Laboratory Assistant /Pathology Scanning Technician - Contract

Laboratory Assistant / Digital Pathology Scanning Technician

Location: Bristol
Salary: Starting from £28,000 per annum
Working hours: Monday to Friday, 08:50–17:00
Visa sponsorship: This role does not qualify for visa sponsorship.

We are looking for a proactive, organised and detail-focused Laboratory Assistant / Digital Pathology Scanning Technician to join our Bristol laboratory team.

This is an important role within the day-to-day operation of the laboratory, supporting the accurate accessioning of submissions, digital pathology scanning workflows and the delivery of high-quality diagnostic services within agreed turnaround times.

The successful candidate will act as the day-to-day lead for accessioning activities, digital slide scanning, workflow coordination and case allocation to pathologists. You will work closely with laboratory colleagues, pathologists and operational teams to ensure that cases are processed efficiently, accurately and in line with laboratory procedures.

Key responsibilities

Accessioning and workflow management

• Support the receipt, registration, staging, storage and tracking of specimens, ensuring full traceability throughout the testing process.
• Coordinate and oversee the daily accessioning workflow, ensuring submissions are processed accurately, efficiently and in accordance with laboratory procedures.
• Maintain accurate records within the relevant laboratory systems.
• Work closely with pathologists, laboratory colleagues and the Pathology Operations Lead to maintain reporting rotas and support the fair and effective allocation of cases.
• Manage slide and block storage, retrieval and distribution for additional testing.
• Identify and escalate any issues that may affect workflow, turnaround times or specimen traceability.

Digital pathology scanning

• Scan histology slides in accordance with laboratory procedures and agreed turnaround time requirements.
• Assess slide quality before scanning, identifying issues with staining, coverslipping, labelling or tissue preparation that may affect digital image quality.
• Complete post-scan quality control checks to ensure images meet the required standards.
• Arrange rescanning where image quality is unsuitable or technical issues are identified.
• Monitor and coordinate digital pathology worklists, prioritising urgent and specialist cases where appropriate.
• Ensure scanned cases are accurately matched and uploaded to the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) and digital pathology platform.
• Manage digital image storage, archiving, retrieval and case tracking in line with laboratory procedures and data governance requirements.
• Liaise with pathologists regarding image quality concerns, rescan requests and workflow priorities.
• Carry out routine scanner cleaning, maintenance checks and calibration activities.
• Perform first-line troubleshooting and escalate technical issues relating to scanners, software or digital workflows to the appropriate support teams.

About you

You will be highly organised, methodical and comfortable managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced laboratory environment. You will have a strong commitment to accuracy, quality and customer service, together with the confidence to work collaboratively across laboratory, pathology, customer service and operational teams.

The ideal candidate will have:

• Previous experience working in a laboratory environment, preferably within histology, pathology or a related setting.
• Experience using laboratory information systems and digital workflows.
• An understanding of histology, pathology or digital pathology processes would be advantageous.
• Strong organisational and workload management skills.
• Excellent attention to detail and a commitment to maintaining high standards.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting abilities.
• The ability to work independently while also contributing effectively as part of a wider team.
• The ability to maintain accuracy and professionalism while working to deadlines and agreed turnaround times.

Qualifications

• GCSEs or equivalent.
• Previous laboratory experience is preferred.
• Strong communication, organisational and problem-solving skills.

If you are looking for an opportunity to contribute to the efficient delivery of diagnostic services and develop your experience in digital pathology, we would be pleased to hear from you.

Please note: We are unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position.