Royal Surrey NHS Foundation Trust

Specimen Reception Medical Laboratory Assistant B2

The closing date is 28 August 2025

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

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 who is proactive, has a keen eye for detail and works well in a team environment. Key responsibilities will include receipt of specimens, labelling and checking specimens and entering patient data accurately onto the Hospital database.

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

If after viewing the job description you have any questions, would like further information or to arrange an informal visit, please contact Pierre Foskett, Laboratory Manager, on 01483 571122 ext 6839 or email: pierre.foskett@nhs.net

Main duties of the job

The position is in the specimen reception of the molecular diagnostics laboratory, managed by Berkshire and Surrey Pathology Services (BSPS). BSPS is a large and established pathology network operating across Royal Berkshire, Royal Surrey, Frimley Health, Ashford and St Peter's Hospitals and Surrey and Sussex NHS Trusts.

The post holder will work within a laboratory environment. The post holder will be expected to assist in the preparation of analytical work by receiving, labelling and entering pathology specimen requests onto the laboratory computer system under supervision of a team leader and dispatching samples to reference laboratories as required. Flexible working hours can be discussed.

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

Details

Date posted

14 August 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 2

Salary

£25,768 a year Per annum (pro rata) including High Cost Area Supplement

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

384-AR-EMF18971

Job locations

Royal Surrey County Hospital NHS Foundation Trust

Egerton Road

Guildford

GU2 7XX


Job description

Job responsibilities

Please see the attached Job Description and Person Specification

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 see the attached Job Description and Person Specification

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.

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 County Hospital NHS Foundation Trust

Egerton Road

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 County Hospital NHS Foundation Trust

Egerton Road

Guildford

GU2 7XX


Employer's website

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


Employer contact details

For questions about the job, contact:

Laboratory Manager

Pierre Foskett

pierre.foskett@nhs.net

Details

Date posted

14 August 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 2

Salary

£25,768 a year Per annum (pro rata) including High Cost Area Supplement

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

384-AR-EMF18971

Job locations

Royal Surrey County Hospital NHS Foundation Trust

Egerton Road

Guildford

GU2 7XX


Supporting documents

Privacy notice

Royal Surrey NHS Foundation Trust's privacy notice (opens in a new tab)