Medical Laboratory Assistant Apprenticeship

To provide the technical and administrative support required to maintain an efficient and high-quality genetics diagnostic laboratory service. Working with the laboratory's scientific and technical staff, the laboratory assistant technologist will provide pan-laboratory technical and administrative support.

The post holder must be able to take responsibility for working alone and as part of a team to achieve the necessary performance levels. The post-holder will be expected to work within Clinical Genomics Central Reception and all areas of Clinical Genomics (both Cytogenetics and Molecular Diagnostics) to perform laboratory support duties with minimal supervision. The major focus of the role will be on sample collection, data entry, sample sendaway, sample prioritisation and distribution working within the Clinical Genomics Central Reception.

In addition, the post holder will be required to rotate through the Clinical Genomics laboratories to perform laboratory support duties. Such duties will include specimen processing, data entry of requests, packaging samples to send away, equipment maintenance tasks and supporting scientists in providing a reliable and accurate diagnostic service. Attention to detail is essential, and the post holder must be able to work to high standards, following defined protocols and assist in the production of accurate and high-quality analytical results for the diagnosis and treatment of patients.

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

• 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.

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.

Essential: - 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: - Evidence of ongoing Continuing Professional Development (CPD)

Essential: - Basic understanding of genetics and molecular biology

Desirable: - 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

Essential: - 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)

Essential: - 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