Healthcare Science Assistant Higher Level

University Hospital Southampton NHS Trust; Southampton; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 27,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent NHS Trust in Southampton is hiring a Healthcare Science Assistant Higher Level. The role emphasizes accuracy in genomic data analysis, requiring attention to detail and prior laboratory experience. Ideal candidates will hold relevant A-level qualifications and possess strong teamwork and communication skills. This position offers opportunities for skill development while ensuring patient care is at the forefront. Salary ranges from £24,937 to £26,598 per annum, pro rata.

Benefits

Minimum of 35 days paid holiday

NHS discounts

Generous pension scheme

Qualifications

• Prior laboratory experience and knowledge of genomic processes.
• Ability to follow standard operating procedures.

Responsibilities

• Process samples for screening and diagnostic purposes.
• Plan workload based on sample priority.
• Participate in quality improvement evaluations.

Skills

Attention to detail

Team working skills

Communication skills

Education

A level or equivalent in Maths, English, and Science

5 GCSEs at A-C level or equivalent

NVQ level 3 education or equivalent

Tools

Laboratory equipment familiarity

Job description

Healthcare Science Assistant Higher Level

The closing date is 04 November 2025

University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust is delighted to offer a fantastic opportunity to work with us.

Please see below for detailed job description of the role.

Main duties of the job

As one of the largest acute teaching Trusts in England, we offer learning and development opportunities to help you achieve the career you aspire to.

All non-clinical roles may involve a mixture of on site and remote working. Specific details and flexible working options can be discussed as part of the interview process. UHS employees are able to access a range of NHS discounts, are entitled to a minimum of 35 days paid holiday (pro rata), and we offer a generous pension scheme.

Southampton is an attractive place to live and work situated on the south coast, with an international airport and direct trains to London. The New Forest National Park and beaches of the Jurassic coast are also right on our doorstep. The city offers living costs 20% lower than London and 14 schools rated outstanding by Ofsted.

Please note - THIS ROLE IS BASED IN SALISBURY ON A FIXED TERM BASIS

About us

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. 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.

We believe that using technology wisely shows strong time management and commitment to innovation. However, personalizing your recruitment application to highlight your unique skills and experiences is crucial. Relying too heavily on generic, AI-generated content instead of drawing from your own strengths and accomplishments may lead to your application being rejected if multiple candidates present identical or similar information.

At UHS we're committed to providing a flexible working environment where possible. Whether you are balancing family, study, or your wellbeing with your career, we want to support you so you can help our patients.

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.

Job responsibilities

Due to the nature of this role and service, this role is on-site and the hours are as advertised.

Please talk to us at interview about the flexibility you need, and we will explore what’s possible for the role and service.

Your Responsibilities:

You will join our diagnostic team who are committed to patient-centred service provision through accurate and timely data analysis, interpretation and reporting of genomic information. Attention to detail is essential to ensure that patient results are delivered in a safe and efficient way in order to direct patient management and therapeutic decisions.

What you’ll do

• To process samples and data on a range of pathological specimens under the supervision of senior technical staff and clinical scientists for screening, diagnostic and monitoring purposes and provide accurate, timely and appropriate analytical data for testing in-house and by external laboratories
• Plan your workload based on sample priority and respond to changing requirements
• Participate in quality improvement including the evaluation of equipment, techniques and protocols
• Be responsible for maintaining stock levels in the section and for ensuring reagents and consumables are ordered in a timely manner

What we’re looking for

• Someone with A level or equivalent in at least two from Maths, English and Science at level A to C
• Someone with previous laboratory experience and a knowledge of genomic processes
• Someone with good attention to detail
• Someone able to follow standard operating procedure
• Someone able to demonstrate strong team working skills
• Someone able to work Monday to Friday 9.00am to 5.30pm

Person Specification

Trust Values

• Always Improving
• Working Together

Qualifications / training required

• 5 GCSEs at A-C level or equivalent
• NVQ level 3 education or equivalent level of experience

Previous or relevant experience necessary

• Working knowledge and competency in laboratory bench areas

Aptitudes and skills required

• Ability to communicate well with all staff
• Ability to plan and use own time economically and effectively
• A high degree of motivation and enthusiasm is essential for the role
• Ability to work both as part of a team and as an individual
• Highly developed initiative skills
• Articulate and clear thinking
• Ability to deal with problems in a calm and efficient manner
• Collect and report routine data and information
• An understanding of and commitment to equality of opportunity and good working relationships, both in terms of day to day working practices but also in relation to management systems

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.

University Hospital Southampton NHS Trust

£24,937 to £26,598 a year Per Annum (PA) Pro Rata