Healthcare Science Associate

Sunderland GP Alliance; South Shields; Hybrid; GBP 26,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust invites applications for a Healthcare Science Associate to support Bone Densitometry and Nuclear Medicine.

The role involves working in multidisciplinary teams, performing quality control testing, bone densitometry scanning and related physiological measurements, with a strong patient focus and commitment to high standards of care.

Qualifications

• Entry requirements include English and Maths Level 2 (GCSE 9-4 or A*-C or Functional/Key Skills Level 2) and a relevant Imaging/Radiology qualification.
• Experience in radiology or nuclear medicine with Bone Densitometry is desirable.
• Ability to respond calmly and professionally in patient care situations.

Responsibilities

• Perform Bone Density, Nuclear Medicine and related procedures with available supervision.
• Assist Nuclear Medicine staff in Quality Control, laboratory and radiopharmacy processes.
• Keep accurate records and maintain patient confidentiality.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Customer care

Team player

Adaptability

Independent working

Education

Level 4 Imaging/Medical Imaging qualification

Tools

Word

Excel

Outlook

Job description

Go back South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust

Healthcare Science Associate

The closing date is 21 October 2026

This is an opportunity to work with patients in the exciting and constantly developing field of Healthcare Science, specifically in Bone Densitometry and Nuclear Medicine. Healthcare science associates work in multidisciplinary teams to diagnose and treat disease using radiation in its various forms. This role is patient and quality focused and would suit a Healthcare Science Associate or an Assistant Practitioner.

You must meet the entryrequirements of English and Maths qualifications at Level 2 (GCSE Grades 9-4 or A*-C, or Functional/Key Skills at Level 2), as well as having a relevant Imaging/Radiology qualification.

For informal enquiries or site visits please contact: David Donohue [e-mail]

For an informal discussion, please contact Glenn Guthrie, Chief Technologist ([e-mail]) or David Donohue, Lead Technologist, South Tyneside ([e-mail]).

Main duties of the job

The Healthcare Science Associate is responsible for providing support to the wider Healthcare Science Team, taking a lead in performing Quality Control Testing and Bone Densitometry Scanning, and actively participating in Hydrogen Breath Testing and Glomerular Filtration Rate Analysis.

The post holder will be expected:

• To perform a range of roles, with around 50% of time dedicated to Bone Densitometry and the rest to Nuclear Medicine, Physiological Measurement and Quality Control.
• Play a key part in providing a service of excellence to all of our patients.
• Work with qualified staff to provide all technical aspects within scope of practice.
• Perform a range of specialist healthcare science activities.

About us

One Team One Trust - There are many reasons to work at our Trust. From our commitment to putting people first to our accessible services and award winning teams. We have a passion for research, innovation and tackling inequalities. We are committed to respect, fairness and civility and promote a compassionate, caring and positive culture / working environment.

We welcome all applications irrespective of peoples race, disability, gender, sexual orientation, religion/belief, age, gender identity, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy/maternity and in particular those from under- represented groups. Looking after our workforces health and wellbeing is a priority for us.

We also provide access to high quality education, training, career progression and support. Flexible working is supported via our Flexible Working Policy.

• Fitness Centre (SRH)
• Libraries at both hospital sites
• Chaplaincy support
• Access to a Care Co-ordinator to help staff with childcare arrangements
• High quality education, training, career progression and support
• Flexible working is supported via our Flexible Working Policy

The Trust employs around 8,746 people and provides a range of hospital services to a local community of around 430,000 residents. We also provide a range of more specialised services outside this area.

If you use AI,and it poses a risk to the integrity of your individual recruitment process, we may withdraw your application at any stage of the process.

Job responsibilities

• Performs a range of BoneDensity, Nuclear Medicine and ancillary procedures; supervision is available for reference.
• Assist staff of NuclearMedicine section in Quality Control, laboratory and radiopharmacy processes.
• Keep accurate records and maintain confidentiality

Person Specification

Skills and Knowledge

• Good interpersonal skills
• Good customer care skills
• Excellent team player
• Able to work under pressure and adapt to changing priorities
• Able to work on own within set boundaries

Experience

• Experience of working in radiology or nuclear medicine department with experience in Bone Densitometry
• Experience in taking blood samples
• Experience in simple laboratory procedures

Qualifications

• Appropriate (related to medical imaging) Level 4 qualification in Medical Imaging, Healthcare Science (Nuclear Medicine) or Radiology supplemented by experience to ensure understanding of a range of routine and non-routine bone density and/or nuclear medicine procedures.
• Knowledge, skill and experience necessary to respond calmly, competently and professionally in the event of a patient experiencing problems, including basic CPR
• Basic knowledge of IT software packages (e.g. Word, Excel, Outlook)
• Knowledge of Ionising Radiation Regulations in relation to role

Physical Skills

• Ability to move and handle objects safely
• Ability to move and handle patients safely

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.

Employer name

South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust