Job summary
A brand new exciting opportunity has arisen to join our Cellular Pathology Department as an Apprentice Medical Lab Assistant!
We're seeking an individual who is passionate about progressing in a healthcare science career with a particular interest in Cellular Pathology. Applicants should be enthusiastic, adaptable individuals who would enjoy working as part of a friendly team providing the Cellular Pathology service in this busy department.
The Cellular Pathology Department at Southmead Hospital provides a comprehensive service (Histopathology, Cytopathology and Immunohistochemistry) to the two acute Trusts in Bristol, local GPs and other centres in the south west. The work is varied, covering all specialisms with the exception of Neuropathology.
This is a full-time position (37.5 hours per week, starting five days per week, Monday - Friday). 20% of the working week will be dedicated to off-the-job learning. Upon successful completion of the apprenticeship and relevant competencies, the successful candidate will progress into a Band 3 Medical Laboratory Assistant role.
Apprenticeship start date: April 2026
To learn more about Pathology at NBT, watch our video.
Main duties of the job
You will be involved in the day-to-day support work of the Histopathology laboratory, including data-entry, assisting in the reception and preparation of clinical specimens for biological testing, and with the maintenance of equipment and departmental filing systems.
For this varied and interesting Apprentice Medical Laboratory Assistant post, you will need to be passionate about working in healthcare, numerate and literate, be able to work as part of a team, be able to demonstrate adaptability and initiative and have good communication and organisational skills.
Please note to be eligible for the apprenticeship you must:
- Be over the age of 18
- Have lived in the UK/EEA for the past 3 years
- Have the legal right to work and live in the UK for the full duration of the apprenticeship. If you require a visa, it must allow you to work and undertake an apprenticeship. Visas issued solely for educational or study purposes do not meet the eligibility requirements
- Not be currently working towards any other government funded training programme
- Not have a qualification in the same subject at the same level or above that of this apprenticeship
- Hold GCSE Maths , English and Science at minimum of Grade C/4 and be able to evidence this as part of your application
About us
The Histopathology department has a strong team working environment, always looking to improve to enhance not only the service we provide our users but also the experiences we offer our team. Being a large department you will gain knowledge and experience across a wide range of activities and specimens.
North Bristol NHS Trust employs over 12,000 staff providing healthcare to the residents of Bristol, South Gloucestershire and North Somerset from our award-winning hospital building at Southmead. We are the regional Major Trauma Centre, and an internationally recognised centre of excellence in a range of services and major specialities. Our vision is that by enabling our teams to be the best that they can be, we will provide exceptional healthcare, personally delivered.
North Bristol NHS Trust values all people as individuals. We aim to be an anti-discriminatory organisation and are committed to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. We welcome applicants from all underrepresented groups.
Job description
Job responsibilities
For a full overview of the role, please refer to the PDF Job Description attached as an additional documents to this advert.
a) Participate in the receipt and recording of specimensb) Participate in data input to laboratory computerc) Undertake the storage and disposal of tissues in accordance with departmental proceduresd) Participate in and assist others in the preparation, cleaning, decontamination of equipment and working areas and maintenance of laboratory equipmente) To perform general laboratory duties, e.g. checking instruments, recording temperaturesf) Participate in the management of supplies in the departmentg) Be responsible for the day-to-day maintenance and cleanliness of the equipment and environment with which they are working.h) Accurately maintain filing systems for request forms, reports, slides and tissue blocks and facilitate their transportation to archive sites within the hospital but outside the department.i) File and retrieve records and slidesj) Input and retrieve data from departmental and other IT systemsk) Deal with telephone enquiries to the department and from within the departmentl) Notify senior staff of all problems encountered in the performance of dutiesm) Work according to the Standard Operating Procedures as documentedn) Work within established Health and Safety guidelineso) To maintain safe and efficient standards of work, following codes of practicep) To participate in staff appraisal / PDP according to Trust policies and proceduresq) Assisting the MLA team with wider duties where experience and training allow
Job description
Job responsibilities
For a full overview of the role, please refer to the PDF Job Description attached as an additional documents to this advert.
a) Participate in the receipt and recording of specimensb) Participate in data input to laboratory computerc) Undertake the storage and disposal of tissues in accordance with departmental proceduresd) Participate in and assist others in the preparation, cleaning, decontamination of equipment and working areas and maintenance of laboratory equipmente) To perform general laboratory duties, e.g. checking instruments, recording temperaturesf) Participate in the management of supplies in the departmentg) Be responsible for the day-to-day maintenance and cleanliness of the equipment and environment with which they are working.h) Accurately maintain filing systems for request forms, reports, slides and tissue blocks and facilitate their transportation to archive sites within the hospital but outside the department.i) File and retrieve records and slidesj) Input and retrieve data from departmental and other IT systemsk) Deal with telephone enquiries to the department and from within the departmentl) Notify senior staff of all problems encountered in the performance of dutiesm) Work according to the Standard Operating Procedures as documentedn) Work within established Health and Safety guidelineso) To maintain safe and efficient standards of work, following codes of practicep) To participate in staff appraisal / PDP according to Trust policies and proceduresq) Assisting the MLA team with wider duties where experience and training allow
Person Specification
Education/Qualifications
Essential
- Numerate and literate (minimum 4 GCSE's, or equivalent, incl. Maths & English & a Science at grade C/4)
Work Experience
Essential
- Demonstrate the ability to work as part of a team
Desirable
- Demonstrate understanding of health and safety risks relevant to the department
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities
Essential
- Knowledge of Histopathology and its role in healthcare
- Effective key board skills including data input experience and experience with MS Office
- Effective communication skills
Desirable
- Understanding of the need for confidentiality and data protection
- Knowledge of basic medical terminology
Personal Qualities
Essential
- A desire to work in healthcare
Person Specification
Education/Qualifications
Essential
- Numerate and literate (minimum 4 GCSE's, or equivalent, incl. Maths & English & a Science at grade C/4)
Work Experience
Essential
- Demonstrate the ability to work as part of a team
Desirable
- Demonstrate understanding of health and safety risks relevant to the department
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities
Essential
- Knowledge of Histopathology and its role in healthcare
- Effective key board skills including data input experience and experience with MS Office
- Effective communication skills
Desirable
- Understanding of the need for confidentiality and data protection
- Knowledge of basic medical terminology
Personal Qualities
Essential
- A desire to work in healthcare
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.
