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- Tasks: Join the Specimen Reception team and support vital healthcare processes.
- Company: Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, a leader in healthcare innovation.
- Benefits: Gain hands-on experience, develop skills, and contribute to meaningful healthcare projects.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in patient care while learning from experienced professionals.
- Qualifications: Attention to detail and a passion for science are key; training provided.
- Other info: Flexible working hours and opportunities for personal development in a supportive environment.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 43200 £ per year.
The Oxford Genetics Laboratories has a vacancy for a full‑time Healthcare Science Assistant to join the Specimen Reception team based at Churchill Hospital. The successful candidate will demonstrate manual dexterity, good organisational skills, accuracy, consistency and attention to detail.
Healthcare Science Assistants provide technical and administrative support for the department, acting under the supervision of Clinical Scientists or Genetic Technologists, but take personal responsibility to organise their own work on a daily basis.
Key responsibilities:- Receiving samples into the laboratory, entering information into the database and carrying out practical processes such as cell culture and DNA extraction to prepare samples for use by other technical and scientific teams.
- Performing additional duties including general housekeeping, administration tasks, maintaining equipment and arranging for the shipment of samples to other laboratories.
- Operating under defined written protocols with full training provided; all work is undertaken in accordance with laboratory procedures.
- Monitoring health and safety, cleanliness and general laboratory housekeeping tasks; undertaking occasional other duties as requested.
- Processing a wide range of pathological specimens for inherited conditions in accordance with standard operating procedures and using patient databases.
- Communicating technical and confidential information to colleagues within the department in electronic, written and verbal forms.
- Participating in teaching and training of new staff and less experienced employees by demonstrating appropriate standard operating procedures.
- Attending appropriate training seminars, participating in regular section and departmental meetings, and contributing to the development and implementation of departmental policies.
- Assisting in clinical scientists' research and development projects and in the preparation of the department for accreditation.
- Recording appropriate data, validating new reagents and protocols, and maintaining quality control programmes.
- Safely handling and storing chemicals and disposing of hazardous waste in accordance with safety policies.
- Maintaining and monitoring instrumentation, including biological safety cabinets, incubators, fridges and freezers.
- Participating in performance reviews, personal development planning and out‑of‑hours duties where required.
Working hours: The laboratory is open from 8 am to 6 pm, Monday to Friday, with full‑time work rotating between 8‑4 pm, 9‑5 pm and 10‑6 pm.
Application notes: Note that an application cap is in place and the advert may close earlier than stated. Please apply early to avoid disappointment. Any interview dates shown are provisional and subject to change.
Closing date: This advert closes on Sunday 16 Nov 2025.
Healthcare Science Assistant | Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust employer: Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Contact Detail:
Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Healthcare Science Assistant | Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the team! If you can, reach out to current employees at Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. A friendly chat can give us insights into the workplace culture and what they value in a Healthcare Science Assistant.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your skills! Since this role requires manual dexterity and attention to detail, consider doing some hands-on practice with relevant tasks like cell culture or data entry. It’ll help us feel more confident during the interview.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for common interview questions! Think about how you would handle specific scenarios related to specimen reception or teamwork. We want to show that we can communicate technical information clearly and work well under supervision.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we often have tips and resources available there to help us ace the application process.
We think you need these skills to ace Healthcare Science Assistant | Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Skills: Make sure to highlight your manual dexterity and organisational skills in your application. We want to see how you can bring accuracy and attention to detail to the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant experience!
Tailor Your Application: Take a moment to customise your CV and cover letter for this specific role. Mention how your previous experiences align with the responsibilities listed in the job description. We love seeing candidates who take the time to connect their background to what we do!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon unless it’s relevant. We appreciate applications that are easy to read and get straight to the important bits!
Apply Early!: Don’t wait until the last minute to submit your application. With an application cap in place, it’s best to apply early to avoid disappointment. Head over to our website and get your application in as soon as you can!
How to prepare for a job interview at Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the key responsibilities of a Healthcare Science Assistant. Familiarise yourself with processes like cell culture and DNA extraction, as well as the importance of accuracy and attention to detail in your work.
✨Show Off Your Skills
During the interview, highlight your manual dexterity and organisational skills. Be ready to give examples of how you've successfully managed tasks in a busy environment, especially if they relate to laboratory work or technical support.
✨Be a Team Player
Since you'll be working under the supervision of Clinical Scientists or Genetic Technologists, emphasise your ability to communicate effectively and collaborate with others. Share experiences where you've trained or supported colleagues, showcasing your teamwork skills.
✨Safety First!
Demonstrate your understanding of health and safety protocols in a laboratory setting. Be prepared to discuss how you would handle hazardous materials and maintain cleanliness, as this is crucial for the role.
