Job summary
Cambridge Genomics Laboratory is recruiting Healthcare Science Associates, Band 3, to join our sample receipt and laboratory teams,
We are looking for individuals with an enthusiastic and flexible attitude who have a desire to make a difference working in a diagnostic Genomics laboratory. This role will include sample receipt and general laboratory duties.
This role can be adapted to align with the Level 6 apprenticeship pathway, where alongside your full time position, a BSc in Biomedical Science (IBMS accredited), can be obtained over a 4 year period. We encourage candidates who are considering a career in Biomedical or Healthcare Science, but do not have an accredited Biomedical Science qualification, to apply for this position and enquire to applying for this route ***Please note this is subject to certain acceptance criteria**** Please also note applicants whom already have degree level qualifications may still apply for this post *****
The Laboratory is part of the East Genomic Laboratory Hub (EGLH). This is one of seven Genomic Hubs established to provide the National Genomic Medicine Service for NHS England, led by Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, and working with Nottingham University Hospital and University Hospital Leicester.
Main duties of the job
Specimen Reception Team main duties:
- Receipt, logging and banking of samples
- General Laboratory duties as required
Laboratory Team duties (when competent and on the rota):
- DNA extraction using manual and automated methods
- Quantifying and normalising DNA samples
- Perform routine genetic diagnostic tests such as PCR and cell culture.
- Preparation of solutions and reagents
About us
Our Trust
Cambridge University Hospitals (CUH) NHS Foundation Trust comprises Addenbrooke's Hospital and the Rosie Hospital in Cambridge. With over 13,000 staff and over 1100 beds the priorities of the Trust focus on a quality service which is all about people - patients, staff and partners. Recognised as providing 'outstanding' care to our patients and rated 'Good' overall by the Care Quality Commissioner, is testament to the skill and dedication of the people who work here. CUH's values - Together - Safe, Kind, Excellent - are at the heart of patient care, defining the way all staff work and behave. The Trust provides accessible high-quality healthcare for the local people of Cambridge, together with specialist services, dealing with rare or complex conditions for a regional, national and international population.
CUH is committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive community - a place where we can all be ourselves. We value our differences and fully advocate and support an inclusive working environment where every individual can fulfil their potential. We want to ensure our people are truly representative of all the communities that we serve. We welcome applications for all positions in the organisation irrespective of people's age, disability, ethnicity, race, nationality, gender identity, sex, sexual orientation, religion or belief, marriage and civil partnership status, or pregnancy and maternity status or social economic background.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Please see the attached Applicant Information Pack (combined Job Description and Person Specification) for key duties and responsibilities.
For NHS Cambridgeshire and Peterborough based roles, all applicants from NHS Cambridgeshire and Peterborough who have identified that they are at risk of redundancy will be prioritised over those not at risk. However, interviews cannot be guaranteed.
Due to Home Office immigration rules, a full time permanent vacancy cannot be filled by individuals on a Student visa. Therefore, please be advised that if you are a Student visa holder, we will not be able to offer you a full time permanent contract unless you have:- applied for a Graduate visa- or you will have successfully completed your course and have applied for a Graduate visa before the anticipated start date of your employment- or the Trust has agreed that they will Sponsor you as a Skilled Worker and you will complete your studies within 3 months of the anticipated start date of employment.
Please be aware that the salary threshold required for a certificate of sponsorship to be granted is above the starting point of the Agenda for Change band for this role. Therefore those that are new to the NHS may not reach the minimum salary threshold required to obtain a certificate of sponsorship.
This vacancy will close at midnight on 4th September 2025
Interviews are due to be held week commencing 22nd September 2025
Benefits to you
At Cambridge University Hospitals, we want to do all we can to support good working days. We offer development opportunities and a wide range of benefits, including on-site leisure facilities, shopping concourse and day nurseries. Our good work programme currently includes providing reduced cost Stagecoach bus travel to and from Cambridge University Hospital site. Park and Ride bus journeys between Babraham Road and Trumpington sites are free, as is the route to and from Cambridge train station and our hospitals. We also subsidise the cost of parking on site for eligible staff.
On CUH campus, hot food is available 24/7 and at a reduced cost for colleagues. Recently we launched the first of our staff pod break spaces. Located in the Deakin Centre, we have a purpose-created colleague-only caf, with free tea and coffee, a break space and private outside area for colleagues to rest, refuel and recharge. Just one of the ways we are working hard to support good working days at CUH.
