UK Health Security Agency

Senior Biomedical Scientist, IT Officer & Deputy Laboratory Manager

Information:

This job is now closed

Job summary

Salary & Grade: AfC Band 7 (Outer) £49,178 - £55,492

Fixed Term Contract until 31st December 2024

Biomedical Scientists play a crucial role in diagnosing infections and disease processes. They apply microbiological, biological, and serological techniques, combining cutting-edge scientific methods with traditional culture, microscopy, and antigen/antibody diagnostics. Their diagnostic work involves analysing various samples, including respiratory samples (such as sputum), cerebrospinal fluid, pleural fluid, urine, blood/serum, faeces, pus, and other bodily fluids and tissues. They may also examine animal samples.

Main duties of the job

As State Registered Biomedical Scientists, their primary responsibility is to support a reference and medical laboratory service. Their goal is to ensure efficient patient care and resource management within this specialized reference laboratory. Specifically, they work exclusively with Mycobacteria spp., including those in Hazard Group 3, within Containment Level 3 facilities. Their tasks include performing a range of tests offered by the laboratory. In the absence of senior staff, they may take on additional responsibilities across different sections.

The post holder will maintain high standards and quality, stays up-to-date with microbiology (especially mycobacteriology), and follows current practices within the reference/diagnostic laboratory. Additionally, they serve as the IT Officer, supporting laboratory IT systems and acting as a MOLIS Superuser. They also contribute to technical validation within the department. In the absence of the NMRS-S laboratory manager or by delegation, they step into the role of Deputy Laboratory Manager, as assigned on a rotational basis.

Location

This is a lab-based role located at UKHSA Colindale, NW9 5EQ.

*Please be aware that this role can only be worked from within the UK and not overseas. Relocation expenses are not available.*

About us

We pride ourselves as being an employer of choice, where Everyone Matters promoting equality of opportunity to actively encourage applications from everyone, including groups currently underrepresented in our workforce.

UKHSA ethos is to be an inclusive organisation for all our staff and stakeholders. To create, nurture and sustain an inclusive culture, where differences drive innovative solutions to meet the needs of our workforce and wider communities. We do this through celebrating and protecting differences by removing barriers and promoting equity and equality of opportunity for all.

Details

Date posted

13 February 2024

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 7

Salary

£49,178 to £55,492 a year per annum

Contract

Fixed term

Duration

12 months

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

JP-UKHSA00971

Job locations

UKHSA Colindale

London

NW9 5EQ


Job description

Job responsibilities

The job holder will be required to carry out the following responsibilities, activities and duties:

  • To follow agreed protocols and policies in accordance with the UKHSA policies and procedures.
  • Perform manual, semi-automated and fully automated laboratory investigations, then interpret and record test results according to given Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), including performing genotypic (molecular) tests, which can be complex technical procedures
  • Supervise and check work of all non-state registered staff when they perform manual, semi-automated and fully automated laboratory investigations, according to given SOPs, including performing genotypic (molecular) tests, which are complex technical procedures.
  • This supervision will extend to persons seconded to the NMRS-South for periods of technical training.
  • Technically validate reports, which may include highly complex results, as required.
  • Provide technical advice and results to all users, as required
  • To ensure that all reagents are prepared, stored and used in a manner suitable for patient investigations.
  • To measure and monitor the accuracy and precision of laboratory investigations using appropriate quality control procedures.
  • The post holder will be the designated LIMS SuperUser for the NMRS-S. Tasks for the LIMS super-users are specifically those tasks that require specialised training (MOLIS SuperUser training) and a higher level of access with MOLIS than a normal user.
  • The responsibility for requesting and authorising changes to the LIMS system are with Laboratory management (Unit head and technical managers or equivalent). It is the responsibility of the super-user to interpret the change request and propose how the changes are implemented on the LIMS

The duties/responsibilities listed above describe the post as it is at present and is not intended to be exhaustive. The Job holder is expected to accept reasonable alterations and additional tasks of a similar level that may be necessary.

