Medical Laboratory Assistant

Role overview

Derbyshire Pathology is recruiting a Medical Laboratory Assistant for its Histology Department at the Royal Derby Hospital site. While the position is based there, future cross-site working may be needed. The service runs Monday to Friday from 07:30 to 19:30, with Saturday shifts arranged on a rolling five-week rota.

Histopathology supports clinicians and GPs by delivering a prompt and efficient diagnostic service, processing around 50,000 patient sample requests each year.

What the role involves

The MLA position is an established part of the department. The ideal candidate will bring a strong general education background, including English and Science, alongside good IT ability, confidence with admin tasks such as filing and handling queries, and an understanding of safe lifting and load-handling practices.

This opportunity suits an enthusiastic person with a genuine interest in medical science who can adapt to a fast-moving environment and contribute positively within a busy team.

Prior laboratory experience is not required, as the duties will be taught on the job. However, applicants should be able to show that they work well with others, use their own initiative, and follow procedures accurately.

Core duties

• Entering data and carrying out administrative and filing tasks
• Supporting senior colleagues with sample processing and handling
• Looking after laboratory equipment and basic upkeep
• Restocking laboratory supplies and flagging low inventory levels
• Handling human tissue and arranging safe disposal of chemicals
• Keeping the laboratory clean and well organised

Training and support

Full training will be provided within the department, with competency checks and regular review meetings to monitor progress.

Working pattern

The department operates across extended weekday hours and includes Saturday working as part of a rolling five-week rota.

Important dates

Application closing date: 22 June 2026

Interview dates: 3 and 6 July 2026

About the trust

The trust describes itself as a community-focused organisation committed to supporting patients, staff, public partners, and the wider local population through exceptional care. Its values are Compassion, Openness, and Excellence, and these are intended to guide everyday working practice.

University Hospitals of Derby and Burton NHS Foundation Trust also highlights development opportunities, including professional and leadership growth, along with continued support from recruitment through to joining and beyond.

Staff benefits

Benefits mentioned include an employee assistance programme, discounted gym membership, onsite fitness classes, and car schemes.

Trust facts

• Average outpatient activity stands at 4,810 appointments per day.
• It is the fourth busiest Trauma & Orthopaedic outpatients department in England, seeing an average of 2,077 patients each week.
• An average of 1,115 people are seen in A&E across the network every day, making it the third largest in the country.
• The hospitals admit around 195 emergency patients per day.
• Last year, nearly 33,700 planned surgical operations were carried out in 57 operating theatres.
• The trust is one of only seven nationally with more than 50 operating theatres.
• More than 140 elective procedures are completed each working day.
• UHDB is a research-active university hospital with a broad portfolio of clinical trials and research opportunities for staff.

Contact for informal enquiries

Name: Maira Awan

Job title: Histology Manager

Email: Maira.awan1@nhs.net

Telephone: 01332 788242