Pre-Analytical Area Medical Laboratory Assistant (Band 3 – Supervisor)

Job summary

We are looking for an enthusiastic individual to join our Pathology team in the Pre-Analytical Area as a Medical Laboratory Assistant (Band 3 - Supervisor). You will play a key role within the team, supporting the delivery of a high-quality and effective service to our Haematology and Biochemistry laboratories.

The Pre-Analytical Area processes up to 6,000 samples per day and is the first point of contact within the laboratory, forming a critical part of the patient pathway. All samples enter the laboratory through this area before being distributed to our specialist departments, including Haematology, Blood Transfusion, Biochemistry, Immunology, Microbiology, and Histology. As a supervisor, you will be expected to provide support, guidance, and oversight to ensure the smooth running of daily operations.

Full-time and part-time positions will be considered. The department operates a 24/7 service, and you will be required to participate in a shift pattern that includes overnight working as part of your rostered hours, as well as occasional weekend shifts on an additional rota.

Please note that this role is not suitable for those seeking to complete or support an IBMS registration portfolio.

Main duties of the job

As a Band 3, you will support coordination of workload within the Pre-Analytical Area, ensuring samples are processed efficiently and turnaround times are met. You will assist in training and supporting Band 2 MLA colleagues, promoting adherence to departmental procedures and quality standards.

You will work effectively within a large team, demonstrating a meticulous and organised approach. The role requires the ability to work under pressure while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail. You will receive and unpack a wide range of samples, check their suitability in line with standard operating procedures, and recognise and fast-track urgent samples to support timely patient care.

A key part of the role is accurate input of patient demographics and test requests onto the laboratory information system (LIMS), alongside correct barcode labelling and sample preparation. You will maintain high data quality and act as a point of support for colleagues.

When working on the urgent bench, you will prioritise tasks effectively while remaining calm, focused, and responsive to changing demands.

You will be required to work flexibly across Cheltenham General Hospital and Gloucestershire Royal Hospital. The department operates a 24/7 service, with shifts between 07:30 and 21:00, including overnight and weekend working on a rotational basis.

About us

With over 9,000 employees, we are proud to be the largest employer in Gloucestershire and one of the largest Trusts in the Southwest. By joining our Trust, you will benefit from an excellent range of staff benefits, including flexible working opportunities, generous annual leave, access to the NHS pension scheme, staff discounts, on-site nurseries, and a variety of health and wellbeing initiatives.

Within the Pre-Analytical Area, you will be part of a supportive and inclusive team that values diversity and teamwork. The department is fast-paced and plays a vital role in the patient pathway, meaning no two days are the same. There is a strong team spirit, and staff are encouraged to develop their skills, contribute to service improvements, and take pride in the essential role they play in delivering patient care.