Job summary
The Department of Blood Sciences is seeking to recruit to the post of Medical Laboratory Assistant (MLA). We have x2 full-time permanent posts available: 1 post based in Blood Sciences Specimen Reception and 1 post based in Point of Care Testing. Both posts are primarily situated at the Royal Hallamshire Hospital.
MLAs provide a critical role within the laboratories by performing many of the pre-analytical procedures on pathological samples, data input, retrieval, issuing reports and other general laboratory duties.
The successful individual for Blood Sciences will join a team in the departments of Haematology and Clinical Chemistry. The post holder will be involved in laboratory duties supporting the scientific teams testing blood samples. Routine duties will include reception, storage and retrieval of blood samples, maintaining reagent stocks and equipment maintenance.
The successful individual for Point of Care will join a dedicated and robust team assisting with the operational management of POCT devices deployed in Clinical areas. Routine duties will include reagents & consumables management, routine maintenance and troubleshooting of POCT devices, training of staff with POCT devices and performing audits.
Main duties of the job
We are seeking an individual who can work in an organised manner, is a team player, has good IT skills and has some experience of delivering training. Appropriate training will be given for all aspects of the job.
To assist scientific staff in laboratory activities. This includes the receipt, pre- and post-analytical processing of samples, carrying out simple laboratory duties and techniques to agreed protocols and the maintenance and monitoring of diagnostic equipment.
About us
The Blood Sciences Department comprises of Clinical Chemistry, Haematology, Blood Transfusion, Coagulation, Immunology and Point of Care Testing and is based at the Royal Hallamshire and Northern General Hospitals providing an analytical diagnostic service to inpatients, outpatients, General Practitioners and offering specialist testing to other hospitals.
The Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is one of five Trusts involved in the formation of the South Yorkshire and Bassetlaw (SYB) Pathology Network. The aim of the Network is to deliver a Pathology Service that provides all SYB patients and clinicians with equitable access to high-quality, innovative laboratory medicine solutions that will ensure the best clinical outcomes for patients.
A collaborative Network will also provide rewarding job and career opportunities for all staff. An Outline Business Case, which described the Target Operating Model for the future Network, has been agreed between Partner Trusts. The proposed Target Operating Model will ultimately lead to the consolidation of services across SYB. As work progresses to establish the Network, staff will be consulted about proposals that may involve them.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Please view the attached Job Description and Person Specification documents for full details regarding this post.
When completing your application please ensure that you clearly demonstrate how you meet the role criteria.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Please view the attached Job Description and Person Specification documents for full details regarding this post.
When completing your application please ensure that you clearly demonstrate how you meet the role criteria.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- GCSE at Grade C or above in English, Maths and at least one Science subject (or equivalent).
- Willingness to complete an in-house competency package and additional skills training equivalent to A level/NVQ Level 3 or NVQ level 2 with additional short courses
Desirable
Experience
Essential
- Understanding of the role of a Medical Laboratory Assistant in a diagnostic laboratory
- Relevant experience of working in a laboratory environment.
- Demonstrate previous team working experience
Desirable
- Relevant experience of working in a hospital laboratory environment.
- Keyboard and basic IT skills
- Previous laboratory experience
- Previous experience within the NHS.
- Previous experience operating computer-controlled equipment
Further Training
Essential
- Experience of using computer systems including data input.
Desirable
- Experience of working with a hospital laboratory LIMS system
- Experience of the pre and post analytical phase of a hospital laboratory.
Special Skills/Aptitudes
Essential
- Evidence of effective time management.
- Effective communication Skills.
- Excellent written and oral Skills.
Other Factors
Essential
- Evidence of flexible and reliable approach to working practices.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- GCSE at Grade C or above in English, Maths and at least one Science subject (or equivalent).
- Willingness to complete an in-house competency package and additional skills training equivalent to A level/NVQ Level 3 or NVQ level 2 with additional short courses
Desirable
Experience
Essential
- Understanding of the role of a Medical Laboratory Assistant in a diagnostic laboratory
- Relevant experience of working in a laboratory environment.
- Demonstrate previous team working experience
Desirable
- Relevant experience of working in a hospital laboratory environment.
- Keyboard and basic IT skills
- Previous laboratory experience
- Previous experience within the NHS.
- Previous experience operating computer-controlled equipment
Further Training
Essential
- Experience of using computer systems including data input.
Desirable
- Experience of working with a hospital laboratory LIMS system
- Experience of the pre and post analytical phase of a hospital laboratory.
Special Skills/Aptitudes
Essential
- Evidence of effective time management.
- Effective communication Skills.
- Excellent written and oral Skills.
Other Factors
Essential
- Evidence of flexible and reliable approach to working practices.
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).
