Assistant Sleep Physiologist

University Hospital Southampton NHS FT; Pennington; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent healthcare institution located in Pennington is seeking a Permanent Night Assistant Physiologist. In this role, you will prepare and support patients for overnight sleep studies, ensuring equipment is functioning safely. Your responsibilities include monitoring patients, checking sleep study data, and contributing to high diagnostic standards. Essential qualifications include GCSE in English, Maths, and Biology, along with excellent communication skills. This role offers a unique chance to work within a diverse and inclusive team, fulfilling a vital role in patient care.

Qualifications

• Strong desire to learn and develop within sleep physiology.
• Excellent communication skills, verbally and written.
• Experience of working with the public.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and support patients for overnight sleep studies.
• Monitor patients throughout assessments and ensure equipment safety.
• Download and check sleep study data and maintain diagnostic standards.

Skills

Communication

Database management

Record keeping

Education

GCSE in English, Maths, and Biology at A-C grade

Job description

Job Overview

University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust is delighted to offer a fantastic opportunity to work with us. Please see below for a detailed job description for the role.

Main duties of the job

We are seeking a dedicated and compassionate individual to join the Adult Sleep Service at University Hospital Southampton as a Permanent Night Assistant Physiologist. In this patient‑focused role, you will be a key part of the team delivering overnight diagnostic sleep testing.

Working exclusively night shifts

Working exclusively night shifts, you will prepare and support patients attending overnight sleep studies, monitor them throughout their assessments, and ensure that all equipment is functioning correctly and safely. You will download and check sleep study data, identify poor‑quality signals, and take appropriate action to maintain high diagnostic standards.

Working for our organisation

University Hospital Southampton is one of England's largest acute teaching Trusts, offering a wide range of learning and development opportunities to support your career aspirations.

Location and environment

Located on the south coast with an international airport and direct rail links to London, Southampton offers an ideal setting to live and work, with the New Forest, South Downs and Jurassic Coast.

Our commitment to diversity

At UHS, we proudly champion individuality, recognizing that outstanding care is only possible with a diverse, inclusive team. We’re committed to creating an anti‑racist, anti‑discriminatory environment where everyone feels valued, safe, and empowered to make a meaningful impact in our communities. We welcome applicants of all backgrounds, identities, and experiences to join us in building a healthcare community where everyone can belong, thrive, and contribute.

Detailed Job Description And Main Responsibilities

As a valued member of the Adult Sleep Team, you will collaborate with physiologists, nurses, and wider colleagues to ensure the smooth running of the service. Your responsibilities will also include processing returned CPAP devices, managing masks and consumables, maintaining stock levels, and completing essential administrative tasks such as updating databases, phoning patients, and supporting the CPAP email and telephone helpline.

Working details

The role is based at Lymington Hospital and does not provide any opportunity for home working. It will include working one full night shift of 12 hours per week and an additional 3 hours during the week, or working two nights one week each month. Flexibility will be required to also work days as required by the service. The service currently runs Monday‑Friday. Flexibility will be required to also work day shifts as per the service requirements.

Person specification

Attached you will find the person specification document which provides more detail about the essential and desirable skills and experience needed for this role. We highly recommend you review this document and use it when completing your application as these criteria are used by hiring managers as guidance during shortlisting. For an overview of the main duties of the role please see the ‘Job Description and Main Responsibilities’ section below. To understand the day‑to‑day responsibilities in more detail please read the full job description document attached.

Trust Values

• Patients First
• Always Improving
• Working Together

Skills and competencies

• Communication
• Database management
• Record keeping

Qualifications, Knowledge And Experience

Essential criteria

• GCSE (or the Level 2 Equivalent) English and Maths, Biology (or other science) at an A‑C (4‑9) grade.
• Strong desire to learn and develop within sleep physiology.
• Excellent communication skills, verbally and written.
• Experience of working with the public.
• Confident speaking to groups of patients.
• Ability to work late and night shifts.
• Ability to work across sites.

Desirable criteria

• Evidence of scientific and or academic capability.
• Experience working as part of a multidisciplinary / multi‑skilled team.
• Experience working within the NHS.
• Experience working in a sleep or respiratory department.
• General knowledge of obstructive sleep apnoea and or CPAP therapy.