UK Health Security Agency

Biomedical Scientist

The closing date is 01 March 2026

Apply for this job

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.

To work as part of the laboratory team, providing a high level of microbiological analysis in order to provide patients with the highest level of diagnosis and treatment.

To be responsible for the efficient day-to-day running of an area in a section of the laboratory, to be able to rotate through all the different sections in the laboratory and to supervise and train other less experienced and qualified staff.

The post holder would be expected to assist in any UKHSA co-ordinated response or activity of a national/international nature, e.g. a Bioterrorism incident or a major disease outbreak, e.g. SARS. To participate in the provision on out-of-hours services.

This role is working 37.5 hours to include work on Saturdays, Sundays, and Public Holidays on a rotational basis.

Main duties of the job

Main Duties and Responsibilities

  • To assist in the day-to-day supervision and organisation of the less qualified staff in the allocated area.
  • To assist in the training of less qualified staff.
  • To process the clinical specimens received and to undertake the related tasks in the various sections of the laboratory, undertaking reading, reporting and the interpretation of results in accordance with agreed policies and standard operating procedures (SOPs).
  • To adhere and contribute to the delivery of the Laboratory Quality Management System (QMS).
  • To observe safety regulations of the laboratory and UKHSA.

Staff

  • To assist the senior staff in the monitoring of the performance of less qualified staff.
  • To be aware of the "wellbeing" of less qualified staff in the allocated area.

Safety

  • To attend mandatory fire, manual handling training, etc.
  • To observe the immunisation policy of the laboratory.
  • To report any accidents to a senior member of staff.
  • To ensure that work on all samples and cultures is performed at the appropriate Containment level.
  • To update knowledge by attending relevant courses and reading current textbooks and journals.
  • To use equipment in a safe and responsible manner

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

13 February 2026

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 5

Salary

£31,049 to £37,796 a year Per annum, Pro Rata

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

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

Reference number

919-GB-301040-EXT

Job locations

Bristol

Bristol

BS10 5NB


Job description

Job responsibilities

  • To read and interpret cultures and determine the antibiotic susceptibility and identification of microorganisms
  • Utilising Bacteriology techniques, to work competently in all sections of the Bacteriology Laboratory
  • To be aware of anomalous results, recognising these when they occur and reporting them appropriately.
  • To adhere to laboratory SOPs.
  • To organise the work of the allocated area in the laboratory and to keep up to date with SOP changes.
  • To maintain a high standard of professional competence in the performance of all tests and investigations carried out in the Laboratory.
  • To maintain a high standard of technical skill.
  • To ensure important or unusual results are drawn to the attention of senior staff and/or Medical staff, and to report complaints and anomalies as soon as possible.
  • To deputise for more senior staff as required.
  • To ensure that consumable supplies within the area of responsibility are maintained and to record batch numbers and QC data as required.
  • To ensure a sound knowledge of the laboratory IT system, and to perform data entry, specimen and result enquiry and entry of results.
  • To be competent to work, in rotation, in Bacteriology sections and to be flexible in regularly covering vacancies in other sections.
  • To demonstrate a good understanding of basic microbiology, and to maintain and develop scientific knowledge. Also to undergo further training as may be necessary and available.
  • To take responsibility for equipment and automated processors in the area of work, identifying any problems, troubleshooting and bringing them to the attention of senior staff.
  • To take responsibility for equipment and automated processors in the area of work, identifying any problems, troubleshooting and bringing them to the attention of senior staff.
  • To communicate effectively with all members of the Infection Sciences team and other health care professionals as appropriate.
  • To ensure the agreed quality standards of service are maintained.
  • To respond accordingly to changes in laboratory protocols.
  • To be able to interpret and report on routine and specialist Bacteriology laboratory tests, in accordance with laboratory protocols and commensurate with grade.
  • To liaise with medical, scientific and senior BMS staff in all matters relating to the diagnosis of infection.
  • To perform and monitor quality control tests, to record results and bring any anomalies to the attention of Senior BMS staff as soon as is practicable.
  • Where appropriate, to assist with research and/or audit projects.
  • To assist in the production and dissemination of laboratory reports, data and statistics, including the issuing of preliminary results by phone or computer, and being aware of priorities of reports.
  • To process, report and interpret NEQAS samples in accordance with SOPs.

Essential criteria

  • Biomedical Science (BMS) degree or equivalent academic achievement ratified by the IBMS
  • State registration with The Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC)
  • Evidence of continuing professional development (CPD) in accordance with HCPC guidelines
  • Experience of using a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS)
  • Technically adept at relevant laboratory procedures
  • Able to organise less qualified staff
  • Skills for communication on complex information, requiring developed interpersonal and oral/ written communication skills
  • Problem solving skills and ability to respond to sudden unexpected demands
  • Ability to work on own initiative and organise own workload with minimal supervision working to tight and often changing timescales

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 (9) essential criteria, and this will be in the form of a:

  • Application form (Employer/ Activity history section on the application)
  • Up to 1250 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. You will receive a joint score for your application form and statement. (The application form is the kind of information you would put into your C.V please be advised you will not be able to upload your CV. Please complete the application form in as much detail as possible).

