Medical Laboratory Assistant (Higher)
Closing date: 21 July 2026.
Medical Laboratory Assistant (MLA) Higher Band 3 – Cumberland Infirmary. 2 x 37.5 hours per week posts – Fixed Term – 12 months.
Provision of a comprehensive service to North Cumbria Hospitals and primary care Trusts. The departments offer core analyses on a frequent basis, processing urgent requests and a variety of specialised tests. The majority of the pathology service is provided on a 24/7 basis. Out of hours cover is delivered via extended working arrangements and 24/7 shift patterns according to the urgency and volume of the work.
Main duties of the job
Support biomedical scientists in a range of laboratory duties including processing of clinical specimens for testing, registration of patients onto the pathology computer system, specimen reception duties, telephone enquiries and general housekeeping duties.
Job responsibilities
See attached job description and person specification for further information regarding the role and the essential and desirable criteria required to be met by applicants.
Qualifications
- NVQ 3 in clinical laboratory support or equivalent (examples of equivalence, 2 A levels, completion of laboratory based training and competency, IBMS Certificate of Achievement Part 1).
Knowledge and Experience
- Work in a customer service environment.
- Understanding procedures and practices requiring a base level of theoretical knowledge.
- Equality issues.
- Laboratory work.
- NHS systems.
- Interest in sciences or healthcare related fields.
- Medical terminology.
Skills and Aptitudes
- Able to work as part of a team.
- Able to use initiative appropriately.
- Good communication and interpersonal skills.
- Able to prioritise work to meet deadlines in a busy environment.
- Ability to maintain high standards of work.
- Good hand-eye coordination.
- Ability to follow laid down procedures and guidelines.
- Use of IT systems.
Other requirements
- Flexibility in working hours, including weekends and evenings.
- Willing to undertake training and development.
Benefits
- 27-day holiday scheme rising to 33 days after 10 years.
- NHS Discounts.
- Salary Sacrifice schemes including lease cars and Cycle to Work.
- Vivup – free, confidential counselling and information service to assist with personal or work‑related problems.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and requires a Disclosure and Barring Service check.
The cost of the DBS must be met by the successful candidate through salary deduction.
Standard Check: £21.50 + £6.50 = £28.00 (deducted over 4 months or one-off payment).
Enhanced Check: £49.50 + £6.50 = £56.00 (deducted over 4 months or one-off payment).
Salary
£25,760 to £27,476 a year pro rata per annum.
Employer
North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust.
#J-18808-Ljbffr…