CUH is committed to assisting employees in achieving a good work-life balance irrespective of role or personal circumstances. Flexible arrangements may include, but are not limited to, part-time working, job-share, term-time working and flexible start and finish times.
Please note if you would like to discuss the required hours of this role further, you should approach the contact given. In some cases, alternative working hours will be considered.
We welcome applications from the Armed Forces.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Please see the attached Applicant Information Pack (combined Job Description and Person Specification) for key duties and responsibilities.
For NHS Cambridgeshire and Peterborough based roles, all applicants from NHS Cambridgeshire and Peterborough who have identified that they are at risk of redundancy will be prioritised over those not at risk. However, interviews cannot be guaranteed.
Due to Home Office immigration rules, a full time permanent vacancy cannot be filled by individuals on a Student visa. Therefore, please be advised that if you are a Student visa holder, we will not be able to offer you a full time permanent contract unless you have:- applied for a Graduate visa- or you will have successfully completed your course and have applied for a Graduate visa before the anticipated start date of your employment- or the Trust has agreed that they will Sponsor you as a Skilled Worker and you will complete your studies within 3 months of the anticipated start date of employment.
Please be aware that the salary threshold required for a certificate of sponsorship to be granted is above the starting point of the Agenda for Change band for this role. Therefore those that are new to the NHS may not reach the minimum salary threshold required to obtain a certificate of sponsorship.
This vacancy will close at midnight on 4th September 2025
Interviews are due to be held week commencing 22nd September 2025
Benefits to you
At Cambridge University Hospitals, we want to do all we can to support good working days. We offer development opportunities and a wide range of benefits, including on-site leisure facilities, shopping concourse and day nurseries. Our good work programme currently includes providing reduced cost Stagecoach bus travel to and from Cambridge University Hospital site. Park and Ride bus journeys between Babraham Road and Trumpington sites are free, as is the route to and from Cambridge train station and our hospitals. We also subsidise the cost of parking on site for eligible staff.
On CUH campus, hot food is available 24/7 and at a reduced cost for colleagues. Recently we launched the first of our staff pod break spaces. Located in the Deakin Centre, we have a purpose-created colleague-only caf, with free tea and coffee, a break space and private outside area for colleagues to rest, refuel and recharge. Just one of the ways we are working hard to support good working days at CUH.
CUH is committed to assisting employees in achieving a good work-life balance irrespective of role or personal circumstances. Flexible arrangements may include, but are not limited to, part-time working, job-share, term-time working and flexible start and finish times.
Please note if you would like to discuss the required hours of this role further, you should approach the contact given. In some cases, alternative working hours will be considered.
We welcome applications from the Armed Forces.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- A Levels/NVQ L3 or equivalent qualifications in biological or healthcare sciences
Experience
Essential
- Practical biological laboratory work
Desirable
- Working in a diagnostic laboratory environment
Knowledge
Essential
- Understanding of health and safety
- Understanding of patient confidentiality
Desirable
- Knowledge of commonly used genomic testing methods
Skills
Essential
- Following protocols and procedures
- Good communication, both verbally and written
- Good teamwork and interpersonal skills
- Able to concentrate for prolonged periods
- Computer literate
- Ability to work in an organised manner and to high standards
- Attention to detail
Additional Requirements
Essential
- The ability to understand and behave at all times, towards patients, visitors and colleagues according to the Trust values of safe, kind, excellent.
- Genuine enthusiasm in working in health care
- Prepared to be flexible in relation to working hours
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- A Levels/NVQ L3 or equivalent qualifications in biological or healthcare sciences
Experience
Essential
- Practical biological laboratory work
Desirable
- Working in a diagnostic laboratory environment
Knowledge
Essential
- Understanding of health and safety
- Understanding of patient confidentiality
Desirable
- Knowledge of commonly used genomic testing methods
Skills
Essential
- Following protocols and procedures
- Good communication, both verbally and written
- Good teamwork and interpersonal skills
- Able to concentrate for prolonged periods
- Computer literate
- Ability to work in an organised manner and to high standards
- Attention to detail
Additional Requirements
Essential
- The ability to understand and behave at all times, towards patients, visitors and colleagues according to the Trust values of safe, kind, excellent.
- Genuine enthusiasm in working in health care
- Prepared to be flexible in relation to working hours
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.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
Additional information
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.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).