Job summary
The Haematopathology-Oncology Diagnostic Service [HODS] is a very busy laboratory service providing diagnostic services for patients suspected of having cancers of the blood and lympho-reticular system.
If you like to be busy and enjoy working in a laboratory environment, then consider joining our team as a Biomedical Support Worker in Specimen Reception providing support to our scientists working across the department.
The work involves receiving and booking in specimen samples, inputting data to the laboratory information systems, slide filing and retrieval. This is primarily an administrative work with no direct progression to routine laboratory work.
Good communication skills, attention to detail, accuracy and customer service skills are key to this job role. You will join a team dedicated to providing a service at the cutting edge of diagnostic capability.
Main duties of the job
Accurately perform sample reception / clerking of specimens and cases comprising many different components.
Identify samples / cases for tracking and distribution to other laboratories.
Prioritise workload following departmental guidance.
Identify and retrieve archival specimens for return to referral sourcesFollowing full training perform various laboratory procedures, as requested, following departmental operating procedures.
It is expected that some tasks will be performed without supervision.
In conjunction with others, assist with the maintenance of sufficient laboratory supplies to maintain the service.
About us
Our Trust
Cambridge University Hospitals (CUH) NHS Foundation Trust comprises Addenbrooke's Hospital and the Rosie Hospital in Cambridge. With over 13,000 staff and over 1100 beds the priorities of the Trust focus on a quality service which is all about people - patients, staff and partners. Recognised as providing 'outstanding' care to our patients and rated 'Good' overall by the Care Quality Commissioner, is testament to the skill and dedication of the people who work here. CUH's values - Together - Safe, Kind, Excellent - are at the heart of patient care, defining the way all staff work and behave. The Trust provides accessible high-quality healthcare for the local people of Cambridge, together with specialist services, dealing with rare or complex conditions for a regional, national and international population.
CUH is committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive community - a place where we can all be ourselves. We value our differences and fully advocate and support an inclusive working environment where every individual can fulfil their potential. We want to ensure our people are truly representative of all the communities that we serve. We welcome applications for all positions in the organisation irrespective of people's age, disability, ethnicity, race, nationality, gender identity, sex, sexual orientation, religion or belief, marriage and civil partnership status, or pregnancy and maternity status or social economic background.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Please see the attached Applicant Information Pack (combined Job Description and Person Specification) for key duties and responsibilities.
As per Home Office guidelines, please be aware that, unfortunately, the Trust is unable to offer sponsorship for this particular position.
The advert will close at midnight on on 8 March 2026.
Interviews are due to be held on 23 March 2026.
Benefits to you
At Cambridge University Hospitals, we want to do all we can to support good working days. We offer development opportunities and a wide range of benefits, including on-site leisure facilities, shopping concourse and day nurseries. Our good work programme currently includes providing reduced cost Stagecoach bus travel to and from Cambridge University Hospital site. Park and Ride bus journeys between Babraham Road and Trumpington sites are free, as is the route to and from Cambridge train station and our hospitals. We also subsidise the cost of parking on site for eligible staff.
On CUH campus, hot food is available 24/7 and at a reduced cost for colleagues. Recently we launched the first of our staff pod break spaces. Located in the Deakin Centre, we have a purpose-created colleague-only caf, with free tea and coffee, a break space and private outside area for colleagues to rest, refuel and recharge. Just one of the ways we are working hard to support good working days at CUH.
CUH is committed to assisting employees in achieving a good work-life balance irrespective of role or personal circumstances. Flexible arrangements may include, but are not limited to, part-time working, job-share, term-time working and flexible start and finish times.
Please note if you would like to discuss the required hours of this role further, you should approach the contact given. In some cases, alternative working hours will be considered.
We welcome applications from the Armed Forces.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Please see the attached Applicant Information Pack (combined Job Description and Person Specification) for key duties and responsibilities.
As per Home Office guidelines, please be aware that, unfortunately, the Trust is unable to offer sponsorship for this particular position.
The advert will close at midnight on on 8 March 2026.
Interviews are due to be held on 23 March 2026.
Benefits to you
At Cambridge University Hospitals, we want to do all we can to support good working days. We offer development opportunities and a wide range of benefits, including on-site leisure facilities, shopping concourse and day nurseries. Our good work programme currently includes providing reduced cost Stagecoach bus travel to and from Cambridge University Hospital site. Park and Ride bus journeys between Babraham Road and Trumpington sites are free, as is the route to and from Cambridge train station and our hospitals. We also subsidise the cost of parking on site for eligible staff.
On CUH campus, hot food is available 24/7 and at a reduced cost for colleagues. Recently we launched the first of our staff pod break spaces. Located in the Deakin Centre, we have a purpose-created colleague-only caf, with free tea and coffee, a break space and private outside area for colleagues to rest, refuel and recharge. Just one of the ways we are working hard to support good working days at CUH.
CUH is committed to assisting employees in achieving a good work-life balance irrespective of role or personal circumstances. Flexible arrangements may include, but are not limited to, part-time working, job-share, term-time working and flexible start and finish times.
Please note if you would like to discuss the required hours of this role further, you should approach the contact given. In some cases, alternative working hours will be considered.
We welcome applications from the Armed Forces.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- A good general education to GCSE/ O level including Maths and English
Desirable
- Completion of Level 3 Laboratory Techincian Apprenticeship
Experience
Essential
- Demonstrable experience of working in accordance with documented procedures
Desirable
- Previous NHS employment in a pathological specimen handling / reception role
- Previous employment within an administrative / customer service environment
Knowledge
Essential
- Evidence of understanding of confidentiality / GDPR
- Ability to communicate effectively in verbal and written formats
Desirable
- Understanding of health and safety in the workplace
Skills
Essential
- Able to work methodically in an organised manner
- Ability to concentrate for prolonged periods
- Ability to prioritise workload
Desirable
- Evidence of working independently
Additional Requirements
Essential
- The ability to understand and behave at all times, towards patients, visitors and colleagues according to the Trust values of Safe, Kind, Excellent.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- A good general education to GCSE/ O level including Maths and English
Desirable
- Completion of Level 3 Laboratory Techincian Apprenticeship
Experience
Essential
- Demonstrable experience of working in accordance with documented procedures
Desirable
- Previous NHS employment in a pathological specimen handling / reception role
- Previous employment within an administrative / customer service environment
Knowledge
Essential
- Evidence of understanding of confidentiality / GDPR
- Ability to communicate effectively in verbal and written formats
Desirable
- Understanding of health and safety in the workplace
Skills
Essential
- Able to work methodically in an organised manner
- Ability to concentrate for prolonged periods
- Ability to prioritise workload
Desirable
- Evidence of working independently
Additional Requirements
Essential
- The ability to understand and behave at all times, towards patients, visitors and colleagues according to the Trust values of Safe, Kind, Excellent.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
Additional information
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).