Senior Medical Laboratory Assistant - Cellular Pathology
At a glance
- Band
- Band 3
- Contract
- Permanent
- Pattern
- Full-time
- Hours / week
- 37.5
- Posted
- 18/09/2026
- Closes
- 30/09/2026
Sponsorship verdict
This advert explicitly states that sponsorship is not offered.
The source advert contains explicit wording ruling out sponsorship for this specific role. Consider other live roles at the same band from sponsorship-friendly trusts.
Role summary
This role is for an enthusiastic Senior Medical Laboratory Assistant to join the Cellular Pathology department at University Hospitals Dorset. The main duties involve supporting Biomedical Scientists in analyzing specimens using complex diagnostic procedures, including microtomy and assisting at dissection. The position requires literacy and numeracy skills, along with previous laboratory support experience. It is a full-time role, working 37.5 hours per week.
Key responsibilities
- Support BMS staff in providing analysis of specimens received using complex diagnostic procedures across Cellular Pathology.
- Perform microtomy.
- Assist the Specialist Biomedical Scientist and consultants at dissection.
- Undertake laboratory and administrative tasks, which may be of a complex nature.
Essential criteria
- Good General Education
- 'A' levels or equivalent in Science
- Demonstrable experience of working in scientific area as a Medical Laboratory Assistant or equivalent
- Able to work accurately and with good hand-eye co-ordination
- Experience of using common IT software
- Must be able to understand and work within established Standard Operating Procedures and relevant Health & Safety policies, including COSHH
- Work flexibly in response to changing circumstances.
- Works within limits of responsibility
- Good interpretive skills at bench level
- Good attention to detail and accuracy
- Handling biological specimens
- Recognises and reports problems as they arise
- Understanding of Cellular Pathology
Desirable criteria
- Completion of Pathology Support Worker qualification or IBMS Support Staff portfolio part 1 and 2.
- Further scientific qualification
- Previous experience working as a MLA in Cellular Pathology
- Experience of quality management system
- Experience of using hospital IT systems
- Understand the importance of quality at all levels of our work.
- Happy to work in a busy environment
- Knowledge of microtomy
- Demonstrable experience in assisting dissection
- Understanding of UKAS requirements
- Understand the role of Histopathology within the NHS.
Useful to know
Agenda for Change 2024/25 pays Band 3 at £24,625 – £25,674 a year, across England.
This advert: £25,760 – £27,476 — outside the standard scale; check for HCAS/London weighting.
Posted 1d ago · Closes in 12d
Plenty of time to prepare a strong application.
Full advert · preview
University Hospitals Dorset NHS Foundation Trust
Senior Medical Laboratory Assistant - Cellular Pathology
The closing date is 30 September 2026
Job summary
We are looking for an enthusiastic Senior Medical Laboratory Assistant to join a dedicated team in a modern department, providing a high-quality service
Duties will include laboratory and administrative tasks which maybe of a complex nature.
Although no formal qualifications are required for this post, it will be important to demonstrate literacy and numeracy skills. Previous experience in laboratory support work is also essential
University Hospitals Dorset Cellular Pathology department has a high quality UKAS accreditation record and it is an approved laboratory for Registration and Specialist training by the IBMS.
The Cellular Pathology team is made up of different grades of Scientist, including Medical laboratory staff, associate practitioners and biomedical scientists the aim being putting the patient first and delivering a high-quality service
The role is fulltime, and you will be required to work 37.5 hours per week
This post may close early due to high numbers of applications, so you are advised to apply promptly.
Please note we are unable to offer sponsorship for this position.
Interview: Thursday, 8th October 2026
Base Location: Royal Bournemouth Hospital
Additional contact information
Naom
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