Band 3 Lab assistant

Title: Medical Laboratory Assistant - Belfast

Summary Box:
* Location: Regional Virus Laboratory, Belfast
* Hours: 37.5 hours per week * Participation in a 24-hour service, including extended working days, overnight shifts, weekends and Bank/Public Holidays as part of the conditioned 37.5-hour week

• 
  Pay Rate / Salary: £12.75 per hour
  

About the Role

We are recruiting for a Medical Laboratory Assistant to join the Regional Virus Laboratory in Belfast. The Medical Laboratory Assistant will support the delivery of a comprehensive laboratory service by undertaking sample reception, processing, labelling, storage and retrieval activities. The Medical Laboratory Assistant will also assist with laboratory operations, equipment maintenance, stock control and general laboratory duties while working as part of a busy laboratory team.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform general sample reception and pre-analytical duties
  * Sort and distribute specimens
  * Assist with laboratory data processing
  * Sort and distribute laboratory reports
  * Receive, deliver and store goods as appropriate
  * Maintain a clean and efficient working area
  * Prepare solutions and reagents where required
  * Remove and dispose of laboratory waste in line with departmental procedures
  * Adhere to all Health and Safety regulations and procedures
  * Liaise with section leads regarding daily workload requirements
  * Prepare specimens for analysis and load analysers and laboratory instruments following training and competency assessment
  * Produce outstanding request sheets and retrieve samples for analysis following appropriate training
  * Assist with the maintenance, calibration, cleaning and recording of laboratory equipment in accordance with procedures and manufacturer recommendations
  * Report equipment faults to senior staff members
  * Monitor stock levels and prepare supply orders for authorisation
  * Support the mentoring and training of new or rotating staff
  * Communicate effectively with laboratory colleagues and service users
  * Attend relevant laboratory meetings as required
  
  * Adhere to all Belfast Health and Social Care Trust policies and procedures
  * Undertake other duties appropriate to the grade as required by the line manager

Essential Criteria

Applicants must meet one of the following:

• 2 GCSEs (Grades A-C) in Maths and English (or equivalent) plus 2 years' relevant laboratory experience

OR

• 4 GCSEs (Grades A-C), including Maths and English (or equivalent), plus 1 year's relevant laboratory experience

OR

• Science A Level (Grades A-E) or an equivalent qualification in a science-related subject

In addition:

• Ability to work as part of a 24-hour service, including extended working days, overnight shifts, weekends and Bank Holidays as required

Desirable Criteria

• GCSE Science subjects
  * Basic computer experience with basic typing skills
  * Ability to work on own initiative
  * Ability to work effectively within a team
  * Flexible approach to work

How to Apply

If you are interested in this Medical Laboratory Assistant position and are available for the role, please upload your CV via the application link or contact [email protected].

To be shortlisted for this Medical Laboratory Assistant role, all applicants must meet the essential criteria. Please note that this vacancy may be filled quickly; however, your CV will be kept on file for consideration for future similar opportunities. Due to the high volume of applications received, unsuccessful candidates may not be contacted.

Successful candidates may be required to apply for an AccessNI certificate through Staffline, regardless of whether they already hold a valid certificate. The cost will be between £16 and £32, depending on the level of clearance required.