Medical Laboratory Assistant Apprenticeship

Job description

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

For further information please refer to the job description and personal specification
• To collect different types of biological samples from the main Pathology laboratories, minor procedures, theatres, and switchboard during the day, including late samples, and maintaining all relevant audit trails.
• Specimen reception: receipt and checking of samples against request forms, liaising with clinical staff regarding labelling errors, identifying and taking appropriate action with high risk specimens and dealing with leaking/damaged samples. Sort samples for processing.
• To prioritise samples according to SOPs and laboratory requirements.
• To input patient-related data received from external referral hospitals, wards and clinical areas including test requests into IT systems.

The successful applicant will have relevant A-levels, including a science subject, and experience working in a laboratory. Experience in cytogenetic and molecular diagnostic techniques is desirable. The role is 37.5 hours per week and includes participation in a rotational shift system to support the Clinical Genomics department's extended service hours in line with NHSE Cancer Test Directory requirements.

Meets all government criteria for apprenticeship funding, including appropriate visa status, required period of UK residency, and no prior learning or experience at a level that would prevent funding approval.

Apprenticeship Eligibility

Applicants Must:

• Have lived in the UK/EEA for the last three years.
• Have the legal right to live and work in the UK for the duration of the apprenticeship.
• Not be undertaking another government-funded training programme.
• Not hold a qualification in the same subject at the same level or above.
• Hold GCSE Maths, English and Science at Grade 4/C or above and be able to provide evidence

For apprenticeship programme and eligibility queries, please contact the apprenticeships team at apprenticeships@rmh.nhs.uk. As the recruiting manager, Emma is unable to advise on apprenticeship funding rules, eligibility requirements, or programme-specific queries.
For further information about the role itself, or to discuss the post in more detail, please contact emma.poyastro-pearson@rmh.nhs.uk.

Please note we do not accept CVs for this role, please make sure to read the application guide attached before applying.

Person specification

Education/Qualifications

Essential criteria

• GCSE English and Maths at Grade 4/C or above (or equivalent qualification) and A Level Biology (or another relevant Science subject) at Grade C or above.

Desirable criteria

• Evidence of ongoing Continuing Professional Development (CPD)

Experience

Essential criteria

• Basic understanding of genetics and molecular biology

Desirable criteria

• Experience with handling biological samples
• Experience working in a laboratory or technical healthcare environment
• Awareness of Health and Safety, COSHH, and waste disposal regulations
• Experience with sample triage, processing, and sendaway
• Experience mentoring or training junior staff

Skills & Abilities

Essential criteria

• Excellent attention to detail and high level of accuracy
• Strong organisational and time management skills
• Ability to work under pressure and manage conflicting priorities
• Ability to follow complex procedures and protocols precisely
• Effective written and verbal communication
• Ability to work independently and within a team
• Ability to handle sensitive/confidential data appropriately
• Competent in the use of MS Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook)

Personal Qualities

Essential criteria

• Self-motivated and proactive
• Willingness to learn and undertake further training
• Flexible and adaptable
• Professional attitude and commitment to maintaining high standards
• Demonstrates respect, compassion, and teamwork

The Royal Marsden values diversity and is committed to the recruitment and retention of underrepresented minority groups. We particularly welcome applications from Black, Asian and minority ethnic candidates, LGBTQ+ candidates and candidates with disabilities.

As a Disability Confident Employer, we are working to create a workplace that enables all staff to reach their full potential. We are committed to this because we know that greater diversity and inclusion will lead to an even greater positive impact for the people we serve.

Due to the high volumes of applications we receive, we reserve the right to close any adverts before the published closing date once we have received a sufficient number of applications. We advise you to submit your application as early as possible to prevent disappointment. Please ensure your information is accurate to avoid errors with processing your application

All applicants will be contacted by email to the address supplied on your application. Applicants are advised to check their email accounts regularly and to ensure that email filters are set to allow our emails.

Flu Vaccination - What We Expect of our Staff

At The Royal Marsden we have an immune compromised patient population who we must protect as much as we can against the flu virus. Each year, seasonal flu affects thousands of people in the UK. Occurring mainly in winter, it is an infectious respiratory disease capable of producing symptoms ranging from those similar to a common cold, through to very severe or even fatal disease.

The wellbeing of our staff and patients is of the upmost importance to us, and it is the expectation of The Royal Marsden that all patient-facing staff have an annual flu vaccination, provided free of charge by the Trust.

Employer certification / accreditation badges

Extra information

Status

Open

Education Level

Secondary School

Location

London

Type of Contract

Full-time jobs

Published at

08-11-2026

Profession type

Health / Medical

Full UK/EU driving license preferred

No

Car Preferred

No

Must be eligible to work in the EU

No

Cover Letter Required

No