Job overview

The Wessex Genomics Laboratory Service (WGLS) has a number of new opportunities to join our cancer genomics team. For this role we are looking to appoint an ambitious individual to a permanent post as a Specialist Healthcare Science Practitioner working in a specialist area of our laboratory. We are recruiting across a number of roles and we encourage candidates to apply to multiple roles as desired.

The WGLS is a new integrated genomics testing service formed from the amalgamation of Wessex Regional Genetics Laboratory (Salisbury) and UHS Molecular Pathology which is based at University Hospital Southampton. The combined WGLS is part of the Central and South Genomic Laboratory Hub. Employment will be with University Hospital Southampton and based at WGLS Salisbury, based within Salisbury District Hospital. 

Main duties of the job

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. UHS is rated ‘Good’ by the CQC and in the latest national NHS Staff Survey, we were in the top 10 acute trusts for staff engagement and for staff recommending the hospital as a place to work or receive care. 

Specific to this role we are open to discussing flexibility in the hours that you work. Please talk to us at interview about the flexibility you need, and we will explore what’s possible for the role and service. 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.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Your Responsibilities

You will join our laboratory team who are committed to patient-centred service provision through accurate and timely sample processing, 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 you’ll do
•    You will be responsible for sample processing and testing under the supervision of registered Clinical Scientists
•    You will supervise an area of the laboratory, and be responsible for its day to day running
•    You will be involved in the development and validation of new assays 
•    You will assist with the analysis of genomic data under the guidance of registered Clinical Scientists 
•    You will contribute to service development and staff training and education within the section
•    You will be involved in the monitoring of different sample workflows 
•    You will liaise with other healthcare professionals to develop and maximise the effectiveness of the service including compliance with quality management requirements

What we’re looking for
•    an individual with a recognised degree in a related biological science
•    an individual with experience in a diagnostic laboratory; preferably in genomic diagnostics including experience in cell culture, DNA/RNA extraction and various cytogenetic/molecular techniques
•    an individual with excellent verbal and written communication skills, meticulous attention to detail and able to remain focused for long periods of time
•    an individual who is able to carefully follow and develop standard operating procedures 
•    an individual able to show evidence of continuing professional development 
•    an individual able to demonstrate an understanding of quality control / quality assurance procedures and UKAS requirements
•    an individual with knowledge of genetics/genomics (in particular molecular genetics techniques) is highly desirable

Person specification

Qualifications / Training

Essential criteria

• BSc in a relevant discipline
• Postgraduate diploma or extensive relevant laboratory experience demonstrating equivalent level of knowledge
• Participation in continuing professional development

Desirable criteria

• Membership of a relevant professional body

Previous or relevant experience

Essential criteria

• Previous extensive experience working within a diagnostic medical lab
• Significant experience in performing genomic techniques
• Proven experience of troubleshooting technical procedures and/or complex laboratory equipment
• Proven ability to work autonomously

Desirable criteria

• Experience of managing teams
• Previous experience in an NHS environment

Aptitudes and skills

Essential criteria

• Able to organise own workload and that of others
• Ability to concentrate for long periods of time at technically demanding procedures
• Ability to critically analyse and interpret scientific data
• Ability to compile clear and concise laboratory reports including those of a complex nature

Special requirements

Essential criteria

• Able to handle a range of biological samples

Values and behaviours

Essential criteria

• Patients First
• Always Improving
• Working Together

Please be advised that this vacancy may close earlier than stated if large numbers of applications are received.

Due to the volume of applications we receive, we are unable to acknowledge receipt of your application. If you have not heard from us within four weeks of the closing date of this post, please presume that you have not been selected for interview.

Applicants from University Hospitals Southampton NHS Foundation Trust whose posts are considered to be ‘At Risk’ will be given prior consideration for this post

Our Trust runs the return to practice course each year for nurses who have been out of the profession and wish to return. To find out more please visit our website:

http://www.uhs.nhs.uk/WorkingHere/Typesofjob/Nurses/Returntonursing.aspx

http://www.discoversouthampton.co.uk/   Information on Southampton as a place to live and enjoy

https://www.uhs-vle.co.uk/   See what fantastic training and development we have on offer at UHS

http://www.youtube.com/user/SouthamptonHospitals learn about the Trust through visiting our YouTube channel 

Getting to Work

Application can be made for parking on site at UHS or through one of the park and ride schemes. This will be based on specific criteria to determine eligibility for site parking as this can be very limited.  UHS encourages staff to utilise other green methods of getting to work such as cycling or walking where possible. UHS is well connected through bus services to the city centre and other areas.

Please note that we will not accept any applications or queries via agencies, under any circumstances.

Our staff are positive about working at UHS and rate us above average compared to other NHS Trusts in the Staff Attitude Survey. We are rated strongly on a number of areas including teamwork, communication and engagement.

Equality remains at the centre of all Trust policy making, service delivery and employment practice with all employees being given equality of opportunity to develop, apply for promotion and have working arrangements that enable them to achieve a manageable work-life balance.

The Trust actively promotes a work environment free from harassment and discrimination and provides training for managers and staff to ensure this happens. The Trust also closely monitors recruitment activity, training and development and employment practices to ensure equality of practice with regard to race, colour, ethnic or national origin, religion or belief, gender, sexual orientation, disability, marital status and age.

As a service provider the Trust ensures equality of access and delivery of our services through the provision of interpreter services, facilities for the disabled and sensitivity for patients ethnic and religious differences and needs.

Relocating to Southampton

If you are thinking of moving to the Hampshire area, please find below a link to our website which offers guidance on finding accommodation:

http://www.uhs.nhs.uk/relocating-to-southampton

The Trust is under a duty to protect the public funds it administers, and to this end may use the information you have provided on this form for the prevention and detection of fraud. It may also share this information with other bodies responsible for auditing or administering public funds for these purposes.