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UK Health Security Agency

Associate Practitioner - Virology

The closing date is 16 August 2025

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Job summary

The laboratory in Bristol is situated within the Severn Pathology suite of laboratories at North Bristol NHS Trust Southmead site. The laboratory receives in excess of 1 million specimens a year from a large number of clinical specialties across the Bristol and Bath hospital trusts which contribute to an interesting and varied workload.

The scope of this role is to learn and maintain good laboratory practice in the interests of the departmental commitment to provide an efficient service and to become a positive member of a team or teams in the function of service provision.

The applicant must have a keen interest in science educated to A-level or an equivalent qualification. Previous extensive experience of working in a clinical microbiology laboratory, evidence of using complex laboratory equipment and an understanding of Laboratory Health and Safety procedures and protocols is desirable.

The post holder will report on biomedical investigations and utilise the appropriate testing to assist the Biomedical Scientists. You will rotate through different sections in the laboratory and be expected to supervise and train staff. You should be a good communicator and effective at prioritising competing workloads.

There is a Market pay supplement available for this position to increase the salary to £26,308 until April 2027.

Main duties of the job

The post holder will:

  • Contribute to providing a professional clinical laboratory service, working effectively as a team member as part of the overall department.
  • Perform a number of healthcare science clinical technical activities under supervision, including testing patient samples/audit samples and research work, as appropriate to the training and qualifications of a Healthcare Scientist Associate Practitioner.
  • Maintain records in relation to laboratory activities.
  • Be required to supervise, organise and allocate work and/or train less experienced staff in own area.
  • Develop and improve professional expertise.
  • Be expected to assist in any UKHSA co-ordinated response or activity of a national/international nature, e.g. a Bioterrorism incident or major disease outbreak, e.g. SARS, Swine flu.

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

06 August 2025

Pay scheme

Other

Salary

£23,875 to £25,394 a year Per annum, pro rata.

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

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

Reference number

919-HM-300954-EXT

Job locations

Pathology Sciences Building, Southmead Hospital

Southmead

Bristol

BS10 5NB


Job description

Job responsibilities

Your key responsibilities will include:

  • To participate in the provision of a diagnostic service including the production of reliable, relevant and reproducible results.
  • To undertake analysis of patient samples in accordance with laboratory protocols and procedures such as testing under supervision routine laboratory specimens and ensuring the validity of test runs according to the test parameters.
  • Follow the routine procedures for the calibration and maintenance of laboratory equipment and to be responsible for the completion of checklists for the relevant equipment and areas.
  • To maintain records for all virological analysis and supporting procedures including records for all reagents prepared in-house as part of Quality Control procedures
  • To assist BMSs where appropriate by planning the days work for themselves and those they supervise and proposing relevant changes to work areas as required.
  • To prepare and dispatch items for transport and posting recording data as appropriate.
  • To perform clerical duties and computer entry of laboratory data.
  • To participate in research and/or development work in collaboration with senior staff of the Virology Laboratory as required.
  • Assist with the provision of samples for all projects undertaken by the laboratory including maintenance of inventories of stored specimens and recording of the specimens used in particular projects.
  • Where appropriate, to be responsible for instructing and training HSSW staff within the Virology Department.
  • Process and test antenatal samples in line with IDPS
  • To maintain personal development through further study and attendance at appropriate courses and meetings as required, and to participate in the internal and external teaching and training programmes.
  • Undertake a structured training programme to successfully acquire core competencies outlined in the competency training manual and thereafter maintain the required standards of competence when undertaking duties.
  • Assist in the maintenance of safety checks and working to Control of Substances Hazardous to Health regulations.
  • To undertake other duties and assume other responsibilities commensurate with this grade.

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.

Essential criteria

  • 2 A levels in Science and Maths or equivalent to NVQ4 level, or relevant laboratory experience
  • Commitment to and focused on quality, promotes high standards in all they do
  • Able to make a connection between their work and the benefit to patients and the public
  • Actively develops themselves and supports others to do the same
  • Understanding of the importance of confidentiality
  • Previous experience of working in a laboratory
  • Previous experience and use of Laboratory Information System (LIMS)
  • Clear communicator with good writing, data entry and telephone skills ensuring accuracy
  • Ability to work effectively as part of a team
  • Problem solving skills
  • Flexible approach to work
  • Good time keeping
  • Ability to use initiative
  • Manual dexterity

Selection process details

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

You will be required to complete an application form. You will be assessed on the 14 essential criteria listed, and this will be in the form of a:

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

  • 1000 word supporting statement

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 supporting statement will be marked together.

