Medical Laboratory Assistant – Specimen Reception

London, HCA Laboratories – Shropshire House

Full time, 37.5 hours per week

Shifts 8:30pm to 8:00am Monday to Friday

Permanent

Salary: Competitive plus 12% shift enhancement

We’re looking for a Medical Laboratory Assistant to join our Central Specimen Reception Night shift team at HCA Laboratories, based in Shropshire House in London. This is a vital, fast paced service at the heart of our laboratory operations, where every sample matters and every detail counts. Working overnight, you’ll play a key role in supporting timely diagnostics for patients across our network, within a team that values reliability, precision and shared accountability.

As a Medical Laboratory Assistant in Specimen Reception, you’ll be part of a close, supportive team responsible for the safe and accurate handling of samples at the very first stage of the testing journey. Your work will directly support laboratory teams and clinicians by ensuring samples are processed, prioritised and distributed efficiently. This role offers a high level of autonomy during night shifts, giving you the opportunity to build confidence as you manage workflows, communicate with stakeholders and develop a strong understanding of laboratory processes and systems such as Meditech.

At HCA UK we care about what you care about. We care that you want to deliver the very best care. We care that you want a career you can be proud of. We care that you want working conditions that support your health and wellbeing. Let us care for you and your career, the same way you do for others.

What you’ll do:

• Receive, check and book in laboratory samples accurately using Meditech
• Prioritise and distribute samples to relevant laboratory sections in a timely manner
• Prepare and package samples for referral to external laboratories
• Respond to telephone enquiries and liaise with internal teams and third party clients
• Maintain a clean and safe working environment, following infection control and health and safety procedures

What you’ll bring:

• A Level or equivalent qualification in a science subject
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy when handling samples and data
• Ability to work independently and manage workload during night shifts
• Good communication skills to liaise with colleagues and external stakeholders
• Understanding of laboratory health and safety principles

Why HCA UK? Originally founded over 50 years ago by Dr Thomas Frist, HCA has gone on to become one of the world’s leading healthcare providers. In the UK, we’re one of the largest providers of privately funded healthcare and have invested over £500 million in the latest treatments, technology, techniques, medication and facilities. Being part of a large multisite, established healthcare group we can offer you unrivalled opportunities for career progression through internal and external courses, as well as working conditions that prioritise both your mental and physical wellbeing.

We believe that by caring for our colleagues, we empower them to provide exceptional care for our patients. That’s why we offer a host of flexible benefits that reflect the invaluable contribution they make every day. As an MLA, you’ll be eligible for:

• 25 days holiday each year (plus bank holidays) increasing with service, with option to buy or sell leave to suit you
• Private Healthcare Insurance for treatment at our leading hospitals
• Private pension contribution which increases with length of service
• Season Ticket Loan and Cycle to Work scheme
• Group Life Assurance from day one
• Critical illness cover
• Enhanced Maternity and Paternity pay
• Corporate staff discount for all facilities including Maternity packages at The Portland
• Comprehensive range of flexible health, protection and lifestyle benefits to suit you
• Discounts with over 800 major retailers

Culture and values At HCA UK we believe exceptional care starts with our people. We celebrate the unique perspectives and different experiences each of us bring as we know that when you feel seen, heard and supported you can be at your best for our patients, and each other.

Our mission is simple, above all else we’re committed to the care and improvement of human life, a clear statement that extends to both our patients and colleagues. To achieve this, we live and breathe four core values:

• Unique and Individual: We recognise and value everyone as unique and individual
• Kindness and compassion: We treat people with kindness and compassion
• Honesty, integrity and fairness: We act with absolute honesty, integrity and fairness
• Loyalty, respect and dignity: We trust and treat one another as valued members of the HCA UK family with loyalty, respect and dignity

Reasonable adjustments We believe everyone should feel comfortable to bring their full self to work and be afforded the same opportunities. As a Disability Confident committed organisation, we’re happy to discuss flexible working arrangements to suit your needs as well as offer reasonable adjustments throughout our recruitment process, and in the workplace, to anyone that needs them.