Healthcare Science Associate Practitioner

University Hospital Southampton NHS FT; Salisbury; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

NHS discounts

35 days holiday pro rata

Generous pension scheme

Job summary

University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust is seeking a Healthcare Science Assistant Practitioner to join the Wessex Genomics Laboratory Service in Salisbury.

Based at Salisbury District Hospital, you will support processing specimens, basic testing, and data entry under supervision, contributing to accurate genomic analysis and timely reporting.

Qualifications

• Previous experience in laboratory work is desirable.
• Knowledge of genomic processes is desirable.
• Desirable criteria include NHS environment experience and genomic procedures.

Responsibilities

• Process a range of pathological specimens under supervision for screening, diagnostics and monitoring.
• Provide accurate, timely analytical data under supervision.
• Work flexible hours as determined by service needs.

Education

A level or equivalent in Maths, English and Science (two from A–C)

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 detailed job description of the role.

FULL TIME

12 MONTH FIXED TERM

SECONDMENT

Main duties of the job

An exciting opportunity has arisen in the Wessex Genomics Laboratory Service (WGLS) in Salisbury for a full-time Healthcare Science Assistant Practitioner to join our dynamic genomics team.

The WGLS is a new integrated genomics testing service formed from the amalgamation of Wessex Regional Genetics Laboratory, now WGLS (Salisbury), and Molecular Pathology which is based at University Hospital Southampton (UHS). The WGLS is part of the Central & South Genomic Laboratory Hub.

Employment will be with UHS but the role will be based at WGLS (Salisbury) within Salisbury District Hospital. There are future plans to re-locate to a joint facility with WGLS (Southampton) in the Southampton area once a suitable site has been identified (with a minimum 1 year notice prior to relocation).

Working for our organisation

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. UHS is rated ‘Good’ by the CQC and in the latest national NHS Staff Survey, we were in the top 10 acute trusts for staff engagement and for staff recommending the hospital as a place to work or receive care.

We support flexible working and will consider requests taking into account the needs of the service. 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 30% lower than London and 17 schools rated outstanding by Ofsted.

We believe that using technology wisely shows strong time management and commitment to innovation. However, personalising 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.

Detailed Job Description And Main Responsibilities

To process 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.

To be capable of working under a reduced level of supervision when necessary.

To work flexible hours as determined by the needs of the service.

Main duties of the job

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.

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.

This post will be working across a range of sections with main focus areas of Cytogenetics, DNA Extraction and Molecular processes. you will be responsible for undertaking sample and test prep as well as running and troubleshooting assays.

Person specification

Qualifications / Training

Essential criteria

• A level or equivalent in at least two from Maths, English and Science at level A to C

Desirable criteria

• ECDL or equivalent knowledge of computers
• Previous knowledge of hospital IT systems
• Completion of an internal multidisciplinary laboratory training course

Previous or relevant experience necessary

Essential criteria

• Previous experience in laboratory work
• Knowledge of genomic processes

Desirable criteria

• Previous experience in an NHS environment
• Previous experience of performing genomic procedures
• Previous experience in a diagnostic medical laboratory

Trust Values

Essential criteria

• Patients First
• Always Improving
• Working Together