Longlisting: In the event of a large number of applications we will longlist into 3 piles of:

  • Meets all essentialcriteria

  • Meets some essential criteria

  • Meets no essential criteria

Piles Meets all essentialcriteriawill be moved through to the shortlisting stage.

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

  • Previous experience of working in a laboratory

Please do not exceed 1000 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.

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 (single) 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.

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/lab based at our site in Bristol.

If based at one of our labs, 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.

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.

Job description

Job responsibilities

Your key responsibilities will include:

  • To participate in the provision of a diagnostic service including the production of reliable, relevant and reproducible results.
  • To undertake analysis of patient samples in accordance with laboratory protocols and procedures such as testing under supervision routine laboratory specimens and ensuring the validity of test runs according to the test parameters.
  • Follow the routine procedures for the calibration and maintenance of laboratory equipment and to be responsible for the completion of checklists for the relevant equipment and areas.
  • To maintain records for all virological analysis and supporting procedures including records for all reagents prepared in-house as part of Quality Control procedures
  • To assist BMSs where appropriate by planning the days work for themselves and those they supervise and proposing relevant changes to work areas as required.
  • To prepare and dispatch items for transport and posting recording data as appropriate.
  • To perform clerical duties and computer entry of laboratory data.
  • To participate in research and/or development work in collaboration with senior staff of the Virology Laboratory as required.
  • Assist with the provision of samples for all projects undertaken by the laboratory including maintenance of inventories of stored specimens and recording of the specimens used in particular projects.
  • Where appropriate, to be responsible for instructing and training HSSW staff within the Virology Department.
  • Process and test antenatal samples in line with IDPS
  • To maintain personal development through further study and attendance at appropriate courses and meetings as required, and to participate in the internal and external teaching and training programmes.
  • Undertake a structured training programme to successfully acquire core competencies outlined in the competency training manual and thereafter maintain the required standards of competence when undertaking duties.
  • Assist in the maintenance of safety checks and working to Control of Substances Hazardous to Health regulations.
  • To undertake other duties and assume other responsibilities commensurate with this grade.

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.

Essential criteria

  • 2 A levels in Science and Maths or equivalent to NVQ4 level, or relevant laboratory experience
  • Commitment to and focused on quality, promotes high standards in all they do
  • Able to make a connection between their work and the benefit to patients and the public
  • Actively develops themselves and supports others to do the same
  • Understanding of the importance of confidentiality
  • Previous experience of working in a laboratory
  • Previous experience and use of Laboratory Information System (LIMS)
  • Clear communicator with good writing, data entry and telephone skills ensuring accuracy
  • Ability to work effectively as part of a team
  • Problem solving skills
  • Flexible approach to work
  • Good time keeping
  • Ability to use initiative
  • Manual dexterity

Selection process details

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

You will be required to complete an application form. You will be assessed on the 14 essential criteria listed, and this will be in the form of a:

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

  • 1000 word supporting statement

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 supporting statement will be marked together.

Longlisting: In the event of a large number of applications we will longlist into 3 piles of:

  • Meets all essentialcriteria

  • Meets some essential criteria

  • Meets no essential criteria

Piles Meets all essentialcriteriawill be moved through to the shortlisting stage.

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

  • Previous experience of working in a laboratory

Please do not exceed 1000 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.

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 (single) 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.

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/lab based at our site in Bristol.

If based at one of our labs, 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.

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.

Person Specification

Application form and supporting statement

Essential

  • Application form and supporting statement

Essential criteria

Essential

  • Questions on experience, knowledge and skills
Person Specification

Application form and supporting statement

Essential

  • Application form and supporting statement

Essential criteria

Essential

  • Questions on experience, knowledge and skills

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).

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).

Employer details

Employer name

UK Health Security Agency

Address

Pathology Sciences Building, Southmead Hospital

Southmead

Bristol

BS10 5NB


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

Pathology Sciences Building, Southmead Hospital

Southmead

Bristol

BS10 5NB


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:

Resourcing Officer

Harry Mccullagh

harry.mccullagh@ukhsa.gov.uk

Details

Date posted

06 August 2025

Pay scheme

Other

Salary

£23,875 to £25,394 a year Per annum, pro rata.

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

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

Reference number

919-HM-300954-EXT

Job locations

Pathology Sciences Building, Southmead Hospital

Southmead

Bristol

BS10 5NB


Supporting documents

Privacy notice

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