Healthcare Science Specialist Practitioner

An exciting opportunity has arisen in the Wessex Genomics Laboratory Service (WGLS) in Salisbury to join our dynamic genomics team. We are looking to appoint a dedicated individual with excellent technical skills to work in the High Throughput Screening Facility as a permanent full-time Healthcare Science Practitioner.
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 roles 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.
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.
Your Responsibilities
You will join our High Throughput Screening Facility (HTSF) technical team who are committed to patient-centered service provision through accurate and timely data analysis, interpretation, and reporting of genomic test results. The HTSF covers a wide range of different tests and technologies. You should have excellent technical skills and be familiar with NGS library preparation and the operation of Hamilton liquid handling systems and Illumina MiSeq and MiniSeq sequencing platforms. Attention to detail is essential to ensure that patient results are delivered in a safe and effective way.
What you’ll do

• You will be responsible, on a rota basis, for one of the molecular technologies operated in the HTSF
• You will liaise with scientific staff to set up worklists for the appropriate patient samples
• You will book samples into the HTSF LIMS system
• You will be responsible for sample triaging and investigation review of a sub-set of samples.
• You will liaise with other healthcare professionals to develop and maximise the effectiveness of the service.
• You will be involved in data analysis and recording quality metrics
• You will contribute to service development and staff training and education within the section.

What we’re looking for

• an individual with a recognised degree in a biological science
• a highly skilled technologist who is familiar with setting up both manual and robotic molecular tests
• an individual with demonstrable experience in a diagnostic genomics laboratory
• an individual with excellent communication skills, meticulous attention to detail and able to remain focused for long periods
• an individual who is able to carefully follow and develop standard operating procedures
• an individual who is able to understand complex processes and trouble-shoot effectively
• 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 human genetics/genomics is also highly desirable.

Additional information
Interview date: To be confirmed