Join Our WhatsApp Channel

Healthcare Science

Healthcare Science Practitioner – NHS Jobs in Cambridge

An opportunity is available for a Healthcare Science Practitioner to join the Genomics Laboratory technical team at Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. The role involves genomic laboratory techniques, DNA/RNA extraction, PCR, cell culture and maintaining specialised laboratory equipment.

Job Summary

  • Employer: Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
  • Job Title: Healthcare Science Practitioner
  • Salary: £28,392–£31,157 per year, pro rata
  • Band: NHS Band 4
  • Location: Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Hills Road, Cambridge, CB2 0QQ
  • Contract: Permanent
  • Working Pattern: Full-time, part-time or flexible working
  • Reference Number: 180-B-264247
  • Date Posted: 17 October 2026
  • Closing Date: 25 October 2026
  • Interview Date: 9 November 2026

Visa Sponsorship: The advert explicitly welcomes applications from candidates who require Skilled Worker sponsorship. However, sponsorship is not guaranteed, and applicants must meet the applicable immigration and employment requirements.

About the Role

Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is recruiting a Band 4 Healthcare Science Practitioner to join its busy Genomics Laboratory.

The Cambridge Genomic Laboratory is part of the East NHS Genomic Laboratory Hub, one of seven hubs established to deliver the National Genomic Medicine Service for NHS England.

The successful candidate will join the wet laboratory technical team, supporting routine genomic testing and laboratory operations. The Trust is looking for someone with a motivated and flexible attitude and practical experience in relevant laboratory techniques.

Key Responsibilities

The main duties of the Healthcare Science Practitioner include:

  • Performing routine genomic laboratory techniques, including DNA extraction, PCR, cell culture, cell harvesting and fluorescence in situ hybridisation (FISH).
  • Using and maintaining specialised laboratory equipment and robotics.
  • Requisitioning general laboratory consumables.
  • Supporting the technical team and helping train staff.
  • Following laboratory procedures and maintaining appropriate standards of quality, safety and accuracy.

Essential Qualifications

Applicants must have:

  • A foundation degree or diploma in an appropriate scientific subject, or an equivalent qualification.

Desirable qualification:

  • A BSc degree in an appropriate biological science or an equivalent qualification.

Essential Experience

Candidates should have:

  • Experience with commonly used genomic laboratory techniques, including PCR, DNA extraction, cell culture and FISH.
  • Experience working in a routine laboratory environment, such as a diagnostic laboratory.
  • Experience following standard operating procedures.

Desirable experience:

  • Working with an electronic laboratory Quality Management System.

Essential Knowledge and Skills

Applicants should demonstrate:

See also Caseworker

Get daily UK job alerts on WhatsApp!

Discover new UK vacancies, visa sponsorship opportunities and more.

Join Our WhatsApp Channel

  • Knowledge of laboratory health and safety.
  • Understanding of patient confidentiality and ethical issues.
  • A basic understanding of clinical genetic testing procedures.
  • Familiarity with quality control procedures and laboratory accreditation.
  • Good written and verbal communication skills.
  • Strong teamwork and interpersonal skills.
  • Attention to detail and the ability to concentrate for extended periods.
  • Computer literacy and the ability to organise workloads, work under pressure and meet deadlines.

Problem-solving and troubleshooting skills are desirable.

Additional Requirements

The successful candidate should:

  • Demonstrate the Trust’s values of being safe, kind and excellent.
  • Have a genuine interest in healthcare.
  • Be dependable, enthusiastic and flexible.
  • Work professionally with patients, visitors and colleagues.

Salary and Benefits

The salary is £28,392 to £31,157 per year, pro rata, under the NHS Agenda for Change pay scheme.

Benefits offered by Cambridge University Hospitals include:

  • Staff development opportunities.
  • On-site leisure facilities, shopping facilities and day nurseries.
  • Reduced-cost Stagecoach bus travel to and from the hospital site.
  • Free Park and Ride journeys on specified routes.
  • Subsidised staff parking for eligible employees.
  • Reduced-cost hot food available on campus, including 24-hour access.
  • Staff break spaces with free tea and coffee.
  • Flexible working arrangements, which may include part-time hours, job sharing, term-time working and flexible start and finish times.

Visa Sponsorship and Right to Work

The NHS Jobs advert states that applications from candidates requiring current Skilled Worker sponsorship are welcome and will be considered alongside other applications.

However, applicants should note the following:

  • Sponsorship is subject to eligibility and the Trust’s recruitment and immigration requirements.
  • The Trust states that successful candidates must have the right to work for at least six months from the proposed start date because of the 12-week probationary period.
  • The Trust will not offer sponsorship to candidates who have applied for a fee waiver.
  • A full-time permanent contract cannot be offered to Student visa holders unless they meet the stated Graduate visa conditions.

Applicants should confirm their individual circumstances and sponsorship eligibility directly with the recruitment team before applying.

Application and Selection Process

Interested candidates should read the Applicant Information Pack, which contains the full job description and person specification, before submitting an application.

  • Application deadline: Midnight on 25 October 2026.
  • Expected interview date: 9 November 2026.
  • Application method: Apply online through NHS Jobs.

Contact for Enquiries

For questions about the vacancy, contact:

  • Contact person: Joanne Harley, Genetic Technologist
  • Email: joanne.harley@nhs.net

About Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust comprises Addenbrooke’s Hospital and the Rosie Hospital in Cambridge. The Trust employs more than 13,000 staff and provides local healthcare alongside specialist services for regional, national and international patients.

The organisation promotes an inclusive working environment where staff are supported to develop their potential and contribute to high-quality patient care.

Original Source: NHS Jobs – Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.

 

MORE OPPORTUNITIES

Find Your Next UK Job

Explore more vacancies, check salaries and find your next opportunity.

Scroll to Top