JOB SUMMARY

The post-holder will act as a Senior Assistant Healthcare Scientist providing scientific services to patients and clients as an aid in the evaluation of immunological responses to vaccines and microbiological disease.
Accuracy and attention to detail is essential.
Please note that this post is for students currently studying an undergraduate degree and wish to take a placement year commencing 2025/26.

Some of the duties will include:

• Participate in Quality Assurance and Quality Control activities and assist the department in maintaining CPA (Clinical Pathology Accreditation), UKAS ISO 15189, Good Clinical Laboratory Practice (GCLP), Good Clinical Practice (GCP) and Medicines for Health Regulatory Authority (MHRA).
• To use specialist immunoassays for the analysis of biological samples to quantify different antibody isotypes and/or avidity to various microbial antigens.
• To use, maintain and calibrate manual and complex automated equipment for the performance of specialist assays e.g. Bioplex and centrifuges.
• To prepare reagents for use in specialist in-house immunoassays.
• To work in a safe manner in accordance with Laboratory Health and Safety policies and procedures
• To identify, discuss and action own professional performance and training / development needs with your line manager through appraisal / individual development plan. Attending internal / external training events.

JOB DESCRIPTION

• To participate in audit processes, clinical trials, and research projects, as required.
• To attend regular departmental meetings and contribute to effective communication within the unit.
• To assist in the development of laboratory protocols, and where possible suggest improvements to, laboratory policies and procedures.
• To ensure that personal work activity is managed to make effective use of time and maintain an adequate supply of laboratory consumables.
• To undertake on-going training and development and update Professional Development Plan, as required by the Unit Head.
• To ensure data integrity when entering demographics and results into the laboratory information system.
• To prepare samples and process bodily fluids and materials, including high-risk specimens and reagent preparation following protocols
• To analyse biological samples including more complex/ specialist investigations requiring a high level of skill.
• To process clinical trial samples received according to unit standard operating procedures.
• To provide a specialist diagnostic service for measuring the immune response to disease or vaccination.
• To work in the containment level 2 laboratories according to local code of practice.
• To use advanced specialist computer software for the capture and processing of laboratory data.
• To carry out research in vaccines against different pathogens.
• To exercise judgement and interpretation to validate results and generate laboratory reports in accordance with unit policies and procedures. The validation process includes analytical and scientific validity.
• To assist with, and where appropriate be responsible for, the development of new methods and implementation of new technology.
• To dispose of patient samples in accordance with relevant guidelines.
• To monitor and maintain appropriate stock levels and facilitate deliveries.
• The above is only an outline of the tasks, responsibilities and outcomes required of the role. You will carry out any other duties as may reasonably be required by the directorate.
• The job description and person specification may be reviewed on an ongoing basis in accordance with the changing needs of the organisation.
• To participate in all mandatory training as required, i.e. fire safety, information governance and all other mandatory training.
• The post holder will develop working relationships and communicate regularly with a wide range of individuals, clinical and non-clinical, internal and external to UKHSA.

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

Some of the duties will include:

• Participate in Quality Assurance and Quality Control activities and assist the department in maintaining CPA (Clinical Pathology Accreditation), UKAS ISO 15189, Good Clinical Laboratory Practice (GCLP), Good Clinical Practice (GCP) and Medicines for Health Regulatory Authority (MHRA).
• To use specialist immunoassays for the analysis of biological samples to quantify different antibody isotypes and/or avidity to various microbial antigens.
• To use, maintain and calibrate manual and complex automated equipment for the performance of specialist assays e.g. Bioplex and centrifuges.
• To prepare reagents for use in specialist in-house immunoassays.
• To work in a safe manner in accordance with Laboratory Health and Safety policies and procedures
• To identify, discuss and action own professional performance and training / development needs with your line manager through appraisal / individual development plan. Attending internal / external training events