About this role
Job summary
Building on the NHS contribution to the 100,000 Genomes Project, the introduction of a national genomic medicine service has created 7 Genomic Laboratory Hubs (GLHs). The North West GLH will be hosted by Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust.
The North-West GLH is now seeking ambitious individuals to fulfil the role of a Scientific support officer within the cancer team.This is an excellent opportunity for anyone wishing to work in an advanced laboratory environment and be part of a team delivering specialist diagnostic services. This position would be based at St Mary's Hospital, Manchester.
The NW GLH operates a 6 day delivery model and therefore new applicants should be aware that any future postholder will be required to work a pattern to support this; which could include occasional Saturday and Bank Holiday working.
Main duties of the job
You will have a good degree in a biological discipline ideally with a significant component in human genetics. Good computer skills are essential and previous experience using bioinformatics or genetic analysis software packages would be advantageous. Previous experience of lab work in a diagnostic genetics laboratory is desirable. You should have good communication skills, be able to work well in a team, remain calm under pressure, and be able to prioritise workload. The work requires attention to detail and good organisational / multi-tasking skills. Some essential tasks are repetitive and require specific unbroken work periods. You`ll need good levels of both concentration and manual dexterity.
You`ll be appraised on a yearly basis with a view to developing further knowledge and skills where appropriate. The post will involve working within a technical team carrying out laboratory processes as well as some administrative work. A flexible attitude is essential as is the ability to work to tight deadlines. You should be willing to be part of a flexible working rota.
About us
Join Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT) and become part of a 30,000 plus strong team, delivering exceptional care to over 1 million people every year. As the largest provider of specialist services, and our Oxford Road Campus in Manchester, the largest health academic campus in Europe, we are forward-thinking, committed to clinical excellence and driven to deliver innovation, and continuous improvement.Whether you're beginning your career or taking the next step, MFT offers a stimulating and supportive environment where your contribution truly matters. Our Hive Electronic Patient Record system enables safer, smarter, and more efficient ways of working - empowering you to deliver the best possible outcomes for our patients.You'll be part of a collaborative, multi-disciplinary community, working alongside professionals from a wide range of clinical backgrounds. Together, we push boundaries, share knowledge, and deliver care that transforms lives.At MFT, you'll find a workplace where everyone is respected, supported, and encouraged to thrive. We offer clear clinical pathways for professional development, helping you grow your skills and achieve your ambitions.Your journey at MFT is more than a job - it's an opportunity to make a lasting impact. We'll support you as you shape the future of healthcare, one patient at a time.
Job description Job responsibilities
To find out more about the key responsibilities and the specific skills and experience youll need for this role, take a look at the Job Description & Person Specification attachments under the Documents to download heading.
Explore Inside MFT Your Candidate Place
To help you feel confident, prepared and fully informed before you apply, we invite you to explore Inside MFT Your Candidate Place. This welcoming onestop hub gives you a real sense of who we are, what we stand for, how we reward and support you, and the many ways we care for you as you care for others. Youll also find practical hints and tips for submitting a great application, along with the essential information you need to know before you apply.
To access Inside MFT Your Candidate Place, simply click on the relevant PDF document under the Documents to download heading and once opened, you can either scan QR code or click on the link provided.
Closing vacancy listings early
We welcome applications from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences.To help us manage applications fairly and give each one the time it deserves, our adverts may close early if we receive a high level of interest. Early applications are therefore encouraged.
Diversity MattersMFT is committed to promoting equality of opportunity, celebrating and valuing diversity and eliminating any form of unlawful discrimination across our workforce, ensuring our people are truly representative of the communities we serve. All individuals regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation are encouraged to apply for this post. As an inclusive employer, we are here to support you. If you have any special requirements to help you with your application, please contact the manager named below.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in your application
Here at Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, were proud to be ALL HERE FOR YOU, for our patients, our communities, and each other.As part of our commitment to fairness, transparency, and personal integrity, we ask all applicants to ensure that their job applications reflect their own experiences, skills, and motivations. While AI tools can support spelling, grammar, or formatting, we expect that the content of your application, especially personal statements and responses to role specific questions is written by you. This helps us get to know the real you and ensures that our recruitment process remains equitable and meaningful for everyone.
Thank you for helping us uphold the values that make our Trust a place where people belong, grow, and thrive. We look forward to receiving your application.
Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check
As part of our commitment to safeguarding patients and staff, many roles at Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT) require a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. This is a standard process across the NHS and helps us ensure a safe environment for everyone.
What is a DBS Check?
A DBS check is a background check that reveals any criminal convictions, cautions, reprimands, or warnings. The level of check required depends on the role:
Standard DBS: Checks for spent and unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands, and final warnings.
Enhanced DBS: Includes the above, plus any additional information held by local police thats considered relevant to the role.
Enhanced with Barred Lists: Includes all of the above, plus checks against the childrens and/or adults barred lists.
Who Needs a DBS Check
Most roles involving direct patient contact, working with children or vulnerable adults, or access to sensitive information will require a DBS check. The job advert and recruitment team will let you know if this applies to your role.
The Costs for a DBS
At Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT), roles that require a DBS check are subject to a cost recovery policy. This means that the cost of submitting and processing a DBS application if you are successful and join us, will be deducted from your salary within the first three months of employment. If, however, you withdraw from a conditional offer after the DBS process has begun, you will still be liable for the cost incurred.
For more information about the cost of the various types of DBS, please visit: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/dbs-fees-are-changing-in-december
DBS Update Service
Candidates are also expected to register with the DBS Update Service which must be completed within 30 days of the certificate being issued. This helps streamline future employment checks and supports safer recruitment practices. For more information, please visit the DBS Update Service.
Person Specification
Qualifications & Registration Essential
Educated to degree level or equivalent knowledge gained through relevant experience
Desirable
Registration with relevant professional body
Experience Essential
Dealing with difficult situations. Prioritising, planning and organising own and others' tasks Proven record of using own initiative and working autonomously, within competency.
Desirable
Use of Epic electronic medical record system Work experience in a scientific laboratory or department (NHS, academia, industry). Working with patient samples.
Skills Essential
Ability to process scientific information Ability to manage/work as part of a team Excellent communication skills including telephone, email, face to face. Ability to use own initiative and work autonomously, within competency Willing to take on/learn new skills Ability to show attention to detail and accuracy Ability to adapt to change. Ability to work under pressure
Desirable
Experience of NWGLH I.T. systems. Experience of Q-pulse. Experience of customer service
Knowledge Essential
Understanding of scientific and clinical terms Knowledge of confidentiality and data protection processes and procedures. Good working knowledge of office procedures and Microsoft office packages including Access
Desirable
Knowledge of genetic tests Basic human genomics knowledge Knowledge of ISO 15189:2012 standards.
Employer details Employer name Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust
Address Genomic Labs - St. Mary's Hospital, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust
Oxford Road
Manchester
M13 9WL
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://mft.nhs.uk/careers/ (Opens in a new tab)