JOB SUMMARY

We are seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Biomedical Scientist to join the Sexually Transmitted Infections Reference Laboratory (STIRL), part of the Specialised Microbiology and Laboratories Directorate within the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA). STIRL plays a vital role in delivering high-quality specialist and reference services and contributing to national surveillance programmes that support the public health response to sexually transmitted infections.
As a Biomedical Scientist, you will perform complex microbiology and molecular laboratory duties under supervision, following established standard operating procedures and protocols. You will be part of a dynamic and expert laboratory team undertaking a range of high-level scientific activities, from antimicrobial susceptibility testing and outbreak investigations to supporting national surveillance initiatives. STIRL’s work is pivotal in shaping national responses to STI threats, monitoring emerging antimicrobial resistance, and developing innovative diagnostic methods, including the application of whole genome sequencing technologies.
This is a stimulating and rewarding opportunity for individuals who are passionate about public health microbiology, laboratory excellence, and scientific innovation. If you are motivated to advance your technical expertise, contribute to national and global health protection efforts, and work alongside leading experts in the field, we encourage you to apply.

JOB DESCRIPTION

As a Biomedical Scientist within STIRL, you will play a key role in delivering high-quality specialist services and supporting national surveillance programmes that inform the public health response to sexually transmitted infections. Working within the Specialised Microbiology and Laboratories Directorate at UKHSA, you will contribute to the laboratory’s day-to-day operations by performing a range of complex microbiological and molecular techniques, while ensuring the smooth and efficient delivery of services.
In this role, you will be involved in both routine and advanced testing procedures, including antimicrobial susceptibility testing, molecular typing, and the application of whole genome sequencing technologies to characterise bacterial sexually transmitted infections. You will contribute to surveillance programmes such as the Gonococcal Resistance to Antimicrobials Surveillance Programme (GRASP) and the Mycoplasma genitalium Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance Programme (MARS), providing vital data to support the monitoring of antimicrobial resistance and the investigation of outbreaks. Working closely with senior scientific and technical staff, you will assist in developing and validating new laboratory methods to enhance service delivery and scientific innovation.
You will be responsible for the interpretation, recording, and validation of laboratory results in accordance with established protocols, while maintaining the highest standards of quality and compliance with accreditation requirements such as ISO15189. Your responsibilities will also include supporting the maintenance and development of laboratory information management systems (LIMS), assisting with the preparation and review of standard operating procedures, and ensuring health and safety guidelines are consistently followed.
Alongside your technical work, you will play an active role in staff development within the laboratory, assisting with the training, supervision, and competency assessment of junior staff, postgraduate students, and visitors. You will contribute to the effective management of laboratory resources, including stock control and equipment maintenance, ensuring operational continuity.
This role offers opportunities to engage with a range of internal and external stakeholders, including NHS laboratories, academic partners, and international organisations. You will participate in national and international projects relating to the surveillance and investigation of STI pathogens and may be involved in responding to public health incidents both within the UK and globally.
This is an exciting opportunity for a motivated and detail-oriented Biomedical Scientist who thrives in a dynamic and multidisciplinary environment. With access to excellent professional development opportunities, including training in advanced microbiological and molecular techniques, this role offers the chance to make a significant contribution to the national effort to understand, control, and prevent sexually transmitted infections.

STAGE 1: APPLICATION & SIFT

You will be required to complete an application form. You will be assessed on the listed essential criteria that have been selected from the job description, and this will be in the form of a:

• Application form (‘Employer/ Activity history’ section on the application)
• 1500 word Statement of Suitability.

This should outline how your skills, experience, and knowledge, provide evidence of your suitability for the role, with reference to the essential criteria.
The Application form and Statement of Suitability will be marked together.

Longlisting: In the event of a large number of applications we will longlist into 3 piles of:

• Meets all essential criteria
• Meets some essential criteria
• Meets no essential criteria

Only those meeting all essential criteria will be taken through to shortlisting.

Shortlisting: In the event of a large number of applications we will shortlist on:

• BSc (Hons) in Biomedical science or related subject, 2:1 or above
• Good in-depth knowledge and experience in the development and validation of molecular and phenotypic methods in the analysis of microbial pathogens.

If you are successful at this stage, you will progress to interview &and assessment.
Please do not exceed 1500 words. We will not consider any words over and above this number.
Please note you will not be able to upload your CV. You must complete the application form in as much detail as possible. Please do not email us your CV.
Feedback will not be provided at this stage.

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)
• 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

Science