Job Description

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 Associate Practitioner to join our dynamic genomics team within the Tissue Culture Hub.
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).
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 ' and Main Responsibilities' section below. To understand the day-to-day responsibilities in more detail please read the full job description document attached.
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, recognizing 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.
Details
Date posted
23 October 2025
Pay scheme
Agenda for change
Band
Band 5
Salary
31,049 to 37,796 a year Per Annum (PA) Pro Rata
Contract
Fixed term
Duration
12 months
Working pattern
Full-time, Part-time
Reference number
188-CLN171025
Job locations
Salisbury NHS Trust
Odstock Road
Southampton
SP2 8BJ
Job description
Job responsibilities
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 whats possible for the role and service.
Your Responsibilities
You will join our Tissue Culture Hub as part of 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.
What youll do

• To take on the Lead Technologist role within the Culture Hub on a rota basis to guide the day to day remit of the Culture Hub
• To process samples and data on 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 for testing in-house and by external laboratories
• Plan your workload based on sample priority and respond to changing requirements
• 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

What were looking for

• Someone with A level or equivalent in at least two from Maths, English and Science at level A to C
• Someone with previous laboratory experience and a knowledge of genomic processes - preferably with some experience in tissue culture techniques
• Someone with good attention to detail
• Someone able to follow standard operating procedures
• Someone able to demonstrate strong team working skills
• Someone able to work Monday Friday 9.00am to 5.3

Please be aware - THIS ROLE IS BASED AT SALISBURY DISTRICT HOSPITAL Job description
Job responsibilities
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 whats possible for the role and service.
Your Responsibilities
You will join our Tissue Culture Hub as part of 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.
What youll do

• To take on the Lead Technologist role within the Culture Hub on a rota basis to guide the day to day remit of the Culture Hub
• To process samples and data on 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 for testing in-house and by external laboratories
• Plan your workload based on sample priority and respond to changing requirements
• 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

What were looking for

• Someone with A level or equivalent in at least two from Maths, English and Science at level A to C
• Someone with previous laboratory experience and a knowledge of genomic processes - preferably with some experience in tissue culture techniques
• Someone with good attention to detail
• Someone able to follow standard operating procedures
• Someone able to demonstrate strong team working skills
• Someone able to work Monday Friday 9.00am to 5.3

Please be aware - THIS ROLE IS BASED AT SALISBURY DISTRICT HOSPITAL
Person Specification
Trust Values
Essential

• Patient First
• Always Improving
• Working Together

Qualifications / training required
Essential

• Professional health qualification - registered nurse, children's nurse, Health Visitor or midwife with a degree in nursing OR:- Science/biology/genetics graduate
• Evidence of commitment to continued professional development

Desirable

• Knowledge of NHS plans for mainstreaming of genomics, and/or other demonstrable interest in genetics

Previous or relevant experience necessary
Essential

• Experience within a clinical or research environment

Desirable

• Experience of explaining clinical/scientific information to patients or in other settings
• Experience of teaching and/or mentorship
• Experience within a cancer setting or demonstratable knowledge of cancer

Aptitudes and skills required
Essential

• Ability to work independently within scope of practice
• Scientifically literate
• Strong documentation skills and management confidential patient information
• An understanding of the principals of GCP and informed consent as they apply to clinical research
• Ability to prioritise and deliver agreed objectives

Person Specification
Trust Values
Essential

• Patient First
• Always Improving
• Working Together

Qualifications / training required
Essential

• Professional health qualification - registered nurse, children's nurse, Health Visitor or midwife with a degree in nursing OR:- Science/biology/genetics graduate
• Evidence of commitment to continued professional development

Desirable

• Knowledge of NHS plans for mainstreaming of genomics, and/or other demonstrable interest in genetics

Previous or relevant experience necessary
Essential

• Experience within a clinical or research environment

Desirable

• Experience of explaining clinical/scientific information to patients or in other settings
• Experience of teaching and/or mentorship
• Experience within a cancer setting or demonstratable knowledge of cancer

Aptitudes and skills required
Essential

• Ability to work independently within scope of practice
• Scientifically literate
• Strong documentation skills and management confidential patient information
• An understanding of the principals of GCP and informed consent as they apply to clinical research
• Ability to prioritise and deliver agreed objectives

Skills Required