UK Health Security Agency

Biomedical Scientist

Information:

This job is now closed

Job summary

We are looking for a motivated and detail-oriented Biomedical Scientist to join the Antimicrobial Resistance & Mechanisms Service within the Antimicrobial Resistance and Healthcare Associated Infections (AMRHAI) Reference Unit.

This is an ISO 15189-accredited laboratory that delivers high-quality reference services, using established and developmental phenotypic and genotypic methods to determine susceptibility to relevant antibiotics, infer likely mechanisms of resistance by interpretive reading of susceptibility testing data, and undertake molecular detection of the genetic determinants of key resistance of public health importance. We undertake surveillance, advise on antimicrobial agents that may be appropriate therapy and on any public health risk.

The successful candidate will contribute to the delivery of reference services, performing microbiology and molecular detection assays under supervision by following established standard operating procedures and protocols.

Main duties of the job

The post-holder will take delegated responsibility from the Section Lead and AMRHAI Reference Unit Technical Manager to:

  • work within the AMRHAI Reference Unit to deliver reference services and to participate in surveillance projects.
  • undertake basic microbiology and molecular laboratory duties under supervision guided by standard operating procedures, protocols or systems of work based on training provided, and taking into account the operational, safety and quality requirements of the laboratory.
  • assist in carrying out laboratory testing, including molecular techniques such as NA extraction, PCR (including real-time PCR) and DNA sequencing and standard microbiological procedures e.g., antimicrobial susceptibility testing and molecular typing.
  • be responsible for the reading and analysis of test results generated and entry of results onto the LIMS system and to score typing results and technically validate the results.
  • undertake responsibilities related to ISO 15189 accreditation requirements such as IQA submission/review, equipment activities, follow up on internal/external audit findings
  • ensure a safe and healthy working environment by maintaining adequate safety levels.
  • make judgements such as problem-solving for an area of work, plan activities such as work allocation and contribute to service development.

This is not an exhaustive list. Please see job description for full list of duties.

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.

Please visit our careers site for more information https://gov.uk/ukhsa/careers

Details

Date posted

20 March 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 5

Salary

£29,970 to £36,483 a year per annum, pro rata plus outer London HCAS of up to 15%

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time, Part-time, Job share, Flexible working

Reference number

919-JP-1521868-EXT

Job locations

UKHSA Colindale

London

NW9 5EQ


Job description

Job 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 6 essential criteria that have been selected from the job description, and this will be in the form of:

  • an application form (Employer/ Activity history section on the application)
  • a 750 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 6 selected essential criteria.

The Application form and Statement of Suitability will be marked together.

Please do not exceed 750 words. We will not consider any words over and above this number.

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 those applications meeting the essential criteria will be taken through to shortlisting.

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

  • BSc or equivalent in a biological science
  • HCPC Registration and evidence of continuous professional development
  • Post-qualification laboratory experience in microbiology pathogens or antimicrobial susceptibility testing

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

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

You will be invited to a face to face interview. 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 28th April 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.

Location

This role is being offered as lab based at our site in Colindale, London. Please note that hybrid working is not available for this role.

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.

Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is Counter-Terrorism 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.

Job description

Job 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 6 essential criteria that have been selected from the job description, and this will be in the form of:

  • an application form (Employer/ Activity history section on the application)
  • a 750 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 6 selected essential criteria.

The Application form and Statement of Suitability will be marked together.

Please do not exceed 750 words. We will not consider any words over and above this number.

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 those applications meeting the essential criteria will be taken through to shortlisting.

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

  • BSc or equivalent in a biological science
  • HCPC Registration and evidence of continuous professional development
  • Post-qualification laboratory experience in microbiology pathogens or antimicrobial susceptibility testing

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

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

You will be invited to a face to face interview. 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 28th April 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.

Location

This role is being offered as lab based at our site in Colindale, London. Please note that hybrid working is not available for this role.

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.

Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is Counter-Terrorism 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

Qualifications 1

Essential

  • BSc or equivalent in a biological science

Qualifications 2

Essential

  • HCPC Registration and evidence of continuous professional development

Experience 1

Essential

  • Post-qualification laboratory experience in microbiology pathogens or antimicrobial susceptibility testing

Experience 3

Essential

  • Experience of working in a laboratory including using Pre Analytical techniques applicable to Bacterial, Serological or Molecular methods

Experience 4

Essential

  • Experience and/or understanding of scientific principles of molecular assays including RT-PCR and sequencing technologies, and serological assays

Experience 5

Essential

  • Good communicator and team worker with leadership skills. Able to organise own workload and delegated priorities to junior staff.
Person Specification

Qualifications 1

Essential

  • BSc or equivalent in a biological science

Qualifications 2

Essential

  • HCPC Registration and evidence of continuous professional development

Experience 1

Essential

  • Post-qualification laboratory experience in microbiology pathogens or antimicrobial susceptibility testing

Experience 3

Essential

  • Experience of working in a laboratory including using Pre Analytical techniques applicable to Bacterial, Serological or Molecular methods

Experience 4

Essential

  • Experience and/or understanding of scientific principles of molecular assays including RT-PCR and sequencing technologies, and serological assays

Experience 5

Essential

  • Good communicator and team worker with leadership skills. Able to organise own workload and delegated priorities to junior staff.

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:

Recruitment Support

Jon Payne

jonathan.payne@ukhsa.gov.uk

Details

Date posted

20 March 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 5

Salary

£29,970 to £36,483 a year per annum, pro rata plus outer London HCAS of up to 15%

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time, Part-time, Job share, Flexible working

Reference number

919-JP-1521868-EXT

Job locations

UKHSA Colindale

London

NW9 5EQ


Supporting documents

Privacy notice

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