Medical Laboratory Assistant

Job Introduction

The United Kingdom Health Security Agency (UKHSA) protects the nation from infectious diseases and external hazards, offering trusted advice to the government and public on outbreak management.

The laboratory in Bristol is situated within the Severn Pathology suite of laboratories at North Bristol NHS Trust Southmead site. The laboratory receives in excess of 1 million specimens a year from a large number of clinical specialties across the Bristol and Bath hospital trusts which contribute to an interesting and varied workload.

This role has an initial end date of 31.03.2025, however has further possibility of extension. 

Main Responsibilities

• To participate in the provision of a diagnostic service including the production of reliable, relevant and reproducible results.
• To undertake analysis of patient samples in accordance with laboratory protocols and procedures such as testing under supervision routine laboratory specimens and ensuring the validity of test runs according to the test parameters.
• Follow the routine procedures for the calibration and maintenance of laboratory equipment and to be responsible for the completion of checklists for the relevant equipment and areas.
• To maintain records for all virological analysis and supporting procedures including records for all reagents prepared in-house as part of Quality Control procedures
• To assist BMS’s where appropriate by planning the day’s work for themselves and those they supervise and proposing relevant changes to work areas as required.
• Assist with the provision of samples for all projects undertaken by the laboratory including maintenance of inventories of stored specimens and recording of the specimens used in particular projects.
• Assist in the maintenance of safety checks and working to Control of Substances Hazardous to Health regulations.

The Ideal Candidate

Essential Criteria:

• Minimum of 6 months Laboratory experience.
• Experience using laboratory information management systems – LIMS
• GCSE or O level in Maths and English and Sciences (or equivalent)

This placement is Monday – Friday, however the successful hire will be expected to work 1:6 weekends, paid at an enhanced rate.

Full Address: Southmead Hospital, Southmead Road, Bristol BS10 5NB.