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NHS Scotland
NHS Scotland

Healthcare Scientist Assistant Practitioner - Laboratories B4

Glasgow On-site 0-2 yrs exp Hospitals and Health Care 7,286 employees
Sponsorship verifiedBiomedical ScienceLaboratory ProceduresSample HandlingQuality ControlCommunication Skills

Requirements

Candidates should have an HND in Biomedical Science or equivalent qualification, along with an understanding of laboratory procedures and experience in a healthcare environment. Strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively in a team are also required.

Job Description

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

THIS POST IS OPEN TO CURRENT NHS GREATER GLASGOW & CLYDE STAFF ONLY.

Join NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde as a Healthcare Scientist Assistant Practitioner within our Biochemistry service and become part of one of the largest and most advanced laboratory networks in the UK. Based within the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, you will contribute to a high-performing team delivering essential diagnostic services that directly support patient care across acute, community and specialist settings. This is an exciting opportunity to develop your scientific skills in a fast-paced, modern laboratory environment, with access to ongoing training and development. You will play a vital role in ensuring accurate and timely laboratory testing, helping clinicians make critical decisions every day. NHSGGC is committed to supporting your professional growth, offering a collaborative culture where you can thrive and make a meaningful difference. The Biochemistry Department is one of the largest, busiest and most diverse in the UK. The department is well equipped with modern pre-analytical and IT systems.

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) may be able to provide visa sponsorship for certain roles, subject to the post meeting the relevant eligibility criteria. Sponsorship is not guaranteed and will be determined on a case-by-case basis following interview and during the pre-employment verification process. Applicants must state their current right to work in their application.

Please See Below For More Details

and

Duration, Location, and Working Pattern:

  • Queen Elizabeth University Hospital
  • Monday to Friday, backshift and dayshifts

Key Responsibilities

  • Perform a range of technical and scientific laboratory tests including sample preparation and processing
  • Operate, maintain and troubleshoot complex laboratory equipment following established protocols
  • Prioritise and process urgent samples ensuring timely and accurate delivery of results
  • Support Biomedical Scientists by providing technical and analytical assistance across the department
  • Maintain accurate laboratory records including data entry, result retrieval and documentation
  • Supervise and support Healthcare Science support staff including training and task allocation
  • Ensure compliance with health and safety, quality management and data protection policies at all times

Knowledge, training, qualifications and/or experience required to do the job:

  • HND in Biomedical Science or equivalent qualification or SVQ Level 3 HNC with relevant laboratory experience and willingness to work towards HND
  • Understanding of laboratory procedures including sample handling testing and quality control processes
  • Experience working in a healthcare or laboratory environment is desirable
  • Strong communication skills with the ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary team
  • Knowledge of health and safety procedures standard operating procedures and quality standards
  • Good IT skills with experience using laboratory information systems and data entry
  • Ability to work independently manage workload and recognise when to escalate issues appropriately

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

Laboratory Sector Manager & POCT Lead, Louise Boughen, louise.boughen@nhs.scot , 0141 354 9025

Details on how to contact the Recruitment Service and the Recruitment Process:

This post may close early due to the volume of response. Please submit your application form as soon as possible.

AI tools like ChatGPT or Copilot can be great for planning and preparing your application, but your answers must be your own.

  • Show us the real you: Your application should reflect your skills, experience, and motivations authentically.
  • Use AI wisely: It’s fine to use AI for ideas or to check spelling and grammar, but don’t let it write your answers.
  • Why this matters: Applications that rely on AI-generated content may be withdrawn. By applying, you confirm your responses are based on your own knowledge and achievements.

Tip: Think of AI as a helper, not a substitute. We want to understand you, not an AI tool.

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.

For application portal or log-in issues, please contact the in the first instance.

Education

["associate degree", "professional certificate"]

Skills

Biomedical ScienceLaboratory ProceduresSample HandlingQuality ControlCommunication SkillsMultidisciplinary TeamworkHealth and Safety ProceduresStandard Operating ProceduresIT SkillsLaboratory Information SystemsData EntryWorkload ManagementProblem Escalation