Please see the job description for the full list of duties and responsibilities.

Working for the UKHSA

For more information on the UKHSA please visit: UK Health Security Agency - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Benefits

  • 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 average employer contribution of 27%
  • Range of health and wellbeing support

Any move to UKHSA from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. This includes moves between government departments. You may however be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax Free Childcare. Determine your eligibility at Childcare Choices | 30 Hours Free Childcare, Tax-Free Childcare and More | Help with Costs | GOV.UK

Selection process details

STAGE 1 - APPLICATION & SIFT:

You will be required to complete an application form and a statement of suitability of 1250 words. This will be assessed in line with the advertised essential criteria please do provide evidence of how you meet this.

If you are successful at this stage, you will progress to an interview.

STAGE 2 INTERVIEW

This competition will involve an interview either by video or face to face.

Please note that you may be asked to undertake a test or presentation at interview.

As part of the process, candidates will be invited to interview which will involve an in-depth discussion of your previous experience and professional competence in relation to the criteria set out in the Person Specification.

Your Statement of Suitability should outline your skills, experience, and achievements, providing evidence of your suitability for the role, with reference to the essential criteria (outlined in the person specification section).

You will also be asked to provide information within the Employer/ Activity history section of the application form. This is equivalent to the information you would provide on a CV, setting out your career history.

Expected Timeline:

Advert close: 23:55hrs on 27th February 2024 unfortunately, late applications will not be considered. Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.

Interviews: TBC

Please note these dates could be subject to change.

Eligibility Criteria

Open to all external applicants (anyone) from outside the Civil Service (including by definition internal applicants)

Nationality requirements

Appointments to roles within UKHSA will be made in accordance with the Civil Service nationality rules. These can be found athttps://www.gov.uk/government/publications/nationality-rulesThis job is broadly open to the following groups:

  • UK nationals
  • Nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
  • Nationals of the Republic of Ireland
  • Nationals from the EU, EEA or Switzerland with settled or pre-settled status or who apply for either status by the deadline of theEuropean Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
  • Relevant EU, EEA, Swiss or Turkish nationals working in the Civil Service
  • Relevant EU, EEA, Swiss or Turkish nationals who have built up the right to work in the Civil Service
  • Certain family members of the relevant EU, EEA, Swiss or Turkish nationals

We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's Recruitment Principles.

The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.

The Civil Service welcomes applications from people who have recently left prison or have an unspent conviction. Read more about prison leaver recruitment.

Security clearance level requirement

Successful candidates must pass a disclosure and barring security check. Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is Basic Personnel Security Standard. People working with government assets must complete Basic Personnel Security Standard checks.

For posts on UKHSA Civil Service terms and conditions, new entrants to the Civil Service are expected to start on the minimum of the pay band. For existing Civil Servants and roles advertised across government, the rules of transfer apply, i.e., level transfers move on current salary or the pay range minimum, transfers on promotion move to new pay range minimum or receive a 10% increase. Either case is determined by whichever is the highest.

Please Note

This role is to be appointed under Civil Service Terms & Conditions. Full details on the T&Cs are found https://www.ukhsa.reed.com/

Are you already a civil servant, or employed by a Civil Service Commission accredited public body? Please state home department on your application form.

Do you meet the nationality requirements for this post? https://www.ukhsa.reed.com/

Complaint process:

The law requires that selection for appointment to the Civil Service is on merit on the basis of fair and open competition as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's Recruitment Principles. If you feel your application has not been treated in accordance with the Recruitment Principles, and you wish to make a complaint, in the first instance, you should contact UKHSA Public Accountability Unit via email:Complaints1@ukhsa.gov.uk. If you are not satisfied with the response you receive from the Department, you can contact the Civil Service Commission: Visit the Civil Service Commission website.

