Healthcare Scientist

NHS; Southampton; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare trust in Southampton is seeking a Healthcare Scientist to join the Cancer team at Wessex Genomics Laboratory. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in cancer genetics with HCPC registration and experience in diagnostic laboratories. Responsibilities include data analysis, interpretation of genomic tests, and collaboration with healthcare professionals. This full-time role offers opportunities for further career development and aims to provide an inclusive working environment.

Benefits

Learning and development opportunities

Flexible working environment

Commitment to diversity and inclusion

Qualifications

• HCPC registered scientist with diagnostic laboratory experience.
• Excellent communication for multi-disciplinary teamwork.
• Knowledge of quality control and UKAS standards.

Responsibilities

• Join the Cancer team for data analysis and reporting.
• Perform genomic testing and manage laboratory services.
• Train and educate others within the section.

Skills

Knowledge of cancer genetics

Diagnostic laboratory experience

Excellent communication skills

Understanding of quality assurance

Laboratory practical skills

Education

MSc in relevant subject or equivalent

HCPC Registration as a Clinical Scientist

PhD in a relevant clinical subject

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Overview

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

Role: Healthcare Scientist in Cancer at Wessex Genomics Laboratory Service (WGLS - Salisbury). This is a full-time fixed-term position (12 months with possibility of further extension). HCPC registration is a key requirement of the role.

WGLS is a member of the Central & South Genomic Laboratory Hub. Employment will be with UHS but the role will be based within Salisbury District Hospital.

Main duties of the job

An exciting opportunity has arisen at the Wessex Genomics Laboratory Service (WGLS - Salisbury) for a full-time fixed term position (12 months with possibility of further extension) as a Clinical Scientist in Cancer. We are looking for a scientist with sound knowledge of cancer genetics, considerable diagnostic laboratory experience and the ability to critically analyse and interpret scientific data. HCPC registration is a key requirement of the role.

• To contribute to the provision of an integrated cancer diagnostic genetic service for the Central South Coast Region, together with national and international referrals, as part of the Central and South Genomic Laboratory Hub
• To perform analysis and report specialised molecular investigations and manage areas of existing service work within the laboratory.
• To liaise with clinicians, oncologists and haematologists responsible for treating patients.
• To continuously develop their clinical, scientific or technical practice within a defined field.
• To support activities such as quality management, including compliance with laboratory accreditation standards, and training

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

Your responsibilities: You will join our diagnostic Cancer 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.

Key components of the role will be: data analysis, interpretation and reporting of genomic information following karyotyping, FISH, and a range of molecular genetic testing, including targeted Next Generation Sequencing panel testing and WGS. You will also be involved in training and education within the section and in liaising with other healthcare professionals to develop and maximise the effectiveness of the service.

What we are looking for: an HCPC registered scientist with considerable diagnostic laboratory experience; excellent communication skills to ensure effective multi-disciplinary team-working and communicate complex information at an appropriate level to service users; understanding of quality control / quality assurance procedures and UKAS requirements.

Person Specification

Qualifications / Training required

• MSc in relevant subject or equivalent level of knowledge
• HCPC Registration as a Clinical Scientist
• Working towards FRCPath
• PhD in subject relevant to clinical speciality

Previous or relevant experience necessary

• Highly skilled and knowledgeable in appropriate subject
• Comprehensive knowledge and experience of clinical (speciality) service and service provision in a range of sub-specialities

Aptitudes and skills required

• To have the knowledge and experience necessary to participate in the provision of a diagnostic clinical service
• To keep abreast of current understanding of general aspects and develop more specialist knowledge in the discipline
• To use this knowledge to work towards professional qualifications (FRCPath), benefiting patient care
• To have laboratory practical skills necessary to trouble-shoot and develop methods and carry out research projects and audits
• To possess basic computer skills e.g. Microsoft? Office
• To be a good communicator (oral and written); explaining complex information clearly to a range of staff groups
• To be able to work both independently and collaboratively with other medical and scientific staff
• To be responsible for training
• Able to maintain judgement under pressure and meet deadlines and contractual arrangements
• Able to maintain several tasks simultaneously
• Organised, decisive and confident
• Motivated and enthusiastic
• Publication record in relevant speciality
• Able to give professional advise to a laboratory section and face the challenge of conflicting priorities

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