinions, culture, ethnicity, race, sex, gender identity and expression, nation of origin, age, languages spoken, veteran’s status, colour, religion, disability, sexual orientation, and beliefs.

For more information, please see our People and OD Strategy 2026