Job description

Job responsibilities

The job holder will be required to carry out the following responsibilities, activities and duties:

  • To follow agreed protocols and policies in accordance with the UKHSA policies and procedures.
  • Perform manual, semi-automated and fully automated laboratory investigations, then interpret and record test results according to given Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), including performing genotypic (molecular) tests, which can be complex technical procedures
  • Supervise and check work of all non-state registered staff when they perform manual, semi-automated and fully automated laboratory investigations, according to given SOPs, including performing genotypic (molecular) tests, which are complex technical procedures.
  • This supervision will extend to persons seconded to the NMRS-South for periods of technical training.
  • Technically validate reports, which may include highly complex results, as required.
  • Provide technical advice and results to all users, as required
  • To ensure that all reagents are prepared, stored and used in a manner suitable for patient investigations.
  • To measure and monitor the accuracy and precision of laboratory investigations using appropriate quality control procedures.
  • The post holder will be the designated LIMS SuperUser for the NMRS-S. Tasks for the LIMS super-users are specifically those tasks that require specialised training (MOLIS SuperUser training) and a higher level of access with MOLIS than a normal user.
  • The responsibility for requesting and authorising changes to the LIMS system are with Laboratory management (Unit head and technical managers or equivalent). It is the responsibility of the super-user to interpret the change request and propose how the changes are implemented on the LIMS

The duties/responsibilities listed above describe the post as it is at present and is not intended to be exhaustive. The Job holder is expected to accept reasonable alterations and additional tasks of a similar level that may be necessary.

Please see the job description for the full list of duties and responsibilities.

Working for the UKHSA

For more information on the UKHSA please visit: UK Health Security Agency - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Benefits

  • 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 average employer contribution of 27%
  • Range of health and wellbeing support

Any move to UKHSA from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. This includes moves between government departments. You may however be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax Free Childcare. Determine your eligibility at Childcare Choices | 30 Hours Free Childcare, Tax-Free Childcare and More | Help with Costs | GOV.UK

Selection process details

STAGE 1 - APPLICATION & SIFT:

You will be required to complete an application form and a statement of suitability of 1250 words. This will be assessed in line with the advertised essential criteria please do provide evidence of how you meet this.

If you are successful at this stage, you will progress to an interview.

STAGE 2 INTERVIEW

This competition will involve an interview either by video or face to face.

Please note that you may be asked to undertake a test or presentation at interview.

As part of the process, candidates will be invited to interview which will involve an in-depth discussion of your previous experience and professional competence in relation to the criteria set out in the Person Specification.

Your Statement of Suitability should outline your skills, experience, and achievements, providing evidence of your suitability for the role, with reference to the essential criteria (outlined in the person specification section).

You will also be asked to provide information within the Employer/ Activity history section of the application form. This is equivalent to the information you would provide on a CV, setting out your career history.

Expected Timeline:

Advert close: 23:55hrs on 27th February 2024 unfortunately, late applications will not be considered. Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.

Interviews: TBC

Please note these dates could be subject to change.

Eligibility Criteria

Open to all external applicants (anyone) from outside the Civil Service (including by definition internal applicants)

Nationality requirements

Appointments to roles within UKHSA will be made in accordance with the Civil Service nationality rules. These can be found athttps://www.gov.uk/government/publications/nationality-rulesThis job is broadly open to the following groups:

  • UK nationals
  • Nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
  • Nationals of the Republic of Ireland
  • Nationals from the EU, EEA or Switzerland with settled or pre-settled status or who apply for either status by the deadline of theEuropean Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
  • Relevant EU, EEA, Swiss or Turkish nationals working in the Civil Service
  • Relevant EU, EEA, Swiss or Turkish nationals who have built up the right to work in the Civil Service
  • Certain family members of the relevant EU, EEA, Swiss or Turkish nationals

We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's Recruitment Principles.

The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.

The Civil Service welcomes applications from people who have recently left prison or have an unspent conviction. Read more about prison leaver recruitment.

Security clearance level requirement

Successful candidates must pass a disclosure and barring security check. Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is Basic Personnel Security Standard. People working with government assets must complete Basic Personnel Security Standard checks.

