Biomedical Scientist / Healthcare Scientist

at  UK Health Security Agency

JOB SUMMARY

We are currently seeking for a Biomedical Scientist to be based in the microbiology reference units at our UKHSA Colindale site.
The work of microbiology Reference Units includes clinical microbiological advice and diagnosis, complex reference, service delivery, methodology development, microbial epidemiology, investigation of national and uncommon outbreaks, response to international health alerts, and advice on the risks posed by various infections. Clinical samples and isolates are received from public health departments, the National Health Service and commercial laboratories across the UK and internationally for specialist testing, characterisation and susceptibility testing.
The post holder will provide resilience to the bacteriology or virology reference departments in times of need, which include national incidents or threats to BAU activity. When not deployed during an incident, the post holder will concentrate on training, maintaining competency and development of skills required to assist in future incidents.

JOB DESCRIPTION

• To undertake microbiological, serological, and molecular laboratory duties under supervision, guided by standard operating procedures (SOPs), including containment level 2 and 3.
• To be responsible for the reading and analysis of test results generated and entry of results onto the LIMS system.
• Collate and present data for discussion.
• Adhering to external and internal quality control practices.
• Attend meetings, plan, and implement project plans.
• Monitor safety cabinets and carry out routine quality control procedures in order to maintain set standards.
• To be responsible for health, safety and welfare of self, staff and visitors in your own area, ensuring that health and safety are afforded priority over other issues.
• To ensure a safe and healthy working environment by maintaining adequate safety levels.
• To notify any accidents, incidents or near misses, dangerous situations or shortcomings in health and safety training instructions via the appropriate management structure.
• Ensure compliance of work with UKAS ISO15189.
• Participate in internal and external audits and implementing corrective actions.
• Take responsibility for maintenance and acquisition of stock in order to ensure adequate service provision and continuity.
  For a full list of the main duties and responsibilities of the role, please refer to the attached Job Description.

ESSENTIAL CRITERIA

You will be assessed on the below (8) essential criteria, which have been selected from the Job Description Document.

• BSc or equivalent in a biological science
• HCPC Registration in Biomedical Science (or a demonstrable plan to achieve registration within 12 months of appointment)
• Post-qualification laboratory experience in microbiology
• Knowledge of laboratory safety requirements and quality assurance procedures
• Experience in use of LIMS, and a range of common software (Microsoft Office, Excel)
• Good communicator and team worker with leadership skills. Able to organise own workload and delegated priorities to junior staff.
• Confident in presentation of ideas and information with excellent analytical skills. Good organisation skills with particular attention to detail.
• Self-motivating, organized and meticulous, and able to problem solve in a calm and efficient manner.

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £29,970, UK Health Security Agency contributes £8,682 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.

• Learning and development tailored to your role
• An environment with flexible working options
• A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity
• A Civil Service pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%

Things you need to know

NATIONALITY REQUIREMENTS

This job is broadly open to the following groups:

• UK nationals
• nationals of the Republic of Ireland
• nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window)
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
• individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
• Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service

Further information on nationality requirements (opens in a new window)

You will be assessed on the below (8) essential criteria, which have been selected from the Job Description Document.

• BSc or equivalent in a biological science
• HCPC Registration in Biomedical Science (or a demonstrable plan to achieve registration within 12 months of appointment)
• Post-qualification laboratory experience in microbiology
• Knowledge of laboratory safety requirements and quality assurance procedures
• Experience in use of LIMS, and a range of common software (Microsoft Office, Excel)
• Good communicator and team worker with leadership skills. Able to organise own workload and delegated priorities to junior staff.
• Confident in presentation of ideas and information with excellent analytical skills. Good organisation skills with particular attention to detail.
• Self-motivating, organized and meticulous, and able to problem solve in a calm and efficient manner