Senior Medical Laboratory Assistant - Cellular Pathology

To participate in the provision of a specialised, diagnostic, pathology service contributing to the clinical care of the patient, to enable diagnosis and subsequent monitoring of the effectiveness of treatment given.
To work as part of a team in the Cellular Pathology Department, performing a wide range of routine and non-routine clinical, scientific or technical procedures usually under the direction of an appropriately regulated practitioner.
The individual will be expected to apply judgement, and utilise skills and scientific knowledge, to provide a high quality and timely result service. As a non-HCPC registered position the post holder will not authorise results, nor take responsibility for results issued., The individuals' key responsibilities will include undertaking routine paraffin wax embedding, sectioning and H&E staining, and preparation of non-gynae diagnostic cytology specimens - training will be provided, but the successful candidate will be expected to complete appropriate competencies within a reasonable time period as directed by the Senior Specialist Biomedical Scientist Training Lead Band 7.
The Band 3 SMLA will need to be able to deal with telephone enquiries (seeking scientific advice where required); to undertake manual & automated laboratory investigations as required; perform routine maintenance on instrumentation and undertake first line troubleshooting of malfunctions; use appropriate EQA & IQC; provide routine & non-routine preparation of specimens; undertake work management to ensure reporting of results is conducted in the timeframes; work to ensure ongoing compliance with UKAS ISO 15189, audits, etc.; ensure compliance with the departmental Quality Policy & Manual; contribute to the preparation of SOPs; under supervision participate in the training of new & less experienced personnel; maintain a portfolio of competencies and CPD; and, help evaluate new equipment & methodologies as directed by the Lead Biomedical Scientist. The Band 3 SMLA will be expected support with preparation of material for outsource reporting,
including associated administrative duties.
See attached Job description
Important information for applicants
Flexible Working: If you would like to explore potential options regarding flexible working please speak with the appropriate recruiting/line manager.
DBS Checks: As part of our commitment to a safe working environment, we undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service check on all new employees where the role is eligible for a criminal record check . We make offers in line with the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1975.

At UHSussex we're proud to be at the heart of the NHS. As one of the UK's largest acute Trusts, we're a leading example of the excellence, the ambition and the values that have embodied the NHS for over 70 years.
Our hard-working, talented and dedicated people work together towards a common goal - to always put our Patient First . In fact our mission is summed up by our 'where better never stops' motto and you will play a part in driving us forwards and in improving the lives of patients across Sussex.
At UHSussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us always put the Patient First. Your uniqueness and experiences will be part of our creative and innovative community where everyone is encouraged to succeed. We have a range of Staff Networks to help break down barriers, and can offer a buddy to help new members settle in. We're proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2) and a Veteran Aware Trust.
We treat our patients and staff with the same compassion and empathy we expect for ourselves. We're here for them when they need us, and we go above and beyond to meet their needs. This can be seen in our Wellbeing Programme for staff which is extensive and designed to support you when you need it, including where possible, flexible working to support work life balance - because we know that to look after others we must first look after ourselves.
As a university trust and a leader in healthcare research, we value learning, teaching and training so that we can be the best that we can be. From the moment you start with us and throughout your career we will help you to grow and develop. We hope that in choosing UHSussex you are choosing a long and happy career where you will be able to see the difference you make and feel valued for all that you do.
We look forward to receiving your application and the start of your journey with UHSussex., The Cellular Pathology Laboratory (main base St Richards Hospital, Chichester) within the newly formed University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust currently deals with approximately 35,000 - 40,000 Histology specimens from across the West Sussex including St Richards Hospital, Chichester, Worthing Hospital and Southlands Hospital, Shoreham.
In addition to routine Histology samples the department undertakes work in Immunocytochemistry (ICC), Special Stains, Non-Gynae Diagnostic Cytology, OSNA (Intra-operative Breast Sentinel Node testing) and Digital Pathology. The main laboratory at St Richards Hospital is currently open from 8am to 6pm Monday to Friday, whilst the Worthing Hospital laboratory is open from 8am to 5pm, also Monday to Friday. There is no direct laboratory cover at Southlands Hospital.

At UHSussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us always put the Patient First. Your uniqueness and experiences will be part of our creative and innovative community where everyone is encouraged to succeed. We have a range of Staff Networks to help break down barriers, and can offer a buddy to help new members settle in. We're proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2) and a Veteran Aware Trust.
We treat our patients and staff with the same compassion and empathy we expect for ourselves. We're here for them when they need us, and we go above and beyond to meet their needs. This can be seen in our Wellbeing Programme for staff which is extensive and designed to support you when you need it, including where possible, flexible working to support work life balance - because we know that to look after others we must first look after ourselves.
As a university trust and a leader in healthcare research, we value learning, teaching and training so that we can be the best that we can be. From the moment you start with us and throughout your career we will help you to grow and develop. We hope that in choosing UHSussex you are choosing a long and happy career where you will be able to see the difference you make and feel valued for all that you do.
We look forward to receiving your application and the start of your journey with UHSussex.