Important Job Application Information
Thank you for your interest in NHS Tayside vacancies.
Please see below Job Description/Specification and General Conditions of Service.
Your Application Form must be completed in full. Please note copies of Curriculum Vitae,
Qualifications and Course Certificates will not be accepted at this stage.
Please return your completed Application Form to recruitment.tayside@nhs.net (quoting the
Post Reference Number in the subject box) or to the postal address given on the General
Conditions of Service.
All completed applications are held in Human Resources until the closing date. After the
closing date a panel will meet to prepare an interview shortlist. Once this decision has been
made, all shortlisted applicants will be emailed to invite them to attend for interview. It is
important that you check your emails regularly, including your spam/junk box.
This process takes approximately six weeks. Therefore, if you have not been contacted
regarding interview within six weeks of the closing date, your application has been
unsuccessful and you will receive no further correspondence from Human Resources.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:Find out more about living and working in Tayside at:
www.dundeecity.gov.uk
www.angus.gov.uk
www.pkc.gov.uk
NHS TAYSIDE - AGENDA FOR CHANGE
JOB DESCRIPTION
1. JOB IDENTIFICATION
Job Title
Department(s)/Location
Number of Job Holders
Advanced Healthcare Science Assistant
(Band 3 Indicative)
Genetics, Level 6, Ninewells
2
2. JOB PURPOSE
The Advanced Healthcare Science Assistant works with Healthcare Science Associates to provide
technical support to the Healthcare Science Practitioners and Clinical Scientists in the Genetic
Laboratory Service. The post holder is primarily responsible for the processing of patient samples
received by the laboratory and maintaining all associated electronic and written records using the
laboratory information management systems (LIMS). In addition, the post holder will be responsible
for carrying out a defined set of protocol driven laboratory procedures to prepare specimens for
genetic testing as well as monitoring and maintaining stocks of laboratory reagents and consumables.
The post holder is expected to work independently with some supervision within defined areas of the
Service. The post holder will assist in the maintenance and monitoring of diagnostic equipment as
required by UKAS (United Kingdom Accreditation Service); and additionally ensure the laboratory
environment is kept safe and tidy in accordance with legislation and local policies.
3. ORGANISATIONAL POSITION
See Organisational summary of the East of Scotland Regional Genetic Laboratory below
Laboratory Director
Consultant Clinical
Scientists
Laboratory Manager
Senior Clinical Scientists
Quality Manager
Clinical Scientists
LIMS Manager
HCS Practitioners
HCS Assistants
HCS Associates
4. SCOPE AND RANGE






Provides technical support to the diagnostic Genetic service
Receipt and preparation of a wide range of patient samples for analysis using a variety of
manual and automated procedures eg DNA and RNA extraction, cell culture using aseptic
techniques, harvesting cell cultures.
Preparation of samples for transit to other laboratories.
Monitoring and maintaining laboratory reagents and consumables.
Major role in laboratory housekeeping
In addition the post holder will assist the Practitioners in their duties as required.
5. MAIN DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES
The post holder will provide technical and clerical support within the Laboratory Genetic Service.
This involves specimen reception and sample processing, dispatch of samples to other
laboratories, maintaining adequate stocks of laboratory consumables and reagents and
participating in quality control activities under the direction of the Laboratory Manager and Senior
Practitioners. The post holder will assist with a range of and genetic techniques and undertake a
defined set of sample preparation and processing protocols under the supervision of more senior
staff.
The main duties of the post holder are:
 Process patient samples (blood, placenta, fetal tissue, tumour biopsies) according to
established protocols and procedures including short and long term culture work.
 Perform basic quality control and identity checks as required.
 Produce and stain slides of chromosome preparations after culture
 Process slides for fluorescent hybridisation (FISH)
 Perform DNA/RNA extraction (manual and automated) as directed
 Determine quality and quantity of extracted DNA/RNA for subsequent downstream genetic
investigations.
 Prepare agarose gels to confirm successful PCR amplification as required.
 To work safely with toxic substances hazardous to health and occasionally high biohazard
risk patient samples.
 Maintain and update sample archive systems eg patient microscope slides, fixed cell
suspensions, filing of DNA samples into freezer system.
 Take responsibility for own workload and scheduling as directed.
 Prepare and dispatch patient samples to other laboratories for further testing and update
computer records appropriately.
 File and scan documentation as required
 Undertake a defined set of technical procedures according to the needs of the Service.
 Provide cover for the Specimen Reception area of the service, when required to cover staff
absence.
 Maintain an accurate record of all work undertaken and preserve the confidentiality of the
patient and any associated clinical information and potentially sensitive results of genetic
testing.
 Prepare and quality control test batches of laboratory reagents.
 Participate in the maintenance of laboratory equipment.
 Help maintain an effective stock control system within the laboratory so that key reagents
and consumables are always available for the diagnostic service.
 Ensure that all laboratory work areas are clean and fit for service activity.
 Participate in quality control activities as directed by the Quality Manager.
 Take part in Continuing Professional Development activities as directed by the Head of

