Job Description

The West Midlands Genomics Laboratory in Birmingham is recruiting a number of permanent Healthcare Science Assistant (AfC Band 4) posts, both for current vacancies and pre-emptively for future positions that may become available. We are looking for enthusiastic individuals committed to a career in laboratory diagnostic genomics to join our dynamic team. Healthcare Science Assistant posts are available across our technical teams and provide valuable technical support within a laboratory setting.
We are looking for individuals with appropriate qualifications and experience, with previous practical laboratory experience being desirable. The WMGL has an excellent record as a training laboratory offering training across all levels of the healthcare science career pathway. We are very much committed to continuous development and have active seminar programmes available to all staff. Full competence-based training will be given.
Main duties of the job
The Healthcare Science Assistant (Band 4) provides technical support to Genetic Technologists and Clinical Scientists by performing a range of routine laboratory tasks independently and accurately with minimal supervision. Appointment will be dependent on qualifications and experience. Applicants must be comfortable using a computer, be enthusiastic, flexible and able to work with minimal supervision and as part of a team. An interest in genetics in a clinical laboratory environment is essential, as is working in a laboratory-based role performing genetic laboratory techniques to deliver patient care.
Interview dates: TBC
Informal enquiries welcome, please contact Rachel Dunn on 0121 335 8036 or rachel.dunn1@nhs.net
About us
Birmingham Women's and Children's NHS Foundation Trust is the first of its type in the UK. Our Trust was formed in February 2017 to drive forward our commitment to provide the highest quality, world-class physical and mental health care for our women, children and families. Uniting our hospitals means more seamless care; more investment to make greater advances in our specialist treatment and world-leading neo-natal and fetal work. Importantly, it also gives us a greater voice in shaping the future of family-centred care.
Birmingham Children's Hospital is a UK leading specialist paediatric centre with an international reputation in several areas.
Birmingham Women's Hospital is one of two dedicated women's hospitals in the UK, with the busiest single site maternity unit, delivering more than 8,200 babies a year offering a full range of gynaecological, maternity and neonatal care.
Forward Thinking Birmingham (FTB) Mental Health Services are a unique, innovative community and inpatient mental health partnership. Alongside partners FTB offers care pathways of mental health assessment and treatment for young people aged 0-25 years old.
Our Trust is committed to creating the best place to work. We believe in promoting and enhancing inclusion, diversity and equality and encourage applications from all areas of the community, who meet the criteria for the role, regardless of age, gender identity, disability, race, religion or sexual orientation.
Details
Date posted
22 September 2025
Pay scheme
Agenda for change
Band
Band 4
Salary
27,485 to 30,162 a year Per Annum
Contract
Permanent
Working pattern
Full-time
Reference number
284-25-7472044-DMUT
Job locations
Birmingham Women's Hospital
Mindelsohn Way
Birmingham
B15 2TG
Job description
Job responsibilities
Please refer to the attached job description and person specification to view the full details for this opportunity at Birmingham Womens and Childrens NHS Foundation Trust.
When completing your application, please ensure you have evidenced how you meet the job description and person specification to include transferable experience, qualifications, skills along with professional registration details (if applicable).
Occasionally we receive a large number of applications for our roles and when that happens we sometimes bring the closing date forward, so please apply promptly to avoid disappointment. Job description
Job responsibilities
Please refer to the attached job description and person specification to view the full details for this opportunity at Birmingham Womens and Childrens NHS Foundation Trust.
When completing your application, please ensure you have evidenced how you meet the job description and person specification to include transferable experience, qualifications, skills along with professional registration details (if applicable).
Occasionally we receive a large number of applications for our roles and when that happens we sometimes bring the closing date forward, so please apply promptly to avoid disappointment.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential

• Two or more A levels in Science subjects, including Biology (grade A-C); or equivalent qualifications

Desirable

• BSc in a Biological Science or equivalent experience
• Active participation in CPD

Analytical & Judgement Skills
Essential

• Good attention to detail

Knowledge
Essential

• Understanding of Health Safety
• Previous practical laboratory experience at career framework 3-4 or equivalent
• Understanding of Quality Management System's

Desirable

• Significant laboratory experience
• Basic understanding of the principles of human diagnostic genetic testing
• Experience of genetic laboratory techniques

Professional/Managerial/Specialist Knowledge
Essential

• Good technical skills
• Computer literate (Microsoft Access, Excel, Outlook, Powerpoint & Word)

Desirable

• Supervisory skills
• Training/Coaching skills

Personal Skills/Abilities & Attributes
Essential

• Good communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work within a team but also on own with minimal supervision
• Ability to work under pressure
• Flexible approach to work

Other Requirements
Essential

• Interest in genetics in a clinical environment
• To include late and early cover, bank holiday and weekend working as required,

Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential

• Two or more A levels in Science subjects, including Biology (grade A-C); or equivalent qualifications

Desirable

• BSc in a Biological Science or equivalent experience
• Active participation in CPD

Analytical & Judgement Skills
Essential

• Good attention to detail

Knowledge
Essential

• Understanding of Health Safety
• Previous practical laboratory experience at career framework 3-4 or equivalent
• Understanding of Quality Management System's

Desirable

• Significant laboratory experience
• Basic understanding of the principles of human diagnostic genetic testing
• Experience of genetic laboratory techniques

Professional/Managerial/Specialist Knowledge
Essential

• Good technical skills
• Computer literate (Microsoft Access, Excel, Outlook, Powerpoint & Word)

Desirable

• Supervisory skills
• Training/Coaching skills

Personal Skills/Abilities & Attributes
Essential

• Good communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work within a team but also on own with minimal supervision
• Ability to work under pressure
• Flexible approach to work

Other Requirements
Essential

• Interest in genetics in a clinical environment
• To include late and early cover, bank holiday and weekend working as required,

Skills Required