The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust

Medical Laboratory Assistant

The closing date is 05 June 2025

Job summary

We seek a Medical Laboratory Assistant to join the Clinical Genomics department. The department is in the Centre for Molecular Pathology and is part of the North Thames - Genomic Laboratory Hubs (GLH) one of seven national GLHs offering Cancer Genomic testing in England. The department provides a reference Molecular Diagnostics and Cytogenetics Service for solid tumours and haematological malignancies, as well as participating in clinical trials and translational research.The post holder will be required to rotate through the Clinical Genomics laboratories to perform technical support duties, including but not limited to, specimen reception, data entry, etc. The post holder will be expected to assist in training and support activities such as quality, equipment maintenance and audits. Attention to detail is essential, and the post holder must be able to work to high standards following defined protocols.

The successful applicant must have relevant A levels, including a science subject, and have experience working in a relevant laboratory. Experience in cytogenetic and molecular diagnostics techniques is desirable. Please note total weekly working hours are 37.5 hours, however in line with the NHSE requirements for the delivery of the Cancer Test Directory, the Clinical Genomics department will operate an extended working hours service, the post holder will be required to participate in a shift system on a rotational basis.

Main duties of the job

The post holder will be expected to assist in data management relating to the technical aspects of the molecular service and therefore needs to be fully IT literate. In addition, the post holder will be required to support activities such as quality, including compliance with laboratory accreditation standards, audits, and clerical duties, and participate in the department's training programme. The post holder will be expected to support and advise less experienced staff, such as trainees and students. Good communication and team working are essential. The range of tests available will be in continuous development, and the post-holder will be expected to work within all areas

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

22 May 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 3

Salary

£29,176 to £30,225 a year Per Annum

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

282-SA441

Job locations

Royal Marsden Hospital Sutton

Sutton

SM2 5PT


Job description

Job responsibilities

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

1. Central Specimen Reception Duties

  • To collect different types of biological samples from the main Pathology laboratories, minor procedures, theatres, and switchboard during the day, including late samples, and maintaining all relevant audit trails.
  • Specimen reception: receipt and checking of samples against request forms, liaising with clinical staff regarding labelling errors, identifying and taking appropriate action with high risk specimens and dealing with leaking/damaged samples. Sort samples for processing.
  • To prioritise samples according to SOPs and laboratory requirements.
  • To input patient-related data received from external referral hospitals, wards and clinical areas including test requests into IT systems.
  • To distribute samples in a timely manner to the laboratories ensuring the audit trail is completed.

Job description

Job responsibilities

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

1. Central Specimen Reception Duties

  • To collect different types of biological samples from the main Pathology laboratories, minor procedures, theatres, and switchboard during the day, including late samples, and maintaining all relevant audit trails.
  • Specimen reception: receipt and checking of samples against request forms, liaising with clinical staff regarding labelling errors, identifying and taking appropriate action with high risk specimens and dealing with leaking/damaged samples. Sort samples for processing.
  • To prioritise samples according to SOPs and laboratory requirements.
  • To input patient-related data received from external referral hospitals, wards and clinical areas including test requests into IT systems.
  • To distribute samples in a timely manner to the laboratories ensuring the audit trail is completed.

Person Specification

Skills and Abilities

Essential

  • Ability to write clearly
  • Evidence of intermediate IT skills and data entry accuracy
  • GCSE in Mathematics
  • Ability to collect & distribute biological samples across the Sutton hospital site

Desirable

  • Knowledge of medical terminology

Personal Qualities

Essential

  • Ability to undertake a support role
  • Able to follow written instructions including SOPs
  • Attention to detail & accuracy

Specific Experience

Essential

  • Good education to include A levels, including a science subject
  • Willing to undergo relevant training
  • Experience of working within a relevant laboratory
  • Experience & knowledge of duties required to support senior staff gained by experience in a similar role
  • Able to understand and follow SOPs
  • Awareness that role involves handling of biological samples and willingness to be trained in this area
  • Awareness of and ability to follow laboratory H&S practice for handling pathological specimens or willingness to undergo training in this area
  • Good understanding of task prioritisation & demonstration of practice
  • Basic understanding of quality management & experience of delivering good quality of service

Desirable

  • BSc degree in Biological Science
  • Knowledge of theory & practice of laboratory techniques
Person Specification

Skills and Abilities

Essential

  • Ability to write clearly
  • Evidence of intermediate IT skills and data entry accuracy
  • GCSE in Mathematics
  • Ability to collect & distribute biological samples across the Sutton hospital site

Desirable

  • Knowledge of medical terminology

Personal Qualities

Essential

  • Ability to undertake a support role
  • Able to follow written instructions including SOPs
  • Attention to detail & accuracy

Specific Experience

Essential

  • Good education to include A levels, including a science subject
  • Willing to undergo relevant training
  • Experience of working within a relevant laboratory
  • Experience & knowledge of duties required to support senior staff gained by experience in a similar role
  • Able to understand and follow SOPs
  • Awareness that role involves handling of biological samples and willingness to be trained in this area
  • Awareness of and ability to follow laboratory H&S practice for handling pathological specimens or willingness to undergo training in this area
  • Good understanding of task prioritisation & demonstration of practice
  • Basic understanding of quality management & experience of delivering good quality of service

Desirable

  • BSc degree in Biological Science
  • Knowledge of theory & practice of laboratory techniques

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 Hospital Sutton

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 Hospital Sutton

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:

Operations Manager

Emma Poyastro-Pearson

emma.poyastro-pearson@rmh.nhs.uk

Details

Date posted

22 May 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 3

Salary

£29,176 to £30,225 a year Per Annum

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

282-SA441

Job locations

Royal Marsden Hospital Sutton

Sutton

SM2 5PT


Supporting documents

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