Healthcare Scientist Assistant

University Hospital Southampton NHS Trust; Salisbury; On-site; GBP 22,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent NHS Trust located in Salisbury is looking for a Healthcare Scientist Assistant to join their genomics team. The role involves receiving and logging samples, supporting laboratory staff with preparations, and ensuring adherence to Good Laboratory Practice. Candidates should have relevant qualifications including GCSEs in Math, English and Science, and previous laboratory experience. This position offers an excellent opportunity to develop your skills in a supportive environment within the NHS.

Qualifications

• GCSE level A to C or equivalent in at least two of Maths, English and Science.
• ECDL or equivalent knowledge of computers.
• Previous knowledge of hospital IT systems is beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Receive and log a range of sample types in the specimen reception hub.
• Support healthcare science staff with reagent or sample prep.
• Demonstrate Good Laboratory Practice throughout.

Skills

Laboratory work experience

Knowledge of hospital IT systems

Good Laboratory Practice

Effective communication

Education

GCSEs A to C in Maths, English, and Science

ECDL or equivalent knowledge of computers

NVQ Level 2 (Clinical Laboratory Support)

Job description

Healthcare Scientist Assistant

The closing date is 16 February 2026.

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

Please see below for a detailed job description of the role.

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 Support Worker 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).

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, recognising 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 include working predominantly in the specimen reception hub receiving and logging a range of sample types for further downstream diagnostic testing. You may be required to support other healthcare science staff with reagent or sample prep as well as housekeeping and stock management. Further to this you will be expected to demonstrate Good Laboratory Practice throughout.

Person Specification

Qualifications / Training Required

• GCSE level A to C or equivalent in at least two of 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

Values and Behaviours

• Patients First
• Always Improving
• Working Together

Physical Requirements Of The Post

• Health and physical abilities sufficient for the post (if necessary with reasonable adjustments with respect to the Equality Act/Disability Discrimination Act)

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