NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) is one of the largest healthcare systems in the United Kingdom, employing approximately 40,000 staff across a wide range of clinical and non-clinical professions and roles. We deliver acute hospital, primary, community and mental health services to a population of over 1.15 million people, and to a wider population of 2.2 million when regional and national services are included.
The Role
An exciting opportunity has arisen to join
Laboratory Genetics, part of the West of Scotland Centre for Genomic Medicine. Based within the state-of-the-art Laboratory Medicine Building at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, Glasgow, our team delivers specialist genetic testing services that support the diagnosis and management of inherited conditions, cancer and other genetic disorders for patients across Scotland.
As a
Healthcare Science Assistant (Higher Level), you will be a key member of our specimen reception team, ensuring patient samples are accurately received, processed and tracked throughout the testing pathway. This is an excellent opportunity to develop your laboratory skills within a specialist genetics environment while making a real difference to patient care. You will also be part of a highly skilled and supportive team of over 130 scientific and technical staff, contributing to a service that processes more than 35,000 patient samples each year.
Candidates should be aware that sponsorship eligibility for some Health Care Support Worker roles will be affected by changes to UK immigration requirements from January 2027. Given the time required to complete recruitment, pre-employment checks and sponsorship processes,
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde cannot guarantee sponsorship for candidates who may require it to take up this post.
Duration, Location, and Working Pattern:
Permanent Role
Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, Laboratory Genetics, Laboratory Medicine Building
36 Hours per week - Monday to Friday, 9:00am to 5:00pm, with one shorter day.
Key Responsibilities
You will process and prepare patient specimens for genetic testing, ensuring samples are accurately received, handled and tracked throughout the laboratory pathway. The role involves maintaining accurate laboratory and patient records using laboratory information systems, supporting routine laboratory procedures and sample management activities, and ensuring urgent specimens are prioritised appropriately. You will also assist with quality assurance processes, stock control and laboratory housekeeping duties, helping to maintain the high standards required within a UKAS-accredited diagnostic service. Working closely with scientific and technical colleagues, you will contribute to the delivery of high-quality genomic medicine services that support patient care across Scotland.
Knowledge, training, qualifications and/or experience required to do the job:
- Secondary education to Higher level or equivalent relevant experience.
- Previous laboratory experience, preferably within a diagnostic laboratory setting.
- Excellent attention to detail and commitment to quality standards.
- Strong organisational skills with the ability to work effectively as part of a team.
- Confidence using IT systems and maintaining accurate records.
- Professional and conscientious approach to handling sensitive patient information.
- Understanding of good laboratory practice and quality assurance principles.
- Please note that Laboratory Genetics is not an IBMS-approved training laboratory.
What We Offer
We offer a wide range of supportive policies designed to enhance your employee journey, including a comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme, Cycle to Work Scheme, bursary scheme and extensive learning and development opportunities.
As an NHS Scotland employee, you will be entitled to:
- A minimum of 27 days annual leave, increasing with length of service, plus public holidays
- Membership of the NHS Pension Scheme, including life insurance benefits
- Salary Sacrifice Car Benefit Scheme
- Development opportunities including study bursaries, e-learning and classroom-based courses
- Enhanced pay for working public holidays
- NHS discounts on a wide range of goods and services
- Confidential employee support and assistance, including counselling and psychological therapies
Interested?
If you would like to find out more, we would love to hear from you.
For An Informal Discussion, Please Contact
Edwin Yip, Quality Manager, 0141 354 9293, Edwin.Yip2@nhs.scot
Details on how to contact the Recruitment Service and the Recruitment Process:
Information for candidates
This vacancy may close early due to a high volume of applications. We recommend applying as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.
This post may require a satisfactory PVG Scheme record check.
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NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) recognises the importance of
work-life balance and is committed to offering a range of flexible working options where service needs allow. For roles where less than full-time hours can be accommodated, and where the tenure is listed as
“various”, we encourage applications from individuals seeking flexible working arrangements. Flexible working will be included as a topic for discussion during the recruitment process.
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde encourages applications from all sections of the community. We are committed to promoting equality, diversity and inclusion and are proud of the diverse workforce we employ.
By signing the
Armed Forces Covenant, NHSGGC has pledged its commitment to being a Forces Friendly Employer. We welcome applications from across the Armed Forces Community and recognise military skills, experience and qualifications throughout the recruitment and selection process.
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