Medical Laboratory Assistant - Part Time 18.5 hours p/w

Job Summary

Band 2 Medical Laboratory Assistant.

This is a part‑time post for 18.75 hours per week.

The Cellular Pathology department at the University of Reading (White Knight Campus) services two hospitals – Royal Berkshire Hospital and Wexham Park Hospital – with a combined workload of 55,000 histology specimens per annum and 5,000 non‑gynaecology specimens. We perform a wide range of immunohistochemistry techniques and OSNA and are fully UKAS accredited.

We are looking for a competent, versatile individual with excellent team‑working and communication skills. Accuracy is essential. Previous histology experience is not mandatory; training will be provided, but is an advantage. If you thrive on personal development, adapt to changing scenarios, and enjoy a lively team with social events, this could be the job for you.

Main duties of the job:

• Sorting deliveries and arranging stock and rotations.
• Placing orders within the NHS supply chain.
• Providing consumables to wards, outpatients and mortuary.
• Monitoring stock levels and liaising with senior staff on replacements.

About Us

Reading lies on the River Thames, with excellent road and rail links to London, Oxford and Southampton. The town offers great leisure, shopping and cultural amenities, and is a wonderful place to live, work and play. The Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust, rated Good by the CQC, operates under the values of Compassionate, Aspirational, Resourceful and Excellent (CARE).

Details

• Date posted: 04 January 2026
• Pay scheme: Agenda for Change
• Band: Band 2
• Salary: £24,465 a year (plus 5% Fringe £1,303) pro‑rata per annum
• Contract: Permanent
• Working pattern: Part‑time
• Reference number: 193-7699745NCG
• Job locations: Cellular Pathology, Harborne House, Car Park 13, Pepper Lane, University of Reading, Reading, RG6 6LA

Job Responsibilities

• Participating in the provision of an efficient and cost‑effective histology service within Berkshire and Surrey Pathology Services.
• Assisting other staff members to provide an efficient and effective service to all users of the histopathology department.

Person Specification

Essential qualifications:

• Minimum 5 GCSEs, including English, Maths and Sciences

Essential experience:

• Experience of using computer systems
• Experience of working in a team

Desirable:

• NHS experience
• ECDL certification

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975. A disclosure to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly CRB) will be required to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Employer Details

Employer name: Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust

Address: Cellular Pathology, Harborne House, Car Park 13, Pepper Lane, University of Reading, Reading, RG6 6LA

Website: https://www.royalberkshire.nhs.uk/