Main area

Genomics

Grade

Band 3

Contract

Permanent

Hours

Full time - 37.5 hours per week

Job ref

271-GEN-7790899-B

Site

Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust

Town

London

Salary

£31,554 - £33,270 Inclusive per annum

Salary period

Yearly

Closing

03/08/2026 23:59

Job overview

We are seeking an enthusiastic, motivated and hardworking Laboratory Assistant to join our team at Great Ormond Street NHS Foundation Trust. Candidates should hold relevant A-levels or an equivalent qualification. You will be working in our Specimen Reception Team and provide support to one of our laboratory technical teams. Attention to detail is an essential requirement, with laboratory experience an advantage.

The Rare Disease Laboratory has an establishment of approximately 140 staff including clinical scientists, translational scientists, bioinformaticians, technologists and administrative support staff. Along with the Clinical Genetics Team we form a strategic Genetics Unit within the hospital and provide the North London with a Regional Genetics Service serving a population of approximately 10 million.

The Genetics

Laboratory provides an in-house diagnostic service for molecular and cytogenetic testing. Molecular testing includes a number of common single gene disorders with an extensive next generation sequencing repertoire; we also provide national and international services for non-invasive prenatal diagnosis, deafness, craniofacial, metabolic and immune deficiency disorders. Cytogenetic testing is provided for both prenatal and postnatal samples using microarray, karyotyping, FISH and MLPA.

Find out about working for the GOSH genomics team here: https://www.gosh.nhs.uk/working-here/working-us/meet-our-genomics-team

Previous applicants need not apply

Main duties of the job

• To follow established procedures and policies
• Comply with health and safety policies
• Assist in quality assurance procedure
• Assist in training of new staff or visitors
• Be flexible to changing demands in workload
• Attend training courses as required
• Registration of samples onto laboratory information systems (EPIC Beaker)
• Reception of Prenatal and Postnatal samples into the laboratory
• Sample extraction, quantitation, filing and dispatch

Working for our organisation

GOSH is committed to recruiting the best person for the job, based solely on their ability and individual merit as measured against the criteria for the role; through a process that is fair, open, consistent and free from bias and discrimination. We are committed to being a diverse and inclusive employer and foster a culture where all staff are valued, respected and acknowledged. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, age, disability status or length of time spent unemployed.

We particularly welcome applications from BAME communities, people with disabilities and/or long-term health conditions and LGBT+ community members.

We have policies and procedures in place to ensure that all applicants and employees are treated fairly and consistently. We are proud to be accredited as a Disability Confident Employer, a member of Business Disability Forum and a Stonewall Diversity Champion.

We have active and Executive supported BAME, LGBT+ and Allies, Disability and Long-Term Health Conditions and Women’s staff networks. Staff networks are employee-led groups formed around interests, issues and a common bond or background. Staff network members create a positive and inclusive work environment at Great Ormond Street Hospital by actively contributing to the Trust’s mission, values and efforts specific to inclusion. All of our staff networks are open to any employee.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

The full job description provides an overview of the key tasks and responsibilities of the role, and the person specification outlines the qualifications, skills, experience and knowledge required. For both documents please view the attachment/s below.

Person specification

GOSH Culture and Values

Essential criteria

• Our Always values
• Experience of working as part of a diverse team.
• Experience of contributing to an inclusive workplace culture.

Academic/Professional qualification/Training

Essential criteria

• Relevant BTEC / A Levels (or equivalent)

Experience/Knowledge

Essential criteria

• Willing to undertake both administrative and technical duties as required
• Takes responsibility for own actions and promotes good team working
• Shares information and good practice appropriately
• Treats others with courtesy and respect at all times
• Laboratory experience

Desirable criteria

• Basic knowledge of biology / genetics

Skills/Abilities

Essential criteria

• Evidence of basic laboratory skills
• Able to follow instructions and work independently or in a team.
• Attention to detail
• Experience with laboratory information management systems / Patient Record Systems

Desirable criteria

• Experience of clinical sample handling, registration & processing
• Computer literate

Please be advised that:

The recruitment process for all admin and clerical roles at Bands 2-4 will be a two stage recruitment process whereby shortlisted candidates will undertake an online literacy, numeracy, ICT and typing test. Only those candidates who pass the competency test will proceed to a formal interview. The closing date given is a guide only. There may be some occasions where we have to close a vacancy once sufficient applications have been received. It is therefore advisable that you submit your application as early as possible to avoid disappointment.

Only those candidates who clearly demonstrate how they meet the person specification criteria for this post will be shortlisted. Please note that where high volumes of applicants have been received, additional criteria may on occasion be used to determine the final shortlist.

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website .

We are an accredited Living Wage Employer.

Applicant requirements

The postholder will have regular contact with vulnerable people and as such this post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Application numbers

The closing date given is a guide only. There may be some occasions where we have to close a vacancy once sufficient applications have been received. It is therefore advisable that you submit your application as early as possible to avoid disappointment.