University Hospitals of Derby and Burton NHS Foundation Trust

Medical Laboratory Assistant Supervisor

The closing date is 27 April 2026

Job summary

An enthusiastic and highly motivated individual is required for this post in a rapidly expanding section of the Pathology Department.

The post will involve supervision of MLA staff across all areas of the Blood Sciences Department. The Laboratory is fully committed to service development and transformation and the MLA supervisors are expected to steer this process and assist in the introduction of new work streams as necessary.

The successful candidates will participate in the proposed shift system, which will cover 7 days per week.Applicants must be educated to at least NVQ level 2 or equivalent and have demonstrable experience working in a Pathology Laboratory. The successful candidate will be given full training opportunities to develop their knowledge and skills and participate in the management of the department.

NBHCPC portfolioscannotbe supported in this area as there is insufficient exposure to the main Laboratory.

Main duties of the job

  • To supervise the work of Medical Laboratory Assistants and other less experienced Biomedical staff in the section.
  • To undertake the training of MLA and Biomedical Science staff within the section.
  • To undertake the reception and processing of all clinical specimens prior to testing.
  • To carry out basic analytical procedures.
  • To troubleshoot and resolve front line laboratory issues.
  • To act as front line staff for visitors and enquiries, forwarding them onto the correct person.
  • To assist the out of hours duty biomedical scientists in the provision of the evenings and/or weekend service.
  • To carry out initial HR procedures in line with trust policy.

You will be required to sit or stand for extended periods of time whilst preparing samples and inputting data, therefore the ability to multi-task and work flexibly are essential. This role will require support of stores and deliveries during holiday, short staffing and sickness periods. This will involve manual handling of possible heavy goods.

Closing date of applications: 27 April 2026

This vacancy may close early due to a high volume of applications

Interview date: 13 May 2026

About us

As a trusted organisation at the heart of our communities, we recognise the important role we can play in supporting the public, patients, our own people and local partners in achieving the best of health for the local population and the communities in which they live by providing Exceptional Care Together

Our fundamental Values of Compassion, Openness and Excellence underpin how we intend to work as a Trust and the associated behaviours are becoming embedded in all aspects of how we work.

In return we will offer:

  • Development opportunities, both professional and leadership development
  • On-going support from recruitment to when you join our team and beyond.
  • Staff benefits including employee assistance programme, discounted gym membership, onsite fitness classes, car schemes

Key Facts:

  • We see on average 4810 OP appointments a day.
  • We are the 4th busiest Trauma & Orthopaedic outpatients department in England - an average of 2077 per week.
  • An average of 1115 patients are seen in A&Es across our network every day - 3rd largest in the country.
  • Our hospitals admit an average of 195 emergency patients daily.
  • Last year we undertook almost 33,700 planned surgical operations in our 57 operating theatres.
  • We are one of only 7 Trusts nationally with more than 50 operating theatres.
  • We carry out more than 140 elective procedures each working day.
  • UHDB is a research active University Hospital with a large and varied portfolio of clinical trials and research opportunities for all staff.

Details

Date posted

15 April 2026

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 3

Salary

£25,760 to £27,476 a year pro rata pa

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

320-CDCS-4044

Job locations

Queens Hospital

Belvedere road

Burton-On-Trent

DE13 0RB


Job description

Job responsibilities

Please see attached Job description and Person Specification. To apply please click APPLY FOR THIS JOB this link will take you to the TRAC Recruitment Site. You will need to register if you do not already have an account.

UHDB is committed to fair and transparent recruitment. We welcome authentic applications that reflect your own skills, experience and motivations for the role. While we understand that candidates may use AI tools for grammar, formatting or accessibility purposes, applications that appear to be substantially AIgenerated may be subject to additional review. If this applies to your submission, we will let you know and may ask for clarification. Please ensure your application accurately represents your experience and is written in your own words.

Following the recent update on UK immigration policy for those on a Health and Care Visa or Skilled Worker Visa, please click on the link to check your eligibility before applying for this post as we may be unable to provide sponsorshipImpacts of the changes to the UK immigration policy | NHS Employers

Your application (for shortlisting purposes) is assessed based on the Person Specification in the job advert (below).

Job description

Job responsibilities

Please see attached Job description and Person Specification. To apply please click APPLY FOR THIS JOB this link will take you to the TRAC Recruitment Site. You will need to register if you do not already have an account.

UHDB is committed to fair and transparent recruitment. We welcome authentic applications that reflect your own skills, experience and motivations for the role. While we understand that candidates may use AI tools for grammar, formatting or accessibility purposes, applications that appear to be substantially AIgenerated may be subject to additional review. If this applies to your submission, we will let you know and may ask for clarification. Please ensure your application accurately represents your experience and is written in your own words.

Following the recent update on UK immigration policy for those on a Health and Care Visa or Skilled Worker Visa, please click on the link to check your eligibility before applying for this post as we may be unable to provide sponsorshipImpacts of the changes to the UK immigration policy | NHS Employers

Your application (for shortlisting purposes) is assessed based on the Person Specification in the job advert (below).

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

  • NVQ Level 2 diploma in Pathology Support or equivalent

Desirable

  • IT qualification
  • IBMS certificate

Experience

Essential

  • Demonstrable experience as an MLA

Desirable

  • Previous supervisory experience
  • Experience in Blood Sciences
  • Experience in a Hospital setting

Skills

Desirable

  • Previous Pathology Lab experience
Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

  • NVQ Level 2 diploma in Pathology Support or equivalent

Desirable

  • IT qualification
  • IBMS certificate

Experience

Essential

  • Demonstrable experience as an MLA

Desirable

  • Previous supervisory experience
  • Experience in Blood Sciences
  • Experience in a Hospital setting

Skills

Desirable

  • Previous Pathology Lab experience

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

University Hospitals of Derby and Burton NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Queens Hospital

Belvedere road

Burton-On-Trent

DE13 0RB


Employer's website

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


Employer details

Employer name

University Hospitals of Derby and Burton NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Queens Hospital

Belvedere road

Burton-On-Trent

DE13 0RB


Employer's website

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


Employer contact details

For questions about the job, contact:

Specimen Reception Team Leader

Jeannette Dunn

jeanette.dunn1@nhs.net

01283511511

Details

Date posted

15 April 2026

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 3

Salary

£25,760 to £27,476 a year pro rata pa

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

320-CDCS-4044

Job locations

Queens Hospital

Belvedere road

Burton-On-Trent

DE13 0RB


Supporting documents

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