Healthcare Scientist Assistant

University Hospital Southampton NHS FT; Salisbury; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading NHS foundation trust in Salisbury is seeking a full-time Healthcare Science Support Worker to join a dynamic genomics team. Responsibilities include specimen reception, logging samples, and assisting with laboratory tasks. Candidates should have GCSEs in core subjects and relevant experience in a laboratory or NHS setting. This role promotes a diverse work environment with numerous development opportunities and is ideal for those keen on making a positive impact in healthcare.

Benefits

Wide range of learning and development opportunities

Supportive and flexible working environment

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Assist with specimen reception and logging samples for testing.
• Support other healthcare science staff with reagent/sample prep.
• Demonstrate Good Laboratory Practice at all times.

Skills

Attention to detail

Patient-centered service provision

Data analysis

Education

GCSE level A to C in Maths, English and Science

ECDL or Equivalent Knowledge of Computers

NVQ Level 2 (Clinical Laboratory Support)

Tools

Hospital IT systems

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.

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).

Working for our organisation

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.

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.

Detailed Job Description And Main Responsibilities

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 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 from Maths, English and Science

Desirable criteria

• ECDL or Equivalent Knowledge of Computers
• Previous knowledge of hospital IT systems
• NVQ Level 2 (Clinical Laboratory Support)

Previous or Relevant Experience

• 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)