Healthcare Science Assistant

NHS; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job description

Birmingham Women's and Children's NHS Foundation Trust

The West Midlands Genomics Laboratory in Birmingham is recruiting a number of permanent Healthcare Science Assistant (AFC Band 3) 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 hubs 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 WMRGL 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 3) 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.

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.

Job responsibilities

Please refer to the attached job description and person specification to view the full details for this opportunity at Birmingham Women's and Children's NHS Foundation Trust.

Person Specification

Qualifications

• 5 GCSEs (including Biology, English and Maths grades 4-9 or equivalent)
• 2 A Levels in Science, including Biology, or experience equivalent to Vocational Qualification Level 3

Knowledge

• Understanding of Health Safety and Quality
• Weighing, measuring, dispensing and labelling
• Previous laboratory experience and/or previous experience of supervising a small team

Personal Skills & Attributes

• Good team working, communication and interpersonal skills
• Use of computers and IT systems
• Interest in genetics in a clinical environment
• Flexible approach to work
• Ability to work under pressure
• Supervisory skills

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Employer name

Birmingham Women's and Children's NHS Foundation Trust