Laboratory.
Follow Health & Safety and COSHH regulations, protocols and policies of the laboratory
Induction Standards & Code of Conduct
Your performance must comply with the national “Mandatory Induction Standards for Healthcare
Support Workers 2009” and with the Code of Conduct for Healthcare Support Workers.
6. COMMUNICATIONS AND RELATIONSHIPS
Internal Communications
In the course of their job, the post holder will:
 Liaise with other technical and scientific colleagues within Genetics and other laboratory
disciplines, eg Pathology and Haematology, communicating sometimes complex technical
information
 Deal with telephone calls to the department sometimes relating to confidential patient
information
 Liaise with the Quality Manager in all issues relating to quality, audit and accreditation
 Occasionally present technical data and information at internal departmental meetings as
part of continuing professional development
External Communications
In the course of their work the post holder may:
Liaise with colleagues from other laboratories regarding sample details
 Liaise with company representatives about equipment, consumables and reagents
 Direct User enquiries to the appropriate member of staff
7. KNOWLEDGE, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED TO DO THE JOB
Essential

At least 2 SQA Highers or qualifications to SVQ3 or equivalent level through
experience

Good IT skills

Ability to perform all work in a careful and meticulous manner

Able to adhere to laboratory Standard Operating procedures

Understanding of Health & Safety and Quality

Good interpersonal and communication skills

Good time management and organisational skills

Good attention to detail
Desirable

SQA Higher in a science subject

Previous laboratory experience

Interest in healthcare science
ESSENTIAL ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
8. SYSTEMS AND EQUIPMENT



Class II microbiological Safety cabinets
Fume hoods
Standard and gassed incubators










Laser scanners
Centrifuges
Document control software (Q-pulse)
Nanodrop Spectrophotometer
Laboratory database(s)
PCs and Microsoft office
A-CHI patient demographic database
Refrigeration equipment including liquid nitrogen
General laboratory equipment (automatic pipettes, balances, microscopes, etc)
General office equipment (scanners, photocopiers, printers, faxes, etc)
The post holder will be trained in the correct use of appropriate laboratory equipment and their
competence in correct use assessed and recorded.
Responsibility for Records Management
All records created in the course of the business of NHS Tayside are corporate records and are
public records under the terms of the Public Records (Scotland) Act 1937. This includes email
messages and other electronic records. It is your responsibility to ensure that you keep
appropriate records of your work in NHS Tayside and manage those records in keeping with the
NHS Tayside Records Management Policy and with any guidance produced by NHS Tayside
specific to your employment.
9. PHYSICAL DEMANDS OF THE JOB






The job demands good manual dexterity in order to process patient samples or
manipulate small reagent tubes and vials. Often intricate work is involved, especially
liquid handling using micro-pipettes to dispense with a high degree of accuracy
extremely small micro-litre volumes of sample or reagent.
Safe and accurate handling of tissue and cells under sterile conditions.
Accurate keyboard skills are required to enter patient details and sample information
onto the laboratory database. This can often involve sitting for prolonged periods of
time at a PC.
During the processing of patient samples, the post holder may require to work in a
cramped position at the microbiological safety cabinet for prolonged periods of time.
Manual handling is often required as part of the job particularly when dealing with
consignments of laboratory reagents and consumables or when maintaining
equipment. In addition, liquid waste from the equipment, stored in heavy plastic
drums, requires to be transported from the laboratory for disposal.
Daily handling of biological material with appropriate use of personal protective
equipment.
10. DECISIONS AND JUDGEMENTS

The post holder will be expected to work at a high level of personal responsibility within
various sections of the Laboratory Service. They will be responsible for managing their
daily workload and can make decisions against established laboratory criteria, seeking
advice from more senior colleagues where necessary.

The post holder will be participate in monitoring the performance of laboratory
equipment to ensure compliance with quality standards, and seek advice on appropriate
action if any items of equipment do not meet these standards
11. MOST CHALLENGING PART OF YOUR JOB

The number of patient samples that are referred to the East of Scotland Regional
Genetic Service continues to increase every year and so the workload associated with
specimen reception and sample processing becomes greater. The post holder will be
involved in specimen reception and sample processing and must therefore work to very
demanding time-scales to deal with urgent referrals. Accuracy and care are of
paramount importance and thus the post holder is always aware that a simple error
could have huge clinical implications, for example the termination of a healthy
pregnancy or the failure to confirm cancer in an at-risk patient or family

Dealing with other healthcare professionals either face to face or over the phone to
resolve technical issues

Working in a large team

Specimen processing involves handling a range of fresh sample types: blood, bone
marrow, lymph node, tumours, amniotic fluid, placental biopsy and pregnancy losses
(which may include identifiable fetal parts) and these require appropriate manipulation
on a daily basis

Genetic testing may provide distressing results to patients and their families. These
results must be handled sensitively and with the utmost regard for patient confidentiality