For posts on UKHSA Civil Service terms and conditions, new entrants to the Civil Service are expected to start on the minimum of the pay band. For existing Civil Servants and roles advertised across government, the rules of transfer apply, i.e., level transfers move on current salary or the pay range minimum, transfers on promotion move to new pay range minimum or receive a 10% increase. Either case is determined by whichever is the highest.

Please Note

This role is to be appointed under Civil Service Terms & Conditions. Full details on the T&Cs are found https://www.ukhsa.reed.com/

Are you already a civil servant, or employed by a Civil Service Commission accredited public body? Please state home department on your application form.

Do you meet the nationality requirements for this post? https://www.ukhsa.reed.com/

Complaint process:

The law requires that selection for appointment to the Civil Service is on merit on the basis of fair and open competition as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's Recruitment Principles. If you feel your application has not been treated in accordance with the Recruitment Principles, and you wish to make a complaint, in the first instance, you should contact UKHSA Public Accountability Unit via email:Complaints1@ukhsa.gov.uk. If you are not satisfied with the response you receive from the Department, you can contact the Civil Service Commission: Visit the Civil Service Commission website.

Person Specification

Experience

Essential

  • State registration with the HCPC (with a minimum of 3 years post registration)
  • Evidence of success working within, training and supervising a team
  • Evidence of knowledge of comprehensive Microbiology Techniques and of using these to assess new and existing systems and processes to innovate and initiate change in laboratory practice
  • Ability to interpret diagnostic laboratory results, technically validate and authorise for clinical us
  • Ability to prioritise work in a timely manner.

Desirable

  • Evidence of managerial training/advanced technical expertise
  • Good understanding of the public sector and demonstrated experience in a Healthcare environment
  • Evidence of good performance as a LIMS SuperUser
  • Evidence of good practical knowledge of LIMS systems
  • Evidence of knowledge of Mycobacterial genomics and phylogenetics

Qualifications

Essential

  • State registration with the HCPC (with a minimum of 3 years post registration)
  • Degree or equivalent qualification that is acceptable to the HCPC
  • A post graduate degree in a relevant science or Fellowship of the Institute of Biomedical Sciences
Person Specification

Experience

Essential

  • State registration with the HCPC (with a minimum of 3 years post registration)
  • Evidence of success working within, training and supervising a team
  • Evidence of knowledge of comprehensive Microbiology Techniques and of using these to assess new and existing systems and processes to innovate and initiate change in laboratory practice
  • Ability to interpret diagnostic laboratory results, technically validate and authorise for clinical us
  • Ability to prioritise work in a timely manner.

Desirable

  • Evidence of managerial training/advanced technical expertise
  • Good understanding of the public sector and demonstrated experience in a Healthcare environment
  • Evidence of good performance as a LIMS SuperUser
  • Evidence of good practical knowledge of LIMS systems
  • Evidence of knowledge of Mycobacterial genomics and phylogenetics

Qualifications

Essential

  • State registration with the HCPC (with a minimum of 3 years post registration)
  • Degree or equivalent qualification that is acceptable to the HCPC
  • A post graduate degree in a relevant science or Fellowship of the Institute of Biomedical Sciences

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Certificate of Sponsorship

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 (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Additional information

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Certificate of Sponsorship

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 (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Employer details

Employer name

UK Health Security Agency

Address

UKHSA Colindale

London

NW9 5EQ


Employer's website

https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/uk-health-security-agency (Opens in a new tab)

Employer details

Employer name

UK Health Security Agency

Address

UKHSA Colindale

London

NW9 5EQ


Employer's website

https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/uk-health-security-agency (Opens in a new tab)

Employer contact details

For questions about the job, contact:

Lead RPO Recruiter

Jon Payne

ukhsa.recruitment@reed.com

Details

Date posted

13 February 2024

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 7

Salary

£49,178 to £55,492 a year per annum

Contract

Fixed term

Duration

12 months

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

JP-UKHSA00971

Job locations

UKHSA Colindale

London

NW9 5EQ


Supporting documents

Privacy notice

UK Health Security Agency's privacy notice (opens in a new tab)