Job Description

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.

Our patients come from all walks of life and so do we. We hire great people from a wide variety of backgrounds because it makes our hospital stronger. If you share our values and our enthusiasm for getting it right for patients, colleagues, and our community, you will find a home at Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust.

Band 2: £25,272

Hours: Full time - 37.5 and Part time (various shift patterns) - All positions are afternoon/evening shift patterns

Fixed Term Contract - Multiple Positions Available

Do you have great customer service skills and willing to go the extra mile? Are you friendly and able to work as part of a team? If the answer is yes, then we would love to hear from you.

We are looking for a motivated and organised Medical Laboratory Assistant (MLA) to support our busy Blood Sciences laboratory. This is an excellent opportunity for someone with strong administrative and data-entry skills who enjoys working in a healthcare environment and wants to play a vital role in patient care. Our unit operates between 9:00 AM and 9:00 PM. Each shift is typically 7.5 hours, and while we usually have set schedules, there may be opportunities to work a variety of hours to keep things flexible and meet the needs of the team.

As an MLA, you will be responsible for receiving and processing patient samples, maintaining laboratory records, supporting laboratory operations, and ensuring high standards of quality, safety, and customer service.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Receiving patient samples and request forms in line with laboratory procedures.
• Entering patient requests and data accurately into laboratory information systems.
• Monitoring and maintaining laboratory equipment such as centrifuges, refrigerators, and freezers.
• Performing basic laboratory techniques and supporting analyser maintenance and reagent preparation.
• Managing laboratory consumables and processing deliveries.
• Storing, retrieving, and disposing of samples safely and correctly.
• Responding to telephone and face-to-face enquiries professionally and courteously.
• Filing, scanning, and maintaining laboratory records.
• Completing laboratory documentation accurately and on time.
• Supporting the laboratory team in delivering an efficient and effective service.
• Following all health and safety, infection control, and waste disposal procedures.
• Maintaining Blood Sciences quality standards and participating in training and development activities.

What We’re Looking For

Essential Requirements

• Experience using computer systems and electronic data handling.
• Good verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and use initiative.
• A conscientious and methodical approach to work.
• Previous customer service or telephone experience.
• Evidence of good manual dexterity through work, hobbies, or personal interests.

Desirable

• Previous laboratory experience.
• Previous administrative experience.
• Experience working within a healthcare environment.

Our Values

We are looking for someone who shares our Trust values and can demonstrate:

Quality of Care

• Understanding the importance of delivering high-quality patient care.
• Accountability for their work and actions.

Respect and Dignity

• Respect for the privacy and dignity of patients and colleagues.
• Commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion.

Working Together

• Ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Appreciation of the contribution made by every team member.

Efficiency

• Commitment to improving processes and reducing waste.
• Willingness to learn, develop, and continuously improve.

Why Join Us?

• Be part of a professional and supportive laboratory team.
• Gain valuable experience within the NHS.
• Access training and development opportunities.
• Contribute directly to patient care and diagnostic services.
• Work in a role where accuracy, teamwork, and attention to detail make a real difference.

Apply Now

If you are organised, reliable, and committed to delivering excellent service in a healthcare setting, we’d love to hear from you.

Weekend and public holiday shifts are also included in this role and are worked on a rota basis.

All positions are afternoon/evening shift patterns

Qualifications

• Science GCSE desirable (grade A* to C or 4 to 9)
• Experience with electronic handling of data.
• Fluent and accurate keyboard skills.
• Previous laboratory or administrative experience.

Additional Information

The health and wellbeing of our staff is at the forefront of everything we do. We are proud to be able to offer our staff some fantastic benefits including our on-site Nursery, access to our free Beach Hut for those long summer days, our on-site Wellness Centre including a gym and a swimming pool, access to our fantastic staff networks including LGBTQ, Race Equality and DisAbility, and awards ceremonies to recognise your achievements. We believe we can offer support to all of our staff when they need it the most.

We welcome the unique contributions that you can bring in terms of your education, opinions, culture, ethnicity, race, sex, gender identity and expression, nation of origin, age, languages spoken, veteran’s status, colour, religion, disability, sexual orientation, and beliefs.

For more information, please see our People and OD Strategy 2026