Job summary
Looking for a rewarding career by the coast? Join our friendly and forward-thinking Chemistry team at University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust. Based mainly at Worthing Hospital, with support to Chichester's St Richard's site, you'll enjoy the work-life balance of living in two of the South East's most desirable coastal towns. Worthing offers a vibrant coastal lifestyle, with a wide choice of cafs, restaurants, and shops, all set against the backdrop of a beautiful beach. The seafront and surrounding countryside encourage an active, healthy work-life balance - perfect for those who enjoy running, cycling, water sports, or simply unwinding by the sea. An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Senior Medical Laboratory Assistantpost in chemistry. We offer a supportive environment, excellent development opportunities, and access to well-equipped labs. The laboratory is implementing a 24/7 shift system during 2025/26 which the post holder will be expected to fully participate in (including nights, weekends and bank holidays) subject to competency assessment. Help shape the future of diagnostics at UHSussex -- where innovation, learning, and community thrive.
Main duties of the job
To assist other team members in the receipt, registration, preparation and analysis of pathological specimens for Biochemistry. To assist in the administration of the department as directed.
About us
At UHSussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us always put the Patient First, as shown in our Outstanding for Caring CQC rating. Your uniqueness and experiences will be part of our creative and innovative community where everyone is encouraged to succeed. We have a range of Staff Networks to help break down barriers, and can offer a buddy to help new members settle in. We're proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2) and a Veteran Aware Trust.
We treat our patients and staff with the same compassion and empathy we expect for ourselves. We're here for them when they need us, and we go above and beyond to meet their needs. This can be seen in ourWellbeing Programmefor staff which is extensive and designed to support you when you need it - because we know that to look after others we must first look after ourselves.
As a university trust and a leader in healthcare research, we value learning, teaching and training so that we can be the best that we can be. From the moment you start with us and throughout your career we will help you to grow and develop. We hope that in choosing UHSussex you are choosing a long and happy career where you will be able to see the difference you make and feel valued for all that you do.
We look forward to receiving your application and the start of your journey with UHSussex
Candidate information pack - University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust
Job description
Job responsibilities
Once trained you will be expected to;
To work in accordance with Departmental policy and Standard Operating procedures.
To receive, distribute and prepare patient specimens for diagnostic laboratory testing.
Process and store samples for clinical trials.
Assist with the daily maintenance and running of departmental analysers including loading and unloading.
Undertake competency assessment appropriate to work area.
Clean equipment for use by others and inform supervisor when stock levels are low.
Use accurate pipetting skills.
Be familiar with routine use of laboratorys computer systems.
Use QPulse Quality Management Software
To perform all duties with reference to Standard Operating procedures and propose changes to SOPs when required.
To comply with Departmental and Trust information governance standards at all times.
To be familiar with the laboratorys Quality Policy and Quality Manual and to ensure that a high standard of work is maintained at all times.
To contribute to developing the service to ensure that delivery is safe, effective, cost effective and follows best practice.
Ensure confidentiality at all times. Employees of the trust must not disclose any information obtained during the course of employment regarding patients or staff except to authorised bodies or individuals acting in an official capacity.
Be aware of and adhere to the Trusts infection control policy.
Please see job description & person specs for full details
Job description
Job responsibilities
Once trained you will be expected to;
To work in accordance with Departmental policy and Standard Operating procedures.
To receive, distribute and prepare patient specimens for diagnostic laboratory testing.
Process and store samples for clinical trials.
Assist with the daily maintenance and running of departmental analysers including loading and unloading.
Undertake competency assessment appropriate to work area.
Clean equipment for use by others and inform supervisor when stock levels are low.
Use accurate pipetting skills.
Be familiar with routine use of laboratorys computer systems.
Use QPulse Quality Management Software
To perform all duties with reference to Standard Operating procedures and propose changes to SOPs when required.
To comply with Departmental and Trust information governance standards at all times.
To be familiar with the laboratorys Quality Policy and Quality Manual and to ensure that a high standard of work is maintained at all times.
To contribute to developing the service to ensure that delivery is safe, effective, cost effective and follows best practice.
Ensure confidentiality at all times. Employees of the trust must not disclose any information obtained during the course of employment regarding patients or staff except to authorised bodies or individuals acting in an official capacity.
Be aware of and adhere to the Trusts infection control policy.
Please see job description & person specs for full details
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
Desirable
- A demonstrable interest in Biological Sciences
- Qualifications equivalent to NVQ level 3 or equivalent training and experience in Blood Sciences
knowledge (non-Clinical)
Essential
- Experience in Pre analytical section of a Busy laboratory.
- Can demonstrate the ability to work to strict standards of quality and safety.
Desirable
- Awareness of the Blood Transfusion standards.
Skills
Essential
- Ability to work as part of a team of Biomedical Scientists, Medical Laboratory Assistants and Clerical staff.
- Excellent communication skills combined with the ability to ask and communicate with colleagues in an effective and positive manner.
- Teamworking
- Good written and spoken english
Analytical and Judgmental
Essential
- A demonstrable ability to follow instructions and apply knowledge so as to undertake and assist in reporting on biomedical investigations.
- Ability to recognise and understand what good standards of quality are and apply them at all times.
IT
Essential
- Use of a laboratory LIMS
- Aware of the need for data quality, data protection and the confidential use of patient information.
Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion
Essential
- Evidence of having championed diversity in previous roles
- Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
Desirable
- A demonstrable interest in Biological Sciences
- Qualifications equivalent to NVQ level 3 or equivalent training and experience in Blood Sciences
knowledge (non-Clinical)
Essential
- Experience in Pre analytical section of a Busy laboratory.
- Can demonstrate the ability to work to strict standards of quality and safety.
Desirable
- Awareness of the Blood Transfusion standards.
Skills
Essential
- Ability to work as part of a team of Biomedical Scientists, Medical Laboratory Assistants and Clerical staff.
- Excellent communication skills combined with the ability to ask and communicate with colleagues in an effective and positive manner.
- Teamworking
- Good written and spoken english
Analytical and Judgmental
Essential
- A demonstrable ability to follow instructions and apply knowledge so as to undertake and assist in reporting on biomedical investigations.
- Ability to recognise and understand what good standards of quality are and apply them at all times.
IT
Essential
- Use of a laboratory LIMS
- Aware of the need for data quality, data protection and the confidential use of patient information.
Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion
Essential
- Evidence of having championed diversity in previous roles
- Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues
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.
