Healthcare Science Support Worker

University Hospital Southampton NHS Trust; Southampton; On-site; GBP 23,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare institution in Southampton is seeking a Biomedical Support Worker to assist in the Cellular Pathology Department. Candidates should have attention to detail and previous laboratory experience. The role requires flexible working hours and the ability to work under pressure to meet deadlines. Join a diverse team committed to delivering exceptional healthcare services.

Qualifications

• GCSE level A to C or equivalent in at least two from Maths, English and Science.
• Previous experience in laboratory work and/or NHS environment.
• Ability to follow laboratory procedures.

Responsibilities

• Assist with processing specimens for analysis.
• Ensure adequate consumables and reagents for service delivery.
• Access and accurately enter data on departmental systems.

Skills

Attention to detail

Good manual dexterity

Good communication

Ability to work in a team

Education

GCSE level A to C in Maths, English and Science

ECDL or equivalent knowledge of computers

NVQ Level 2 in Clinical Laboratory Support

Tools

Laboratory IT systems

Job description

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.

The closing date is 22 November 2025

Main duties of the job

Cellular Pathology invites applications for the post of Biomedical Support Worker to join a small team of Healthcare Science Support Workers providing day-to-day support within the laboratory.

University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust is one of the largest hospitals in the country. It is a national centre for both teaching and research and also a regional centre for Neurological, Cardiac, Paediatric and Cancer specialities.

The laboratories are sited at Southampton General Hospital within purpose-built, well-equipped facilities providing comprehensive diagnostic services delivering both routine and specialist testing to Wessex Region patients and a number of external referral sites.

Cellular Pathology includes neuropathology, paediatric pathology, immunohistochemistry and also incorporates the departments of Diagnostic Cytology, Biomedical Imaging, Electron Microscopy and provision of Mortuary services to the hospital, City Council and local Coroners. Approximately 51,000 samples are currently received and processed annually.

This post is an excellent opportunity for an enthusiastic individual to contribute to a rapidly developing diagnostic service.

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

You will be required to assist and be involved with the processing all types of specimen presented to the Cellular Pathology Department for analysis, thereby supporting the provision of accurate and timely diagnoses.

You will be required to liaise with staff at all levels and within all sections of Cellular Pathology to ensure availability at all times of adequate consumables, reagents, chemicals, solvents and all other items required for service delivery.

You will be required to access & accurately enter data on to both the Trust & departmental information systems to support the sample processing. You will need to be a good communicator & be able to work effectively as part of large team.

You will need to have excellent attention detail & possess good manual dexterity.

Ideally, you will have had previous experience of working within a diagnostic laboratory.

The department provides a laboratory service 6am-7pm Monday-Friday & a rotational Saturday service 7am-5pm (approximately 1 in 5). In addition, the successful candidate will also be expected to participate in the rotational Bank Holiday service provision (approximately 1 per annum). N.B. This does not currently include Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Years Day or Good Friday.

Person Specification

Qualifications / training required

• GCSE level A to C or equivalent in at least two from Maths, English and Science
• ECDL or equivalent knowledge of computers
• Previous knowledge of hospital IT systems
• NVQ Level 2 (Clinical Laboratory Support)

Previous or relevant experience necessary

• Previous experience in laboratory work.
• Previous experience in an NHS environment.
• Previous experience as a laboratory support worker
• Literate and numerate
• Articulate
• Able to follow laboratory procedures

Special requirements of the post

• To work flexible hours as determined by the needs of the service
• Work and remain calm under pressure to meet daily deadlines
• Able to work as a member of a team or on own initiative

Trust Values

• Working Together
• Always Improving

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