Specimen Reception Medical Laboratory Assistant

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Royal Surrey NHS Foundation Trust Specimen Reception Medical Laboratory Assistant

The closing date is 02 November 2026

Apply for this job

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.

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 5,000 colleagues are our greatest strength, we offer a comprehensive health and wellbeing programme alongside a strong commitment to developing your career. Our diverse and welcoming Royal Surrey family ensures you feel valued from your initial interview and throughout your time with us.

We are clinically led and provide joined-up care by bridging hospital and community services, alongside delivering regional specialist cancer care. Our main acute hospital site is in Guildford, with community sites at Milford, Haslemere and Cranleigh, and services delivered in patients' homes across Guildford and Waverley.

We work in partnership with Ashford & St Peter's Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust through a collaborative Group Model, supporting joined-up services, workforce flexibility and development opportunities.

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) has rated us as Outstanding. We are proud of our achievements and continue to invest in our people and infrastructure.

To learn more about life at Royal Surrey, please watch our short video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R96pMboIYdo

Adverts may close early, so you are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.

Details

Date posted

30 October 2026

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 2

Salary

£26,618 a year (per annum) includes high cost area supplements (HCAS)

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

384-JH-EMF21595-B2

Job locations

Royal Surrey NHS Foundation Trust

Guildford

GU2 7XX

United Kingdom

Job description

Job responsibilities

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

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
• Previous specimen reception experience.
• Understanding of Health and Safety
• Previous work within the NHS or similar environment
• Data Entry experience

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

• GCSEs or equivalent in Science subjects.

Desirable

• A levels or equivalent in science subjects
• Previous specimen reception experience.
• Understanding of Health and Safety
• Previous work within the NHS or similar environment
• Data Entry 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

Royal Surrey NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Royal Surrey NHS Foundation Trust

Guildford

GU2 7XX

United Kingdom

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 NHS Foundation Trust

Guildford

GU2 7XX

United Kingdom

Employer's website

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

Employer contact details

For questions about the job, contact:

Consultant Clinical Scientist

Dr Nadine Collins

[email protected]

Details

Date posted

30 October 2026

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 2

Salary

£26,618 a year (per annum) includes high cost area supplements (HCAS)

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

384-JH-EMF21595-B2

Job locations

Royal Surrey NHS Foundation Trust

Guildford

GU2 7XX

United Kingdom

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