Medical jobs in Sussex

Job post summary

Date posted: 21 September 2026
Pay: £14.00–£18.00 per hour

Job Description

We are seeking a reliable and detail-oriented Medical Laboratory Assistant (MLA) to join our Crawley laboratory. You will support both Biochemistry and Haematology departments, ensuring accurate sample processing and maintaining high laboratory standards in line with UKAS requirements.

This role is ideal for an experienced MLA who is confident working in a fast-paced environment and is looking to progress into a permanent laboratory position.

About Sussex Pathology

Sussex Pathology is a fast-growing private diagnostics laboratory providing high-quality blood testing services across the UK. Due to continued expansion, we require urgent MLA support within our busy laboratory.

This role will initially be offered as an hourly-paid independent contractor/locum position to allow for an immediate start. Following successful training and competency sign-off, the role will transition into a permanent full-time position.

Role Overview

• Location: Crawley Laboratory
• Contract: Independent Contractor / Locum (Immediate start)
• Hours: Monday to Saturday | Up to 8-hour shifts scheduled between 08:00 – 20:00
• Work Location: In person

You will work as part of a laboratory team supporting daily operations, sample processing, and ensuring compliance with SOPs and UKAS standards. Flexibility to work evening shifts is required.

Key Responsibilities

• Sample receipt and accurate LIS data entry
• Barcoding, centrifugation, aliquoting, and sample preparation
• Supporting Biomedical Scientists with routine laboratory tasks
• Managing send-away samples and ensuring full traceability
• Collecting home-testing kit samples from the nearby Post Office on a rotational basis as part of the laboratory collection rota.
• Assisting with stock control and reagent handling
• Maintaining compliance with SOPs, quality standards, and UKAS requirements
• Performing routine cleaning and maintaining a safe working environment

Essential Skills & Qualifications

• Minimum of 1 year continuous MLA experience (essential)
• Previous experience in a clinical laboratory (Biochemistry or Haematology preferred)
• Strong attention to detail and ability to work efficiently
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Flexibility to work across the laboratory rota, including early, late and Saturday shifts, is required.
• Immediate or short-notice availability
• Must have the legal right to work in the UK (no visa sponsorship available)

What We Offer

• Competitive hourly pay (£14.00–£18.00 depending on experience)
• Opportunity to transition into a permanent full-time role
• Company pension (upon permanent employment)
• Employee discount scheme
• On-site parking

Application Questions

• Do you currently have any commitments (such as study or another job) that may affect your availability?
• How many years of continuous MLA experience do you have, and in which laboratory settings?
• Are you able to commit to working Monday to Saturday, with up to 8-hour shifts between 08:00–20:00?
• Do you have the right to work in the UK without visa sponsorship?
• Are you able to reliably commute to the Crawley laboratory?
• Are you able to undertake local Post Office collections of home-testing kit samples on a rotational basis as part of your laboratory duties?

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: £14.00-£18.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Employee discount
• Free parking
• On-site parking

Work Location: In person