Medical Laboratory Assistant

at  The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust

We are seeking an enthusiastic and efficient medical laboratory assistant (MLA) to undertake essential technical duties for the histopathology laboratory. The laboratory is located in the Centre for Molecular Pathology, Sutton.
The post holder will be responsible for, assisting the biomedical scientists, performing analyser maintenance including solution rotation, data entry of requests and filing of material. The department has close links with other Pathology units internally and with external organisations, so good interpersonal skills are essential.
Attention to detail is critical for this role and the post holder must be able to work to a high standard, following defined protocols (SPO’s) and assist in the production of accurate and high-quality analytical results for the diagnosis and treatment of patients. Experience working in a routine diagnostic histopathology laboratory is desirable.
The post-holder will perform a wide variety of support tasks within the Histopathology laboratory under the supervision and direction of the registered biomedical scientist staff which will include archiving of paraffin blocks and stained slides, routine solution rotation on processing and staining machines, specimen reception and disposal, packaging and collection of specimens transported between sites, collection of post.
The post holder will undertake basic technical tasks as directed by the laboratory manager and senior staff and in line with departmental SOPs.
The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust is a world-leading cancer centre. Our role is to offer our patients the best cancer care available anywhere in the world, and to continue to make a global contribution to finding better ways of diagnosing and treating cancer. We employ over 4,500 staff in a diverse range of careers including nursing, medical, science, radiography, pharmacy, occupational therapy, finance and administrative services. We have two hospitals – one in Chelsea, London, and one in Sutton, Surrey – as well as a Medical Daycare Unit in Kingston Hospital.
At The Royal Marsden, we deal with cancer every day, so we understand how valuable life is. When people entrust their lives to us, they have the right to demand the very best. That’s why the pursuit of excellence lies at the heart of everything we do.
At the heart of the hospital is our dedicated team. We offer a stimulating and dynamic working environment, a wide range of staff benefits, learning and development opportunities and clear career pathways. There are opportunities to work flexibly across a range of areas and specialities and we welcome flexible working requests from point of hire to support employees work life balance. We are looking for employees who aspire to excellence, share our values and can play a crucial role in our on-going achievements.
Please see job description for further details.
Receipt and checking of samples against request forms
Assisting Biomedical Scientists/ Pathologists in the diagnostic sampling of fresh and formalin fixed tissue
Ensuring cassettes are appropriately labelled
Assisting in the preparation of appropriately identified blocks of tissue for diagnostic work
Understanding and appropriate use of Vacuum Infiltration Processors (VIP’s)
Use and routine daily/ weekly maintenance of VIP’

Please refer the Job description for details