The place to work in pathology!
Synnovis is a partnership between SYNLAB UK & Ireland, Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, and King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust. Our organisation brings together the very best in clinical, scientific and operational expertise, and displays in action the core values at the heart of our brand: science for life, collaboration for the benefit of everyone, and innovation and quality
We aim to set the standard for the future of pathology.
Central Specimen Reception (CSR) are looking to recruit multiple full time Medical Laboratory Assistant (MLA) on a permanent contract at the Synnovis Hub Blackfriars Road.
This role supports the delivery of biomedical investigations as part of the Central Specimen Reception team in Synnovis. Reporting to the CSR Team Manager, you will hold a variety of responsibilities to ensure the successful delivery of pathology services, in line with our corporate objectives.
As a Medical Laboratory Assistant you will be primarily responsible for receiving and sorting patient specimens and accurately entering confidential patient data onto the laboratory computer system and processing samples through our pre-analytical instruments. This requires communicating with a range of different people and full training will be given.
Concentration, flexibility, accuracy, using own initiative and attention to detail are essential to the processes performed as part of this role. Experience in data entry and pre analytical processing of laboratory specimens would be an advantage but is not essential.
Your shifts will be variable in length up to a maximum of 12 hours (excluding breaks) across Monday to Sunday covering day shift, evening shift, night shift, weekend shift rotations and bank holidays.
If you do not feel that you would be suited to working a night shift rotation then please consider applying for another suitable position within Synnovis.
Central Specimen Reception (CSR) team are expected to regularly and effectively communicate to colleagues within the department and also various other Synnovis colleagues across Services, Analytics & Group.
Central Specimen Reception (CSR) is a very fast paced, busy, friendly and somewhat challenging environment to work in. The team is dedicated to providing customers and service users with the best outcomes and work diligently to achieve set goals.
The CSR department is based on the Ground Floor, Synnovis Hub, Blackfriars Court and operates a 24/7 services.
CSR offer services to Reference Chemistry, Immunology, Virology, Infection Sciences and Blood Sciences, which include Biochemistry, Haematology and Coagulation, Blood Transfusion within Synnovis.
Your development and learning
You will have a suite of learning opportunities available through The Synnovis Way Development programme, the Scientific Learning and Development Fund and the Synnovis Academy through which you can receive funding / support for advanced qualifications.
Through our Innovation Accelerator Fund, you can apply for finance to get that new innovative scientific project off the ground, and participate with the wider scientific community through symposiums, conferences and other peer group meetings.
Duties and Responsibilities
Perform cleaning activities in the laboratory and prepare laboratory equipment for use.
Perform daily checks on laboratory areas as directed and complete all required paperwork.
Perform environmental monitoring and waste management activities in a safe way, as required.
Support and train colleagues in your area as required.
Support with specimen reception and referrals processing, as required.
Use departmental resources efficiently and apply good stock management of reagents, consumables and stationery. Receipt and unpack new deliveries and advise/order when approaching minimum stock levels.
Report and record all incidents and adverse events under the direction of the senior members of staff.
Participate in quality management activities including inspections and audits, as required.
Use Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) to accurately record sensitive patient information, requiring frequent, long periods of concentration, whilst maintaining patient confidentiality and following IG guidelines.
Organise day-to-day tasks, identifying and prioritising urgent work to ensure that deadlines are met, and that work is delivered to the highest standards possible. Escalate to senior member of staff, as necessary.
Safely handle, use and dispose of biological specimens including infectious material or hazardous chemicals according to laboratory and health and safety protocols.
Understand hazards and risks of working in a laboratory and use adequate precautions and personal protective equipment at all times.
Answer the telephone, deal with calls politely and professionally, escalating requests when necessary to appropriate senior staff or other departments.
Adhere to the laboratory SOPs and work with the team to review working practice to maintain a high quality and safe service.
Perform specimen reception duties including checking details, receiving and logging patient requests on to the LIMS.
Process referral specimens, receive samples dispatched from other laboratories and prepare samples for despatch to other laboratories or hospitals.
Prepare specimens and perform manual, semi-automated and fully-automated laboratory investigations within training parameters and where appropriate under supervision.
Undertake preventative maintenance and basic troubleshooting on laboratory instruments and equipment prior to them being used for patient investigations.
Process samples under supervision for clinical trials and research and development projects as and when required.
File samples following appropriate protocols and keep records as required.
Prepare, store and use reagents required for laboratory investigations.
Maintain knowledge and skills as identified by line manager. Undertake periodic laboratory training and competence assessment.
Synnovis is a pathology partnership between SYNLAB UK and Ireland, and the NHS, including sites, Guy’s & St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust and King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, to deliver and transform pathology services across South East London.
The partnership provides services to 1.7 million people living in South East London, as well as to hundreds of thousands of patients from outside the region who use local healthcare services.
The partnership provides diagnostics, testing and digital pathology for hospital trusts, GP services and other healthcare providers.
Guy’s and St Thomas’ Hospital Foundation Trust is a major emergency and specialist teaching Trust which has all the specialties associated with a fascinating and career defining case load including: Women’s Services, Fetal Medicine, Haematology, Oncology, Transplantation, and is also home to the Evelina Children’s Hospital and the Cancer Centre on the Guy’s site.
You will be close to the vibrant Borough Market and the South Bank, which are exceptional London locations; perfect places to work and relax next to such iconic venues as Big Ben, The London Eye and The Shard!
King’s College Hospital Foundation Trust is one of the UK’s leading NHS Foundation Trusts in specialist teaching. King’s has various divisions including Neurosciences, Haematology, Cancer and Cardiovascular sciences, where there are unlimited opportunities to develop and perfect your career.
Over the last 170 years, King’s has delivered nothing but world class service to all its patients from deprived communities as well as some of the wealthiest in London

Please refer the Job description for details