Despite a continually increasing practical workload, the post holder must also seek to
acquire additional scientific and technical knowledge in order to participate in the
development of the service. When time is short, this can prove very difficult, but is vital
not only for the service but also for the continued professional development of the post
holder
PERSON SPECIFICATION
POST REF NO:
D/CH/135/15
JOB TITLE/BAND:
Advanced Healthcare Science Assistant, Band 3
LOCATION:
Genetics, Ninewells Hospital
HOURS:
37.5 week
CRITERIA
EXPERIENCE:
ESSENTIAL
Use of computers and IT systems
Handling samples and/or
weighing, dispensing and labelling
reagents
QUALIFICATIONS:
(Academic and/or vocational)
KNOWLEDGE &
SKILLS:
PERSONAL QUALITIES:
At least 2 Highers or qualifications
to SVQ3 level
Previous laboratory
experience
Higher in a Science subject
Good manual dexterity
High level of spelling accuracy
Attention to detail
Basic IT/keyboard skills
Conscientious and careful
Reliable worker
Good communicator with a
friendly approachable personality
Able to follow instructions and
take advice from others
Team player who is able to work
under pressure
OTHER:
(eg travel across Tayside)
DESIRABLE
Undertake further in-house and
professional training as required
Interest in healthcare
science
General Conditions of Service
POST REF NO:
D/CH/135/15
JOB TITLE/GRADE:
Advanced Healthcare Science Assistant, Band 3
LOCATION:
Genetics, Ninewells Hospital
Conditions of Service
Remuneration
Hours of Duty
Superannuation
The terms and conditions of service for this post are those
determined by the NHS Staff Council.
The current salary scale for the post is £16,960 to £19,927 per
annum (pro rata for part-time staff). Placing on the scale on
appointment is normally at the minimum but may be higher
subject to verification of previous relevant service.
Salary is paid monthly by Bank Credit Transfer.
The hours of the post are 37.5 per week.
Start and finish times will be determined by the needs of the
service.
Membership of the NHS Superannuation Scheme is not
compulsory but is open to all staff between the ages of 16 and
70 (65 in some instances).
The contributions paid are a percentage of superannuable pay,
which is essentially basic pay excluding, for example, overtime
or travelling expenses.
Contribution rates with effect from 01.04.15 are as follows:
Annual Pensionable Pay
(Full-time equivalent)
Up to £15,828
£15,829 to £21,601
£21,602 to £27,089
£27,090 to £49,967
£49,968 to £71,337
£71,338 to £111,376
£111,377 and over
Annual Leave
Contribution
5.2%
5.8%
7.3%
9.5%
12.7%
13.7%
14.7%
Contributions are subject to tax relief and reduced National
Insurance contributions. NHS Tayside also makes a substantial
contribution towards scheme benefits – currently around 14% of
basic pay.
On appointment = 27 days (pro rata for part-time Staff) or 5.4
weeks per year.
After 5 years aggregated service = 29 days (pro rata for part-time
staff) or 5.8 weeks per year
After 10 years aggregated service = 33 days (pro rata for parttime staff) or 6.6 weeks per year
References
Public Holidays = 8 days (pro rata for part-time staff) or 1.6
weeks per year
All offers of appointment are subject to receipt of two satisfactory
references.
Occupational Health
Clearance
All offers of appointment to new entrants to the National Health
Service are subject to a medical examination. Medical
examinations are arranged and undertaken by the Occupational
Health and Safety Advisory Service (OHSAS).
Rehabilitation of
Offenders Act 1974
(Exclusions and
Exceptions) (Scotland)
Order 2003
All current or spent criminal convictions, cautions, warnings or
any case pending must be disclosed prior to commencing in
employment as detailed on the application form.
Disclosure Scotland
Immigration, Asylum and
Nationality Act 2006
Please note that having a conviction will not automatically debar
you from obtaining employment with NHS Tayside. Careful
consideration will be given to the relevance of the offence to the
particular post in question. However, if you are appointed, and it
is found that you did not reveal a previous conviction your
employment may be terminated.
Not required.
It is a criminal offence for an employer to employ anyone who
does not have permission to live or work in the UK.
Shortlisted applicants will be asked to produce specific original
documentation at interview eg Passport, or full birth certificate
together with an official document giving the applicants
permanent National Insurance Number and name issued by a
Government Agency or a previous employer, as well as
photocopies of these documents.
Professional Registration/ New entrants to NHS Tayside will be required to achieve the
Induction Standards &
mandatory Induction Standards for Healthcare Support Workers
Code of Conduct
(HCSWs) in Scotland and comply with the Code of Conduct for
HCSWs throughout your employment.
Internal candidates will be required to comply with the Code of
Conduct for HCSWs
Smoking Policy
NHS Tayside operates a No Smoking Policy and smoking
is prohibited within NHS premises and grounds.
Applications
Completed forms should be returned to:
recruitment.tayside@nhs.net quoting the job reference in the
subject line
or
to Human Resources Directorate, NHS Tayside, Level 9,
Ninewells Hospital, Dundee DD1 9SY
By closing date of 2 February 2016
Once this decision has been made, all shortlisted applicants
will be emailed to invite them to attend for interview. It is
important that you check your emails regularly, including your
spam/junk box.