Healthcare Science Associate

Job overview

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

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Please see the attached Applicant Information Pack (combined Job Description and Person Specification) for key duties and responsibilities.

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 5th April 2026

Interviews are due to be held on 13th April 2026

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 café, 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.