Senior Medical Laboratory Assistant - Cellular Pathology

The role is full-time, and you will be required to work 37.5 hours per week. The post can be physically demanding at times and involves practical, hands-on work, including manual handling of laboratory materials and equipment. Applicants should be comfortable working in a role that requires regular periods of standing, moving items and carrying out repetitive manual tasks. Appropriate training and support will be provided.

The main duties of this role will be to support BMS staff in providing analysis of specimens received using complex diagnostic procedures across Cellular Pathology. Other duties include microtomy and assisting the Specialist Biomedical Scientist and consultants at dissection.

The role involves practical, hands-on laboratory work and will require manual handling of specimens, laboratory materials and equipment. The postholder will need to work safely and efficiently while undertaking tasks that may involve standing for extended periods, repetitive movements and the movement of items within the laboratory.

The role is primarily focused on supporting the delivery of the Cellular Pathology service and does not include responsibility for or progression into career development of Biomedical Scientists or other registered professional roles.

Additional contact informationNaomi Gordon - Senior Biomedical Scientist naomi.gordon7@nhs.net 0300 019 2817

To understand the role in more detail please read the full job description and person specification documents which are attached to this advert.

Please note that this role does not provide visa sponsorship.

This post may close early due to high numbers of applications, so you are advised to apply promptly.

Interview: Week commencing 26th October 2026

Base Location: Royal Bournemouth Hospital

Our values define who we are as #TeamUHD. They underpin everything we do now and in the future. They define how we treat our patients, visitors, and each other, our valued teammates and colleagues. UHD are investing in services across the Trust, with many being transformed and developed following merger and the New Hospital Programme. This means that some services may move site this year or next, either temporarily or long term. Recruiting Managers interviewing for this role will be happy to answer any specific questions that you have about this at interview.

Please note if the role or service is relocated as part of a planned move, employees will not be eligible for excess mileage reimbursement. Travel from the postholder's home to the new work base will be considered a normal commute. Any other changes not related to this relocation will be managed according to the relevant Trust or National terms and conditions.

Qualifications

Essential: - Good General Education; - 'A' levels or equivalent in Science

Desirable: - Completion of Pathology Support Worker qualification or IBMS Support Staff portfolio part 1 and 2.; - Further scientific qualification

Experience

Desirable: - Previous experience working as a MLA in Cellular Pathology; - Experience of quality management system; - Experience of using hospital IT systems

Technical Skills Competencies

Knowledge

Essential: - Understanding of Cellular Pathology

Desirable: - Understanding of UKAS requirements; - Understand the role of Histopathology within the NHS.