Medical Laboratory Assistant

Applications are invited for a dynamic, conscientious and enthusiastic person who has experience of working in a busy histology laboratory.

You will be expected to support the medical and scientific staff through a number of duties including portering of samples, making up solutions, filing and retrieving records from archives, assisting at cut-up, running equipment, and tissue processing to paraffin wax embedding and tissue sectioning. Previous experience of working in a histopathology laboratory would be an advantage. All necessary training will be provided. Further education and development is actively encouraged.

This busy department provides a diagnostic service for the regional neuroscience centre on neurosurgical, neurological and psychiatric specimens; is a referral centre, is involved in research investigations and has UKAS ISO15189 accreditation.

The department also provides clinical diagnostic histology services for the London Neurodegenerative Diseases Brain Bank at the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience. Because of this work a wide range of CNS and PNS specimens are handled including muscle, nerve, skin and pituitary biopsies as well as whole brain examinations.

This is a permanent (not fixed term) position available immediately to suitably qualified applicants.

To process and embed a range of tissue samples and carry out histological demonstration of tissue constituents using a range of specialised techniques.

Collect specimens from Neuro-theatres reception (on a daily basis) and Central Specimen Reception (as and when required).

Assist the Neuropathologists at surgical and autopsy cut-ups.

Preserve and process organ and tissue samples using paraffin wax processing.

Manipulation of sometimes minute and irreplaceable samples requires highly developed skills in hand-eye co-ordination.

Cut very thin sections of processed samples from autopsy cases and control material using a rotary microtome.

Maintain stocks of chemicals, solutions and consumables, and clean glassware in the histology laboratory.

Maintain tissue block and microscope slide archives.

When required, retrieve microscope slides from the archives and prepare materials for various clinical meetings run by the Department.

To carefully pack and post materials to external departments and to meticulously record and track items sent and received.

To regularly analyse the quality of work with the BMS staff.

Your development and learning

You will have a suite of learning opportunities available through The Synnovis Way Development programme, the Scientific Learning and Development Fund and the Synnovis Academy through which you can receive funding / support for advanced qualifications.

You will have a suite of learning opportunities available through The Synnovis Way Development programme, the Scientific Learning and Development Fund and the Synnovis Academy through which you can receive funding / support for advanced qualifications.

To process and embed a range of tissue samples and carry out histological demonstration of tissue constituents using a range of specialised techniques.

To liaise with Neuropathologists, users, and other departments within the Trust in relation to the provision of the clinical service.

To work as economically with one’s time, equipment and consumables as is practicable to achieve work objectives.

Meticulously maintain the records of work and tests carried out on each sample, either manually or on computer (as required), as it progresses through the laboratory.

Collect specimens from Neuro-theatres reception (on a daily basis) and Central Specimen Reception (as and when required).

Assist the Neuropathologists at surgical and autopsy cut-ups.

Liaise with Neuropathologists and section leads when organising work priorities.

Preserve and process organ and tissue samples using paraffin wax processing.

This involves the exposure to contained, controlled infectious material such as CJD.

Samples may without warning, require urgent collection from theatres and immediate attention. In such cases, current work will have to be re-organised.

Manipulation of sometimes minute and irreplaceable samples requires highly developed skills in hand-eye co-ordination.

Cut very thin sections of processed samples from autopsy cases and control material using a rotary microtome.

This requires highly developed skills in hand-eye co-ordination, frequent repetitive movements and sitting or standing at the workbench for long periods of time.

Carry out a range of tests on tissue constituents using cellular pathology and some specialised techniques.

Maintain stocks of chemicals, solutions and consumables, and clean glassware in the histology laboratory.

Keep the cut-up area clean and tidy, and maintain stocks of chemicals, solutions and consumables in the tissue-processing laboratory.

Maintain tissue block and microscope slide archives.

When required, retrieve microscope slides from the arch