Medical Laboratory Assistant (Bacteriology) (Band 2/3)

Blackpool Teaching Hospitals; Lancashire; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 24,000; Full time

Job summary

A UK healthcare organization is seeking two WTE Band 2 Medical Laboratory Assistants to join their Microbiology team. Responsibilities include receiving specimens, preparing samples, operating laboratory equipment, and maintaining hygiene standards. Applicants should have laboratory experience, strong data entry skills, and be able to work flexible hours, including weekends. A comprehensive training program will be provided to enhance your skills in a supportive environment.

Qualifications

• Previous laboratory experience is a distinct advantage.
• Ability to work between 8am and 8pm, including weekends and Bank Holidays.
• Understanding of personal protective equipment (PPE) usage.

Responsibilities

• Receive and book in microbiology specimens accurately.
• Prepare and process specimens under supervision using aseptic technique.
• Operate basic laboratory equipment and report faults.
• Maintain laboratory hygiene and safety at all times.
• Assist with stock control and support biomedical scientists.

Skills

Laboratory experience

Data entry skills

Aseptic technique

Tools

Laboratory information system

Automated systems (incubators, analysers)

Job description

Overview

Our busy and friendly Microbiology team at Blackpool Teaching Hospitals is looking for 2 WTE Band 2 Medical Laboratory Assistants to join us as we continue to deliver high-quality diagnostics and patient care.

Role Context

The post holder will work in the context of the objectives of the Pathology Directorate and the Blackpool Victoria Hospital NHS Foundation Trust within the Bacteriology department.

Working Hours

Applicants will need to be able to work between 8am and 8pm. Participation in weekend and Bank Holiday sessions will also be required.

EEO Statement

We welcome and encourage application from anyone with protected characteristics, as well as supporting reservists and Veterans who are looking for a rewarding and challenging career within the NHS, and especially here at Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.

Honesty with regards to the above is encouraged and appreciated during the application process to ensure the correct support if required is offered from the start of application. This can be a challenging role, and we want to ensure the best support and well being for all of our staff.

Responsibilities

• Receiving and booking in samples – Accepting microbiology specimens (e.g. swabs, urine, blood cultures), checking labelling, and entering data into the laboratory information system.
• Preparing and processing specimens – Plating samples onto culture media, preparing slides, or setting up tests under supervision and following aseptic technique.
• Operating basic laboratory equipment – Using automated systems (e.g. incubators, analysers), loading samples, and reporting any faults.
• Maintaining laboratory hygiene and safety – Cleaning work areas, using personal protective equipment (PPE), and disposing of clinical waste appropriately.
• Stock control and general support – Replenishing consumables, restocking media and reagents, temperature monitoring and assisting biomedical scientists and other staff with day-to-day tasks.
• Responding to telephone enquiries where no interpretation of results is required.

Duties will be carried out following established Standard Operating Procedures, under the supervision of State Registered Biomedical Scientists. Previous laboratory experience is a distinct advantage. A comprehensive training program is provided.

Location & Community

Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is ideally situated just a 1‑hour drive from Manchester & Liverpool. The Trust provides services to the 440,000 residents of Blackpool, Fylde & Wyre and North Lancashire, as well as specialist tertiary care for Cardiac and Haematology patients.

Blackpool offers a great place to live, with an active centre, historic seafront, beaches, and scenic cycling routes around local parks and the surrounding countryside. Connections by rail to Edinburgh and London are less than three hours.

Flexible Working

Blackpool Teaching Hospitals encourages flexible working in all our roles to support staff in maintaining healthy home-life balance. Working patterns such as part time, compressed hours, and annualised hours can be explored. We encourage applicants to state clearly on their application forms this request and discuss these options at interview.

Contact Details

For further details or informal visits:

• Name: Paul Regan – Recruiting Manager
Email: [e-mail]
Telephone: [phone]

• Paul Regan (Senior BMS) – 01253 956951

• Jade Coldwell (Senior BMS)/Helen Cooper (Senior BMS) – 01253 956951