Healthcare Science Practitioner Specialist (Technical) - Laboratory Genetics

NHS Ayrshire & Arran; United States; On-site; USD 56,000 - 73,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employee Assistance Programme

NHS Pension Scheme

Cycle to Work Scheme

Learning and development opportunities

Discounts on NHS services

Job summary

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde is seeking a Healthcare Science Practitioner Specialist (Technical) to join the Laboratory Genetics team. You will work in a state-of-the-art laboratory delivering specialist genetic testing services across Scotland, supporting innovation and the future of genomic medicine.

Based at Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, the role offers opportunities for professional development within a forward-thinking NHS system and a commitment to patient outcomes and staff

Qualifications

• First or Second Class Honours Degree or equivalent in a biological science.
• Significant postgraduate experience within a genetics laboratory environment, preferably in a diagnostic service.
• Experience of specialised genetic diagnostic techniques, laboratory equipment and software applications.
• Strong analytical skills with attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Perform non-routine and complex genetic laboratory investigations using specialised techniques and equipment.
• Process patient specimens and maintain accurate laboratory records using laboratory information management systems.
• Analyse genetic test data using specialised software and prepare reports for authorisation.
• Supervise technical work areas including extraction, sequencing, genotyping and FISH activities.
• Support development, validation and implementation of new laboratory services, equipment and procedures.
• Train, support and supervise technical and scientific staff within the laboratory environment.
• Contribute to quality management processes, audits, accreditation standards and continuous service improvement.

Skills

Genetics lab experience

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Teamwork

Education

First/Second Class Honours in Biological Science

Postgraduate genetics lab experience

Tools

Laboratory software

Job description

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) is one of the largest healthcare systems in the United Kingdom, employing approximately 40,000 staff across a wide range of clinical and non-clinical professions and roles. We deliver acute hospital, primary, community and mental health services to a population of over 1.15 million people, and to a wider population of 2.2 million when regional and national services are included.

The Role

Are you a highly motivated Healthcare Science professional with a passion for delivering high-quality diagnostic services that make a real difference to patients and families? An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Healthcare Science Practitioner Specialist (Technical) to join the Laboratory Genetics team within NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde. Based within a state-of-the-art laboratory environment, you will contribute to the delivery of specialist genetic testing services supporting patients across Scotland and beyond. Working as part of one of the largest genetics services in Scotland, you will play a key role in advancing diagnostic services, supporting innovation, and helping to shape the future of genomic medicine. This post offers excellent opportunities for professional development within a supportive, forward-thinking organisation committed to improving patient outcomes.

All roles will be assessed for sponsorship eligibility in line with current Home Office requirements. NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) can only issue a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) where these are met.

Duration, Location, and Working Pattern

• Full-time, Permanent
• You will be based at Laboratory Medicine, Queen Elizabeth University Hospital
• Working Pattern: Monday - Friday

Key Responsibilities

• Perform non-routine and complex genetic laboratory investigations using specialised techniques and equipment
• Process patient specimens and maintain accurate laboratory records using laboratory information management systems
• Analyse genetic test data using specialised software and prepare reports for authorisation
• Supervise technical work areas including extraction, sequencing, genotyping and FISH activities
• Support the development, validation and implementation of new laboratory services, equipment and procedures
• Train, support and supervise technical and scientific staff within the laboratory environment
• Contribute to quality management processes, audits, accreditation standards and continuous service improvement

Knowledge, training, qualifications and/or experience required to do the job

• First or Second Class Honours Degree or equivalent qualification in a biological science
• Relevant and significant postgraduate experience within a genetics laboratory environment, preferably within a diagnostic service
• Experience of specialised genetic diagnostic techniques, laboratory equipment and associated software applications
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex data accurately and maintain attention to detail
• Knowledge of quality management systems, laboratory governance requirements and good laboratory practice
• Excellent communication and organisational skills with the ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team
• Demonstrable commitment to continuous professional development and maintaining up-to-date scientific knowledge and skills

What We Offer

We offer a wide range of supportive policies designed to enhance your employee journey, including a comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme, Cycle to Work Scheme, bursary scheme and extensive learning and development opportunities. As an NHS Scotland employee, you will be entitled to:

• A minimum of 27 days annual leave, increasing with length of service, plus public holidays
• Membership of the NHS Pension Scheme, including life insurance benefits
• Salary Sacrifice Car Benefit Scheme
• Development opportunities including study bursaries, e-learning and classroom-based courses
• Enhanced pay for working public holidays
• NHS discounts on a wide range of goods and services
• Confidential employee support and assistance, including counselling and psychological therapies

Interested?

For an informal discussion, please contact: Laura Miller, Compliance & Resource Programme Manager, on 0141 354 9299 or [e-mail]

Details on how to contact the Recruitment Service and the Recruitment Process: Information for candidates

AI tools like ChatGPT or Copilot can be great for planning and preparing your application, but your answers must be your own.

• Show us the real you: Your application should reflect your skills, experience, and motivations authentically.
• Use AI wisely: It’s fine to use AI for ideas or to check spelling and grammar, but don’t let it write your answers.
• Why this matters: Applications that rely on AI-generated content may be withdrawn. By applying, you confirm your responses are based on your own knowledge and achievements.

Tip: Think of AI as a helper, not a substitute. We want to understand you, not an AI tool.

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde recognises the importance of work-life balance and is committed to offering a range of flexible working options where service needs allow. For roles where less than full-time hours can be accommodated, and where the tenure is listed as “various”, we encourage applications from individuals seeking flexible working arrangements. Flexible working will be included as a topic for discussion during the recruitment process.

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde encourages applications from all sections of the community. We are committed to promoting equality, diversity and inclusion and are proud of the diverse workforce we employ.

By signing the Armed Forces Covenant, NHSGGC has pledged its commitment to being a Forces Friendly Employer. We welcome applications from across the Armed Forces Community and recognise military skills, experience and qualifications throughout the recruitment and selection process.

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