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The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust

Medical Laboratory Assistant

The closing date is 30 April 2026

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Job summary

The Royal Marsden is the largest comprehensive cancer centre in Europe, internationally recognised for excellence in patient care, research and education. Our Blood Sciences laboratories operate across three sites: Chelsea, Cavendish Square, and Sutton. We are now seeking a motivated and reliable Medical Laboratory Assistant (Band 3) to join our established team at the Sutton site on a part time (3 days/week) basis.

The Blood Sciences departments process hundreds of thousands of samples annually, providing high quality laboratory services that directly support world class cancer care. The department is fully accredited under ISO 15189:2022, and you will play an important role in supporting safe, efficient and high quality diagnostic services.

Main duties of the job

The post-holder will perform basic tasks to support the Biomedical Scientists within the Blood Sciences laboratories in accordance with Standard Operational Procedures (SOPs). The post holder will organise and receive samples ensuring they are processed in a timely manner, including samples analysed on site and referred to other laboratories.

About us

The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust is a world-leading cancer centre. Our role is to offer our patients the best cancer care available anywhere in the world, and to continue to make a global contribution to finding better ways of diagnosing and treating cancer. We employ over 4,500 staff in a diverse range of careers including nursing, medical, science, radiography, pharmacy, occupational therapy, finance and administrative services. We have two hospitals - one in Chelsea, London, and one in Sutton, Surrey - as well as a Medical Daycare Unit in Kingston Hospital.

At The Royal Marsden, we deal with cancer every day, so we understand how valuable life is. When people entrust their lives to us, they have the right to demand the very best. That's why the pursuit of excellence lies at the heart of everything we do.

At the heart of the hospital is our dedicated team. We offer a stimulating and dynamic working environment, a wide range of staff benefits, learning and development opportunities and clear career pathways. There are opportunities to work flexibly across a range of areas and specialities and we welcome flexible working requests from point of hire to support employees work life balance. We are looking for employees who aspire to excellence, share our values and can play a crucial role in our on-going achievements.

Details

Date posted

16 April 2026

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 3

Salary

£30,630 to £32,346 a year per annum

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Part-time

Reference number

282-SA1412

Job locations

Royal Marsden Sutton

Downs Road

Sutton

SM2 5PT


Job description

Job responsibilities

For further information on this role, please see the attached detailed Job Description and Person Specification:

To assist with the receipt and processing of biological samples in accordance with SOPs.

Undertake sample reception and data entry with a high level of accuracy

Perform analysis of biological samples on basic analytical instrumentation

Collection and delivery of transport bags and consumables to and from bus / taxi.

Assisting in preparing Blood Sciences and Microbiology samples for transport as needed

Undertake pre-analytical processing of samples such as centrifugation, and post-analytical tasks such as filing/archiving

Undertake general portering duties within pathology

As a Medical Laboratory Assistant, you will support the Blood Sciences teams by ensuring the timely receipt, processing and preparation of patient samples. You will learn to operate basic laboratory equipment, carry out essential preanalytical tasks and contribute to the smooth running of the department.

This role is ideal for individuals who are organised, enthusiastic and keen to develop laboratory experience in a highly specialised oncology setting. You will work closely with a supportive team, gaining exposure to a busy diagnostic service and contributing directly to patient pathways..

Previous experience in a laboratory, healthcare, or technical environment.

Confidence in using IT systems including MS Word and Excel.

Strong attention to detail and ability to follow SOPs accurately.

Excellent communication and teamwork skills.

A proactive, flexible and organised individual who thrives in a busy environment.

Understanding of basic laboratory Health & Safety requirements.

Previous experience in laboratory.

Experience operating basic laboratory equipment or performing pre analytical tasks.

What You Will Gain

The opportunity to work in one of the most respected healthcare institutions in the world.

A supportive, inclusive laboratory environment where your contribution is valued.

On the job training, development, and opportunities to learn new skills.

The satisfaction of supporting life saving cancer diagnostics and patient care.

Job description

Job responsibilities

For further information on this role, please see the attached detailed Job Description and Person Specification:

To assist with the receipt and processing of biological samples in accordance with SOPs.

Undertake sample reception and data entry with a high level of accuracy

Perform analysis of biological samples on basic analytical instrumentation

Collection and delivery of transport bags and consumables to and from bus / taxi.

