Job overview

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 Cytogenetics Section.
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).
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. 

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 ‘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. 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. 

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.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Your Responsibilities

You will join 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.

•    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 we’re 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
•    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 5.30pm

Person specification

Trust values

Essential criteria

• Patient 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
• Literate and numerate
• Articulate
• 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

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.