Biomedical Scientist

Job description

Job responsibilities

The key responsibilities will include:

• To undertake a range of sequencing, diagnostic assays and techniques as required, meeting the needs of UKHSA Bristol service provision.
• To perform targeted NGS methods such as Artic protocol.
• To manipulate data as required by the bioinformatic pipeline.
• Produce and maintain reagents to support current testing strategies and for the development of new assays.
• Assist in the identification, evaluation and adaptation of new technologies and diagnostic tests to enhance the laboratory's capabilities and to ensure the project area works to a high scientific standard.
• Supply data to agreed timescales required by service level agreement.
• To conform to the working standards outlined by UKAS ISO 15189 and ISO 9001: 2015.
• Operate a range of equipment, e.g. centrifuges, analysers, safety cabinets, fridges, freezers, liquid handling robots, high throughput sequencers, etc.
• Undertake general laboratory duties including disposal of waste, equipment maintenance, stock control and ensuring a safe working environment.
• Act as a laboratory supervisor ensuring equipment is suitably maintained and calibrated and that documentation relevant to the laboratory is kept up to date.
• Comply with waste disposal protocols.
• Deputise as appropriate for senior staff.
• Take responsibility for training and quality policy delivery in a specific bench area of the laboratory.
• To maintain high professional standards by continual professional development keeping up to date with advances in virology.
• To maintain a positive attitude to the work of the laboratory and other members of the team.
• Operate, maintain, clean and disinfect laboratory equipment safely.

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

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 listed 8 essential criteria, and this will be in the form of a:

• Application form (Employer/ Activity history section on the application)
• 1000 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 separately, and you must pass both to move forward to interview.

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

Please note that only applications meeting all the essential criteria will be taken through to shortlisting.

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

• Relevant professional qualification i.e. registration with the Health and Care Professional Council (HCPC) as a Biomedical or Clinical Scientist. Or alternatively, registered with HCPC and actively working towards State Registration, may be considered for a Band 5 role
• Experience of molecular techniques including nucleic acid extraction and PCR
• Knowledge of automated liquid handling
• Knowledge and understanding of laboratory safety requirements and procedures

All essential and desirable criteria may be used in the event of a large number of applications / large amount of successful candidates (see attached job description).

If you are successful at this stage, you will progress to interview and assessment

Please do not exceed 1000 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.

Stage 2: Interview (Competency based)

You will be invited to a face to face interview. In exceptional circumstances, we may be offer a remote interview.

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

Interviews will be held week commencing 24th February 2025. 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.

Eligibility Criteria

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

Location

This is a lab-based roles located at UKHSA Bristol, BS10 5NB. Please note hybrid working is not available for this role.

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 Counter-terrorist Check.

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.

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

Application Form

Essential

• Application Form

Statement of Suitability

Essential

• Statement of Suitability

Qualifications

Essential

• Degree in a relevant biological science
• Relevant professional qualification i.e. registration with the Health and Care Professional Council (HCPC) as a Biomedical Scientist. Or alternatively, registered with HCPC and actively working towards State Registration, may be considered for a Band 5 role

Knowledge and Experience

Essential

• Experience of molecular techniques including nucleic acid extraction and PCR
• Knowledge of automated liquid handling
• Knowledge and understanding of laboratory safety requirements and procedures

Desirable

• Experience in running NGS Platforms and sequencing services without supervision
• Previously worked in a similar position within the public sector

Skills and Capabilities

Essential

• Skills for communication on complex information and administrative matters, requiring developed interpersonal and oral/ written communication skills
• Ability to pull together comprehensive draft reports, networking and persuasive skills
• Ability to work on own initiative and organise own workload with minimal supervision working to tight and often changing timescales

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 Bristol

Southmead Hospital

Bristol

BS10 5NB

Employer's website

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