Healthcare Science Assistant Practitioner

Job Overview

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 for the role.

Main duties of the job

The Wessex Genomics Laboratory Service (WGLS) is a new integrated genomics testing service formed from the amalgamation of Wessex Regional Genetics Laboratory - now WGLS (Salisbury), and University Hospital Southampton (UHS) Molecular Pathology - WGLS (Southampton).

The WGLS is part of the Central & South Genomic Laboratory Hub (https://centralsouthgenomics.nhs.uk/). We provide an in-house diagnostic service for cancer and rare disease testing in accordance with the NHS England Genomic Test Directory and are also engaged in the development and ramping up of the NHSE Genomic Medicine Service Whole Genome Sequencing programme for our Wessex patients.

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.

Working for our organisation

As one of the largest acute teaching Trusts in England, we offer learning and development opportunities to help you achieve the career you aspire to.

All non-clinical roles may involve a mixture of on site and remote working, Specific details and flexible working options can be discussed as part of the interview process. UHS employees are able to access a range of NHS discounts, are entitled to a minimum of 35 days paid holiday (pro rata), and we offer a generous pension scheme.

Southampton is an attractive place to live and work situated on the south coast, with an international airport and direct trains to London. The New Forest National Park and beaches of the Jurassic coast are also right on our doorstep. The city offers living costs 20% lower than London and 14 schools rated outstanding by Ofsted.

Due to the nature of this role and service, this role is on-site and the hours are as advertised. Please talk to us at interview about the flexibility you need, and we will explore what’s possible for the role and service.

Detailed Job Description And Main Responsibilities

To process a range of pathological specimens under the supervision of senior technical staff and clinical scientists for screening, diagnostic and monitoring purposes and provide accurate, timely and appropriate analytical data.

• To be capable of working under a reduced level of supervision when necessary.
• To work flexible hours as determined by the needs of the service
• Participate in quality improvement including the evaluation of equipment, techniques and protocols
• Be responsible for maintaining stock levels in the section and for ensuring reagents and consumables are ordered in a timely manner
  
  

The job will be based at Salisbury NHS Foundation Trust SP2 8BJ

• To receive and sort samples and enter patient demographic details as necessary.
• To process samples and perform diagnostic tests on all types of samples received within any area of the lab using automated, semi-automated and manual investigations.
• To plan & prioritise own workload making adjustments to plans according to unforeseen circumstances.
  
  

The laboratory is open 9-5:30 Monday to Friday with some urgent works meaning that flexibility is vital to this role.

Experience in a range of Genomic fields such as Oncology, Cytogenetics or Molecular Genetics would be ideal

Experience at using manual and automated workflows would be an advantage

Person specification

Trust Values

Essential criteria

• Patients First
• Always Improving
• Working Together
  
  

Qualifications / Training Required

Essential criteria

• A level or equivalent in at least two from Maths, English and Science at level A to C
  
  

Desirable criteria

• ECDL or equivalent knowledge of computers
• Previous knowledge of hospital IT systems
• Completion of an internal multidisciplinary laboratory training course
  
  

Previous or relevant experience necessary

Essential criteria

• Previous experience in laboratory work
• Knowledge of genomic processes
  
  

Desirable criteria

• Previous experience in an NHS environment
• Previous experience of performing genomic procedures
• Previous experience in a diagnostic medical laboratory
  
  

Aptitudes And Skills Required

Essential criteria

• Keyboard skills
• Able to follow operating procedures
• Attention to detail
• Manual dexterity
• Good communication skills
• Able to prioritise work and adapt to changing circumstances
• Effective team member