Healthcare Scientist

Job description

Job responsibilities

• Working as part of a multidisciplinary team to deliver reference services for microbiological samples.
• Independently or collaboratively preparing and examining a variety of microbiological samples.
• Performing routine laboratory tasks such as nucleic acid extraction, PCR, and DNA sequencing following standard operating procedures.
• Assisting in maintaining the laboratory by monitoring equipment, managing stock, and ensuring proper waste disposal.
• Recording and interpreting clear positive and negative test results, and inputting data into the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS).
• Contributing to the implementation of new methods and technologies to enhance laboratory services.
• Supporting laboratory audits and ensuring compliance with quality and safety standards, including ISO 15189.
• Managing stock control and ensuring the efficient operation of high-cost, complex equipment.
• Collaborating with internal colleagues and external stakeholders, including NHS laboratories and commercial partners.
• Participating in laboratory meetings and contributing to continuous professional development through ongoing training and learning.

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.

Selection process details

This vacancy will be assessed using a competency-based framework which will assess your Qualifications, knowledge and experience and / or skills and abilities outlined in the essential criteria.

Stage 1: Application & Sift

You will be required to complete an application form. You will be assessed on the below listed 6 essential criteria, and this will be in the form of an:

• Application form(Employer/ Activity history section on the application

• 500 word Statement of Suitability

This should outline how you consider 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.

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

• BSc 2.1 or above in Biomedical Sciences or equivalent degree, or equivalent relevant experience
• Experience of working in a laboratory with sexually transmitted bacterial pathogens or antimicrobial susceptibility testing
• Experience of working in a laboratory including using Pre-Analytical techniques applicable to Bacterial, Serological or Molecular methods
• Knowledge and understanding of laboratory safety requirements and procedures.

Please do not exceed 500 words. We will not consider any words over and above this number. If you are successful at this stage, you will progress to an interview. Unfortunately, late applications will not be considered.

Stage 2: Interview

You will be invited to a (single) face to face interview. If face to face interviews are planned, in exceptional circumstances, we may be able to offer a remote interview.

Knowledge, experience, skills & abilities will be tested at interview.

Interviews will be held week commencing TBC. Please note, these dates are subject to change.

Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.

Location

This role is being offered as office working based at:

UKHSA Colindale61 Colindale Ave,London,NW9 5EQ

Eligibility Criteria

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

Security Clearance Level Requirement

Successful candidates must pass a disclosure and barring security check.

If based at one of our scientific locations you will be required to have a Counter Terrorism Check security vetting check as a minimum. For meaningful National Security Vetting checks to be carried out individuals need to have lived in the UK for a sufficient period of time. You should normally have been resident in the United Kingdom for the last 3 years as the role requires Counter Terrorism Check (CTC) clearance. In exceptional circumstances UK residency less than the outlined periods may not necessarily bar you from gaining national security vetting and applicants should contact the Vacancy Holder/Recruiting Manager listed in the advert for further advice.

Person Specification

Essential

Essential

• BSc 2.1 or above in Biomedical Sciences, equivalent degree or experience
• Experience of working in a laboratory with sexually transmitted bacterial pathogens or antimicrobial susceptibility testing
• Experience of working in a laboratory including using Pre-Analytical techniques applicable to Bacterial, Serological or Molecular methods
• Knowledge and understanding of laboratory safety requirements and procedures
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team
• Able to follow standard operating procedures

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).

Employer details

Employer name

UK Health Security Agency

Address

Colindale

61 Colindale Ave,

London

NW9 5EQ

Employer's website

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