Senior Medical Laboratory Assistant
At a glance
- Band
- Band 3
- Contract
- Permanent
- Pattern
- Full-time
- Hours / week
- 37.5
- Posted
- 18/09/2026
- Closes
- 01/10/2026
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.
“Please note this role does not offer sponsorship”Quoted verbatim from the source advert
Role summary
This Senior Medical Laboratory Assistant role contributes to providing histopathology services for Portsmouth Hospitals. The post holder will assist with delivering high-quality, reliable, and efficient histology from a UKAS accredited laboratory. They will support a team of scientific, administrative, and medical staff in the day-to-day operation and maintenance of the histology lab, performing routine duties and technical tasks under supervision.
Essential criteria
- An understanding of the political sensitivities of the Trust.
- Ability to demonstrate confidentiality and trustworthiness.
- A willingness to be flexible and part of a team.
- Ability to demonstrate a high degree of concentration and attention to detail.
- Deal calmly and politely with members of hospital staff who are working in areas of extreme pressure.
- Ability to juggle many priorities at one time, whilst remaining calm.
- Prepared to handle clinical samples.
- Education including a minimum of GCSEs in English and Mathematics or equivalent.
- Experience with electronic handling of data and keyboard skills.
Desirable criteria
- Previous laboratory experience.
- GCSE in Science (either Biology, Chemistry or Combined Science) or equivalent.
- BTEC or NVQ 2 (Pathology Support) or equivalent.
- Skills and Knowledge
- Evidence of ability to work using own initiative and without direct supervision.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Demonstration of manual dexterity through previous employment/interests.
- Demonstration of excellent numeracy skills through previous experience or employment.
- Good hand to eye co-ordination.
- Conscientious, methodical approach to duties with attention to detail.
- Demonstration of good interpersonal skills.
- Experience / Personal Qualities
- An understanding of the political sensitivities of the Trust.
- Ability to demonstrate confidentiality and trustworthiness.
- A willingness to be flexible and part of a team.
- Ability to demonstrate a high degree of concentration and attention to detail.
- Deal calmly and politely with members of hospital staff who are working in areas of extreme pressure.
- Ability to juggle many priorities at one time, whilst remaining calm.
- Prepared to handle clinical samples.
- Education including a minimum of GCSEs in English and Mathematics or equivalent.
- Experience with electronic handling of data and keyboard skills.
- Previous laboratory experience.
- GCSE in Science (either Biology, Chemistry or Combined Science) or equivalent.
- BTEC or NVQ 2 (Pathology Support) or equivalent.
- Skills and Knowledge
- Evidence of ability to work using own initiative and without direct supervision.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Demonstration of manual dexterity through previous employment/interests.
- Demonstration of excellent numeracy skills through previous experience or employment.
- Good hand to eye co-ordination.
- Conscientious, methodical approach to duties with attention to detail.
- Demonstration of good interpersonal skills.
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 13d
Plenty of time to prepare a strong application.
Full advert · preview
Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust
Senior Medical Laboratory Assistant
The closing date is 01 October 2026
Job summary
Band 3: £25,760 - £27,476
Full time hours: 37.5
Permanent contract
Location :Queen Alexandra Hospital, Southwick Hill Road, Cosham, Portsmouth, PO6 3LY
Main duties of the job
To contribute to the provision histopathology to the service users and patients of Portsmouth Hospitals in the role of Senior Medical Laboratory Assistant by assisting with the delivery of high-quality, reliable and efficient histology, from a UKAS accredited laboratory.
The post holder will support a team of Biomedical Scientists, Associate Practitioners, other Medical Laboratory Assistants, Admin staff and medical staff in the day-to-day operation and maintenance of the histology laboratory premises and equipment.
The post holder will assist in performing routine laboratory duties and technical tasks under the supervision and direction of qualified scientific staff.
About us
Here at Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust, we are proud to provide expert, compassionate care for our local population. We are ranked as the third in the country for research, embedding education and training across the organisation. Our main hub is the Queen Alexandra Hospital, which is one of the largest hospitals on the south coast employing over 8,700 staff.
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