Job summary
The Medical Laboratory Assistant (MLA) role will be based in the department of Virology. We are looking for applicants with clinical laboratory experience to participate in the activities of the department. The successful applicant will be trained to participate in the weekly bench duties performed by our MLA team, as well as wider involvement in quality, health and safety and service development.
Our Virology laboratory benefits from fully automated serology and molecular work solutions that run alongside our specialist molecular work areas, allowing us to put our patients and service users at the heart of an innovative and forward-thinking diagnostic service.
The successful candidate will be expected to participate in an extended seven-day service 8am to 8pm and to participate in overnight working when required by the Trust in response to service needs such as increases in seasonal activity.
Knowledge and experience of working in a Virology laboratory would be desirable and full training will be made available to the successful candidate. If you believe that you have the knowledge, skills and an approach that fits with our department then we want to hear from you.
Main duties of the job
The post holder will receive and process specimens for routine and specialist testing. The work will be multidisciplinary in nature and consist of the analysis of multiple specimen types utilising various manual, semi-automated and automated techniques and equipment as instructed. The postholder will also maintain analytical equipment in optimum operational condition.
As directed, the post holder will participate in 24/7 shift work across all LCL sites.
The postholder will undertake training as necessary to ensure both professional and personal development. They will also undertake annual appraisal and bi-annual competency assessment.
The post holder will liaise with both scientific and clinical staff within the LCL and staff across the wider Trust as necessary and within their scope of practice.
With supervision available, the post holder will carry out any other reasonable duties commensurate with the role and aligned to the needs of the service.
About us
Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust comprises Aintree University Hospital, Broadgreen Hospital & Royal Liverpool University Hospital.
We are part of NHS University Hospitals of Liverpool Group, formed on 1 Nov 2024 from the coming together of LUHFT and Liverpool Women's NHS Foundation Trust. The Group was born from a shared aim to improve the care we provide our patients.
UHLG is one of the largest employers in the region, with over 16,800 colleagues dedicated to caring for our communities - from birth and beyond.
For the 630,000 people across Merseyside, we are their local NHS. We provide general and emergency hospital care, alongside highly specialised regional services for more than two million people in the North West.
Aintree University Hospital is the single receiving site for adult major trauma patients in Cheshire and Merseyside and hosts a number of regional services including an award-winning stroke facility. Broadgreen Hospital is home to elective surgical, diagnostic and treatment services, together with specialist patient rehabilitation. Liverpool Women's Hospital specialises in the health of women and babies, delivering over 7,200 babies in the UK's largest single site maternity hospital each year. The Royal Liverpool University Hospital is the largest hospital in the country to provide inpatients with 100% single bedrooms and focuses on complex planned care and specialist services.
For roles at Liverpool Women's, visit their careers page.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Key Responsibilities
- To develop the knowledge and skills required for the preparation of specimens for processing relevant to the department (within departmental scope of practice and SOPs).
- Adhere to all Health and Safety policies and work within HSE and departmental Health and Safety regulations.
- Undertake day to day maintenance, calibration, control, troubleshooting and operation of all routine and specialised equipment within the section(s), as directed by department
- Comply with all quality standards and adhere to the quality management systems pertaining to the department.
- Stock control and where directed the ordering of supplies as required.
- Ensure compliance with Standard Operating Procedures, working on own initiative with supervision available.
- Ensure compliance with all relevant regulatory bodies and legislation
For full details, please refer to the attached job description and person specification
Job description
Job responsibilities
Key Responsibilities
- To develop the knowledge and skills required for the preparation of specimens for processing relevant to the department (within departmental scope of practice and SOPs).
- Adhere to all Health and Safety policies and work within HSE and departmental Health and Safety regulations.
- Undertake day to day maintenance, calibration, control, troubleshooting and operation of all routine and specialised equipment within the section(s), as directed by department
- Comply with all quality standards and adhere to the quality management systems pertaining to the department.
- Stock control and where directed the ordering of supplies as required.
- Ensure compliance with Standard Operating Procedures, working on own initiative with supervision available.
- Ensure compliance with all relevant regulatory bodies and legislation
For full details, please refer to the attached job description and person specification
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Numerate and Literate to GCSE level (To include English and Mathematics)
Desirable
- Knowledge of Biomedical tests
- Knowledge of medical terminologies
- Must maintain a continuous development portfolio
Experience
Desirable
- Previous experience in a laboratory environment
Knowledge
Essential
- Demonstrably Computer literate, with demonstrable data entry experience
- Knowledge/understanding of confidentiality and data protection issues
- Knowledge and interest in biomedical science.
- Understands the role of medical laboratories and quality systems
- Awareness of Health and Safety issues
Skills
Essential
- Ability to communicate courteously verbally and in writing. Work as part of a team or on own initiative. Work in an organised, time efficient and methodical manner.
- Familiar with use of basic laboratory equipment e.g., pipette, pH meter, centrifuge etc. Scientifically numerate.
- Attention to detail
Other
Essential
- Ability to follow and occasionally give clear written and verbal instructions
- Willingness to work with biological materials
- Ability to organise and prioritise own work
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Numerate and Literate to GCSE level (To include English and Mathematics)
Desirable
- Knowledge of Biomedical tests
- Knowledge of medical terminologies
- Must maintain a continuous development portfolio
Experience
Desirable
- Previous experience in a laboratory environment
Knowledge
Essential
- Demonstrably Computer literate, with demonstrable data entry experience
- Knowledge/understanding of confidentiality and data protection issues
- Knowledge and interest in biomedical science.
- Understands the role of medical laboratories and quality systems
- Awareness of Health and Safety issues
Skills
Essential
- Ability to communicate courteously verbally and in writing. Work as part of a team or on own initiative. Work in an organised, time efficient and methodical manner.
- Familiar with use of basic laboratory equipment e.g., pipette, pH meter, centrifuge etc. Scientifically numerate.
- Attention to detail
Other
Essential
- Ability to follow and occasionally give clear written and verbal instructions
- Willingness to work with biological materials
- Ability to organise and prioritise own work
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.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
Additional information
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.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
