Pathology Assistant - Blood Sciences

ESHT Pathology is looking to recruit Pathology Assistants to join our Blood Sciences department to join our existing team and provide more support for Biomedical Scientists at weekends. Applications are invited from enthusiastic individuals who have an interest in Healthcare Sciences and are keen and committed to learning new skills associated with this post. Relevant experience working in a clinical laboratory environment will be an advantage.

Successful candidates will be trained across Blood Sciences (Haematology, Blood Bank and Biochemistry). Pathology Assistants will work on a rota to include evenings and weekends. Shift patterns are variable and may change in the future to match service requirements.

Pathology is based over 2 sites. The majority of services are based at Eastbourne DGH, with some services running from Conquest Hospital in Hastings. Although based at Eastbourne District General Hospital, you may be required to travel cross site as part of this job.

Main duties of the job

Pathology Assistants in Blood Sciences carry out a wide range of duties supporting Biomedical Scientists in carrying out testing of patient samples.

The post holder will be responsible for data entry into the laboratory computer system, extensive use of e-searcher to correctly identify patient details and handling samples of a potentially hazardous nature. This will include unpacking, sorting and booking in samples, packing specimens to send away to referral laboratories, preparing reagents, performing simple analytical procedures and other general tasks of this nature.

Pathology Assistants will have completed a period of training to enable them to pass the laboratory competency based training programme. This programme will have assessed their abilities in areas such as data entry, dealing with unusual specimens falling outside normal laboratory criteria, ability to perform complex non-interpretative laboratory procedures etc.

About us

A wide range of staff benefits are available to our staff including staff development, enrolment in the NHS pension scheme, auto-enrolment to our Temporary Workforce Service, access to onsite nurseries. staff restaurants and accommodation.

In addition to an internal Occupational Health department, all staff also have access to free psychological support through our confidential Employee Assistance Programme. Onsite parking is available from only £50 a year.

There has never been a better time to join East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust, submit your application today.

Statement on the Use of AI

We value the individuality that each candidate brings to the application process. While we understand that AI tools are widely available, we strongly discourage applicants from using AI-generated content when applying for jobs with us. We believe that your application should reflect your true skills, experiences, and motivations, which are best conveyed through your own words and unique perspective.

Using AI for your application may not accurately represent your knowledge, skills, and experience and may result in a disconnect between your qualifications and our assessment of your application.

We encourage applicants to take the time to thoughtfully complete their applications; by doing so, you allow us to better understand your true potential and ensure a fair and transparent evaluation of your application. Over reliance on AI-generated content may diminish your chance of success.

Details

Date posted

12 October 2026

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 3

Salary

£25,760 to £27,476 a year

per annum, pro rata

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time,

Flexible working

Reference number

374-ED2088

Job locations

Eastbourne District General Hospital

Kings Drive

Eastbourne

BN212UD

United Kingdom

Job responsibilities

Please refer to the job description attached.

If you have any questions about this position please do not hesitate to contact us.

Job responsibilities

Please refer to the job description attached.

If you have any questions about this position please do not hesitate to contact us.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

• Good general education to GCSE level including English and Maths
• NVQ 3 level qualification in relevant subject or equivalent level of experience and knowledge

Desirable

• Completion of NVQ level 2 in Clinical Laboratory Support
• Completion of formal one year Laboratory Training and Assessment Programme

Experience

Essential

• Knowledge of and commitment to healthcare
• Accepts responsibility whilst recognising limits

Desirable

• Experience in pathology laboratory techniques

Skills

Essential

• Good communication and interpersonal skills both verbal and non-verbal
• Ability to perform delicate work to a high standard
• Good Computer Skills
• Ability to work as part of a team
• Capable of working with minimal supervision
• Capable of working under pressure and in difficult working environments
• Ability to concentrate
• Ability to prioritise work own work load

Desirable

• Good knowledge of relevant laboratory techniques as required for staff in this post
• Good knowledge of relevant health & safety issues
• Ability to train inexperienced staff

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

• Good general education to GCSE level including English and Maths
• NVQ 3 level qualification in relevant subject or equivalent level of experience and knowledge

Desirable

• Completion of NVQ level 2 in Clinical Laboratory Support
• Completion of formal one year Laboratory Training and Assessment Programme

Experience

Essential

• Knowledge of and commitment to healthcare
• Accepts responsibility whilst recognising limits

Desirable

• Experience in pathology laboratory techniques

Skills

Essential

• Good communication and interpersonal skills both verbal and non-verbal
• Ability to perform delicate work to a high standard
• Good Computer Skills
• Ability to work as part of a team
• Capable of working with minimal supervision
• Capable of working under pressure and in difficult working environments
• Ability to concentrate
• Ability to prioritise work own work load

Desirable

• Good knowledge of relevant laboratory techniques as required for staff in this post
• Good knowledge of relevant health & safety issues
• Ability to train inexperienced staff

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

Additional information

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

Employer details

Employer name

East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust

Address

Eastbourne District General Hospital

Kings Drive

Eastbourne

BN212UD

United Kingdom

Employer's website

http://jobs.esht.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)

Employer details

Employer name

East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust

Address

Eastbourne District General Hospital

Kings Drive

Eastbourne

BN212UD

United Kingdom

Employer's website

http://jobs.esht.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)

Job responsibilities

Please refer to the job description attached.

If you have any questions about this position please do not hesitate to contact us.

Qualifications

Essential

• Good general education to GCSE level including English and Maths
• NVQ 3 level qualification in relevant subject or equivalent level of experience and knowledge

Desirable

• Completion of NVQ level 2 in Clinical Laboratory Support
• Completion of formal one year Laboratory Training and Assessment Programme

Experience

Essential

• Knowledge of and commitment to healthcare
• Accepts responsibility whilst recognising limits

Desirable

• Experience in pathology laboratory techniques

Skills

Essential

• Good communication and interpersonal skills both verbal and non-verbal
• Ability to perform delicate work to a high standard
• Good Computer Skills
• Ability to work as part of a team
• Capable of working with minimal supervision
• Capable of working under pressure and in difficult working environments
• Ability to concentrate
• Ability to prioritise work own work load

Desirable

• Good knowledge of relevant laboratory techniques as required for staff in this post
• Good knowledge of relevant health & safety issues
• Ability to train inexperienced staff