Assisting in preparing Blood Sciences and Microbiology samples for transport as needed

Undertake pre-analytical processing of samples such as centrifugation, and post-analytical tasks such as filing/archiving

Undertake general portering duties within pathology

As a Medical Laboratory Assistant, you will support the Blood Sciences teams by ensuring the timely receipt, processing and preparation of patient samples. You will learn to operate basic laboratory equipment, carry out essential preanalytical tasks and contribute to the smooth running of the department.

This role is ideal for individuals who are organised, enthusiastic and keen to develop laboratory experience in a highly specialised oncology setting. You will work closely with a supportive team, gaining exposure to a busy diagnostic service and contributing directly to patient pathways..

Previous experience in a laboratory, healthcare, or technical environment.

Confidence in using IT systems including MS Word and Excel.

Strong attention to detail and ability to follow SOPs accurately.

Excellent communication and teamwork skills.

A proactive, flexible and organised individual who thrives in a busy environment.

Understanding of basic laboratory Health & Safety requirements.

Previous experience in laboratory.

Experience operating basic laboratory equipment or performing pre analytical tasks.

What You Will Gain

The opportunity to work in one of the most respected healthcare institutions in the world.

A supportive, inclusive laboratory environment where your contribution is valued.

On the job training, development, and opportunities to learn new skills.

The satisfaction of supporting life saving cancer diagnostics and patient care.

Person Specification

Education/Qualifications

Essential

  • =Good general education. GCSE grade C or higher in English and Maths. A level or equivalent relevant experience.

Desirable

  • ECDL or equivalent
  • BSc (Hons) or equivalent qualification

Experience

Essential

  • Previous experience in a laboratory role
  • Experience of MS Excel and MS Word, including creating and using spreadsheets
  • Ability and experience of understanding and following Standard Operating Procedures
  • Experience of effective team working.

Desirable

  • Experience of working in a Blood Sciences department or NHS organisation
  • Able to perform basic training

Skills Abilities/knowledge

Essential

  • Ability to write clearly and concisely
  • Able to work to deadlines
  • Ability to express themselves clearly and communicate information
  • Attention to detail
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to work closely and effectively with staff at all levels within the organisation
  • Good organisational skills
  • Ability to operate laboratory equipment in accordance with SOP

Desirable

  • Demonstrates proactive approach to problem solving

Other Requirements

Essential

  • Able to work flexibly to meet the unexpected needs of the role
  • Self-confident, contributes to meetings
  • Understanding of laboratory H&S procedures
Person Specification

Education/Qualifications

Essential

  • =Good general education. GCSE grade C or higher in English and Maths. A level or equivalent relevant experience.

Desirable

  • ECDL or equivalent
  • BSc (Hons) or equivalent qualification

Experience

Essential

  • Previous experience in a laboratory role
  • Experience of MS Excel and MS Word, including creating and using spreadsheets
  • Ability and experience of understanding and following Standard Operating Procedures
  • Experience of effective team working.

Desirable

  • Experience of working in a Blood Sciences department or NHS organisation
  • Able to perform basic training

Skills Abilities/knowledge

Essential

  • Ability to write clearly and concisely
  • Able to work to deadlines
  • Ability to express themselves clearly and communicate information
  • Attention to detail
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to work closely and effectively with staff at all levels within the organisation
  • Good organisational skills
  • Ability to operate laboratory equipment in accordance with SOP

Desirable

  • Demonstrates proactive approach to problem solving

Other Requirements

Essential

  • Able to work flexibly to meet the unexpected needs of the role
  • Self-confident, contributes to meetings
  • Understanding of laboratory H&S procedures

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.

Employer details

Employer name

The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Royal Marsden Sutton

Downs Road

Sutton

SM2 5PT


Employer's website

https://www.royalmarsden.nhs.uk/working-royal-marsden (Opens in a new tab)

Employer details

Employer name

The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Royal Marsden Sutton

Downs Road

Sutton

SM2 5PT


Employer's website

https://www.royalmarsden.nhs.uk/working-royal-marsden (Opens in a new tab)

Employer contact details

For questions about the job, contact:

Blood Science Service Manager

Gopyraj Sundararajah

gopyraj.sundararajah@rmh.nhs.uk

Details

Date posted

16 April 2026

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 3

Salary

£30,630 to £32,346 a year per annum

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Part-time

Reference number

282-SA1412

Job locations

Royal Marsden Sutton

Downs Road

Sutton

SM2 5PT


Supporting documents

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