Medical Laboratory Assistant / Healthcare Science Assistant

Role overview

An opportunity is available for a full-time Medical Laboratory Assistant / Healthcare Science Assistant based in Derby, England. In this role, you will help the Biomedical Scientists and microbiology service deliver a reliable clinical technical service that supports efficient patient care.

You will be part of a team responsible for receiving, logging, processing, and testing specimens as part of a diagnostic microbiology service. Prior laboratory experience is required.

Team environment

You will join a busy microbiology department with 26 Biomedical Scientists, 6 Associate Practitioners, and 24 MLAs, handling approximately 500,000 microbiology requests each year.

Key duties

• Follow Trust, directorate, and departmental policies, procedures, and standard operating procedures to work accurately and efficiently.
• Handle patient specimens through preparation and processing.
• Prepare urine samples for microscopy.
• Prepare mycology specimens for external processing.
• Inoculate specimens onto culture media for incubation.
• Separate blood samples and set up the required tests.
• Prepare chlamydia specimens for immunoassay analysis.
• Pick single colonies and load test cards for the VITEK identification system.
• Complete specimen reception tasks, including entering patient and specimen details correctly into the departmental computer system and maintaining an accurate database.
• Use equipment and stock responsibly to support smooth and efficient service delivery.

Application and interview timeline

The closing date for applications is 8 July 2026. Interviews are scheduled for 22 July 2026. The employer may close the vacancy earlier if a large number of applications are received.

Organisation values

The trust describes its purpose as providing exceptional care together and highlights the values of compassion, openness, and excellence as the basis for how it works.

What is offered

• Opportunities for both professional development and leadership development.
• Ongoing support from recruitment through onboarding and beyond.
• Employee benefits such as an assistance programme, discounted gym membership, onsite fitness classes, and car schemes.

Additional information

The trust says it supports the public, patients, staff, and local partners in improving the health of the local population and surrounding communities. It also notes that it is a research-active university hospital with a broad portfolio of clinical trials and research opportunities for staff.

Key facts about the trust

• The organisation reports around 4,810 outpatient appointments each day.
• It is the 4th busiest trauma and orthopaedic outpatient department in England, averaging 2,077 patients per week.
• About 1,115 patients are seen in its A&E services across the network each day, making it the 3rd largest in the country.
• The hospitals admit an average of 195 emergency patients per day.
• Last year, almost 33,700 planned surgical operations were completed in 57 operating theatres.
• It is one of only 7 trusts nationally with more than 50 operating theatres.
• More than 140 elective procedures are carried out each working day.

Contact for informal enquiries

For further information or an informal discussion, contact Rebecca Turner, Microbiology Service Manager, at rebecca.turner4@nhs.net or 01332 788219.