Medical Laboratory Assistant (Histology & Digital Lab)

Work Environment:
This position is fully Lab Based; Kidlington, Oxford, UK.
Travel may be very rarely required on an ad hoc basis.
Regrettably we cannot offer UK sponsorship or any UK Visa's for this role.
Shift Work
You will work on a 7.5 hour shift basis per week excluding lunch (incl occasional weekends)
Shift Times will be scheduled each week on a rota and communicated by your Line Manager (incl rotating weekends)
About our Lab
Step into Diagneixa - a cutting-edge digital pathology environment where innovation meets purpose. Working for Diagnexia means taking a step into a forward-thinking, digitally-driven diagnostic laboratory at the forefront of diagnostic innovation.
At the heart of our laboratory in Kidlington Oxford, is a passionate team dedicated to advancing healthcare. For you this means working alongside open, skilled colleagues who inspire growth and learning every day.
We provide unmatched opportunities for ongoing personal and professional career development.
You'll take on new and exciting challenges. And your professional journey will be fuelled by continual learning, amazing collaboration, and working together to make a real difference.
Ready to shape the future of pathology, and grow personally and professionally? If so join us.
About the role
Our Medical Laboratory Assistants are the operational foundation of our Diagnexia Oxford Lab Operations.
You work across the Histopathology laboratory functions as directed by the daily rota, building technical competency against a structured module framework from day one.
Career progression
At Diagneixa, our laboratory team includes senior Biomedical Scientists, Associate Practitioners, Medical Laboratory Assistants and Support Technicians.
We’re going through a really important phase of growth and structure-building within our laboratory.
We have a clear, more intentional MLA model. Once that gives you proper career progression, stronger support, and more opportunity over time.
You can see the role you're joining, understand what sits above it, and know what progression looks like from day 1
Your career journey with us
Our MLA roles are the entry point to our Associate Practitioner (AP) pathway.
You join at entry level Medical Laboratory Assistant (L1), work through probation, and progress to MLA (L2) after achieving technical competency against a predetermined and & structured MLA module framework.
Once MLA (L2) role is the entry point to the Associate Practitioner pathway for those who wish to progress further
Staff who achieve our full L2 module completion and demonstrate the quality behaviours expected at that level are eligible to be considered for the AP track. This is not automatic however, it is subject to a formal selection process and the availability of AP posts.
You may have the opportunity to progress to BMS, subject to you holding an IBMS accredited degree.
Your progression within the role, and your salary, is directly linked to the modules you achieve sign-off on.
Key responsibilities
Receive, log, and label specimens, slides & blocks; check formalin adequacy and chain of custody at the point of receipt
Data entry and competent in the use of the LIMS and Tracking System, including its use in registration and verification of data relating to pathology specimens, slides and blocks
Load and unload tissue processors; check reagent levels, select correct programme, monitor cycle completion
Run routine H&E staining; assess slide quality against defined criteria before release
File, retrieve, and return slides and blocks; maintain storage compliance
Carry out routine and non-routine specimen preparation and/or analysis including assisting medical and scientific staff at dissection, and performing routine laboratory tasks, following training, such as embedding and microtomy
Set up dissection bench; scribe and label cassettes accurately as directed by BMS during cut-up
Load scanners; manage batch queues; identify and report scan failures before end of session
Raise any quality concern, discrepancy, or near-miss to the BMS on shift — same day, every time
Log and communicate using Freshdesk, ClickUp, and chat as required
Ensure compliance with GDPR/CQC regulations and maintain patient records in accordance with all data protection protocols
Respond to incoming calls, voicemails, and email tickets in a polite and supportive manner, seeking scientific staff advice where required.
Basic troubleshooting of customer support problems
Additional Areas
Track and document technical problems
Know the limits of own practice and escalate uncertainties, concerns and technical issues to senior member of staff when appropriate
Assist with Laboratory stock control and carry out regular checks of stock levels, replenishing and ordering these as appropriate
Assist with equipment verification work and Research Pathology technical support as required
Comply with all applicable health and safety requirements
Participate in relevant audits in line with UKAS requirements and ensure ongoing compliance with UKAS ISO 15189 standards in day-to-day work
Participate in CPD activities
The role will include shift work &

Employment type
Full-Time,Permanent

Work arrangement
No