Royal Surrey NHS Foundation Trust

Specimen Reception Medical Laboratory Assistant

The closing date is 17 March 2026

Job summary

We have an opportunity for an energetic, enthusiastic and well-motivated individual to join the Molecular Diagnostics Department at the Royal Surrey Foundation Trust for a full-time, permanent position.

The job advertised here is to assist in the provision of the molecular diagnostics service, through receiving and triaging samples to ensure they are accurately booked into the hospital database or when necessary, they reach the correct reference laboratories for testing.

We are looking for someone that is proactive, has a keen eye for detail and works well in a team environment.

Full training will be given, no previous laboratory experience is necessary.

Main duties of the job

The Department is part of Berkshire and Surrey Pathology Services (BSPS); an organisation providing high quality diagnostic services for six health Trusts across the region.

Key responsibilities will include receipt of specimens, labelling and checking specimens and entering patient data accurately onto the Hospital database.

About us

Royal Surrey is a compassionate and collaborative acute and community Trust. Recognising that our 5000 colleagues are our greatest strength, we offer a comprehensive health and wellbeing program along with a commitment to developing and advancing your career. Our diverse and welcoming Royal Surrey family will ensure you that you feel valued from your initial interview through your entire tenure.

We are clinically led and provide joined up care by bridging the gap between hospital and community services alongside regional specialist cancer care. Our main acute hospital site is in Guildford with community hospital sites at Milford, Haslemere and Cranleigh. We provide adult community health services in homes across Guildford and Waverley.

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) have given us an overall rating of Outstanding.

Royal Surrey has a strong reputation and history to build on. We are proud of our achievements and we are investing in our colleagues through our commitment to supporting professional development as well as investing more than £45 million in our physical environment and new equipment in the next few years. There has never been a better time to join us.

Although it isn't the Trusts normal practice, adverts may close early, so you are encouraged to submit an application as soon as possible.

A video about the Royal Surrey - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R96pMboIYdo

Date posted

06 March 2026

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 2

Salary

£25,768 a year per annum - including high cost area supplements (HCAS)

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

384-AR-EMF-B20100

Job locations

Royal Surrey Hospital

Guildford

GU2 7XX

Job description

Job responsibilities

Please refer to the full job description

To receive and deal with molecular and genetic requests and samples received from across the BSPS network. To deal with the reception of samples. To accurately enter patient details into the hospital database. To label and prepare samples for analysis in the laboratory. To undertake the filing and dispatch of patient reports and samples To deal with telephone enquiries in a professional manner. To ensure all duties are performed to maintain the quality of the work within the department. To follow Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) at all times To communicate with pathology staff, hospital staff, porters, drivers and couriers To accurately perform any other additional duties and tasks of an MLA in a specialist department.

Job description

Job responsibilities

Please refer to the full job description

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

GCSEs or equivalent in Science subjects.

Desirable

A levels or equivalent in science subjects

Knowledge

Desirable

Previous laboratory experience.
Understanding of Health and Safety issues incl COSHH.
Previous work within the NHS.
Data Entry experience (Winpath).
Knowledge of DNA extraction methods.
Experience with PCR.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

GCSEs or equivalent in Science subjects.

Desirable

A levels or equivalent in science subjects

Knowledge

Desirable

Previous laboratory experience.
Understanding of Health and Safety issues incl COSHH.
Previous work within the NHS.
Data Entry experience (Winpath).
Knowledge of DNA extraction methods.
Experience with PCR.

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

Royal Surrey NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Royal Surrey Hospital

Guildford

GU2 7XX

Employer's website

https://www.royalsurrey.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)

Employer details

Employer name

Royal Surrey NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Royal Surrey Hospital

Guildford

GU2 7XX

Employer's website

https://www.royalsurrey.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)