Please do not email us your CV.

Healthjobs UK has a word limit of 1500, but your supporting statement must be no more than 1,250 words. We will not consider any words over 1,250 words.

Longlisting:

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

  1. Meets all essential criteria
  2. Meets some essential criteria
  3. Meets no essential criteria

If used, the following will proceed to shortlisting:

  1. Meets all essential criteria

Shortlisting:

In the event of a large number of applications we may conduct an initial sift, on the lead criteria of :

  • State registration with The Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC)

Desirable criteria may be used in the event of a large number of applications/large amount of successful candidates.

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

Feedback will not be provided at this stage.

Stage 2: Interview

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.

Interviews dates to be confirmed.

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 Scientific Campus in Bristol, BS10 5NB.

Based at our scientific campus, 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.

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 isCounter-Terrorist Check.

Eligibility Criteria External

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

Salary InformationIf you are successful at interview, and are moving from another government department, NHS, or Local Authority, the relevant starting salary principles for level transfers or promotions will apply. Otherwise, roles are offered at the pay scale minimum for the grade, but in exceptional circumstances there may be flexibility if you are able to demonstrate you are already in receipt of an existing, higher salary. Pay increases are through the relevant annual pay award for the role and terms.

Job description

Job responsibilities

  • To read and interpret cultures and determine the antibiotic susceptibility and identification of microorganisms
  • Utilising Bacteriology techniques, to work competently in all sections of the Bacteriology Laboratory
  • To be aware of anomalous results, recognising these when they occur and reporting them appropriately.
  • To adhere to laboratory SOPs.
  • To organise the work of the allocated area in the laboratory and to keep up to date with SOP changes.
  • To maintain a high standard of professional competence in the performance of all tests and investigations carried out in the Laboratory.
  • To maintain a high standard of technical skill.
  • To ensure important or unusual results are drawn to the attention of senior staff and/or Medical staff, and to report complaints and anomalies as soon as possible.
  • To deputise for more senior staff as required.
  • To ensure that consumable supplies within the area of responsibility are maintained and to record batch numbers and QC data as required.
  • To ensure a sound knowledge of the laboratory IT system, and to perform data entry, specimen and result enquiry and entry of results.
  • To be competent to work, in rotation, in Bacteriology sections and to be flexible in regularly covering vacancies in other sections.
  • To demonstrate a good understanding of basic microbiology, and to maintain and develop scientific knowledge. Also to undergo further training as may be necessary and available.
  • To take responsibility for equipment and automated processors in the area of work, identifying any problems, troubleshooting and bringing them to the attention of senior staff.
  • To take responsibility for equipment and automated processors in the area of work, identifying any problems, troubleshooting and bringing them to the attention of senior staff.
  • To communicate effectively with all members of the Infection Sciences team and other health care professionals as appropriate.
  • To ensure the agreed quality standards of service are maintained.
  • To respond accordingly to changes in laboratory protocols.
  • To be able to interpret and report on routine and specialist Bacteriology laboratory tests, in accordance with laboratory protocols and commensurate with grade.
  • To liaise with medical, scientific and senior BMS staff in all matters relating to the diagnosis of infection.
  • To perform and monitor quality control tests, to record results and bring any anomalies to the attention of Senior BMS staff as soon as is practicable.
  • Where appropriate, to assist with research and/or audit projects.
  • To assist in the production and dissemination of laboratory reports, data and statistics, including the issuing of preliminary results by phone or computer, and being aware of priorities of reports.
  • To process, report and interpret NEQAS samples in accordance with SOPs.

Essential criteria

  • Biomedical Science (BMS) degree or equivalent academic achievement ratified by the IBMS
  • State registration with The Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC)
  • Evidence of continuing professional development (CPD) in accordance with HCPC guidelines
  • Experience of using a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS)
  • Technically adept at relevant laboratory procedures
  • Able to organise less qualified staff
  • Skills for communication on complex information, requiring developed interpersonal and oral/ written communication skills
  • Problem solving skills and ability to respond to sudden unexpected demands
  • Ability to work on own initiative and organise own workload with minimal supervision working to tight and often changing timescales

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 (9) essential criteria, and this will be in the form of a:

  • Application form (Employer/ Activity history section on the application)
  • Up to 1250 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. You will receive a joint score for your application form and statement. (The application form is the kind of information you would put into your C.V please be advised you will not be able to upload your CV. Please complete the application form in as much detail as possible).

Please do not email us your CV.

Healthjobs UK has a word limit of 1500, but your supporting statement must be no more than 1,250 words. We will not consider any words over 1,250 words.

Longlisting:

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

  1. Meets all essential criteria
  2. Meets some essential criteria
  3. Meets no essential criteria

If used, the following will proceed to shortlisting:

  1. Meets all essential criteria

Shortlisting:

In the event of a large number of applications we may conduct an initial sift, on the lead criteria of :

  • State registration with The Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC)

Desirable criteria may be used in the event of a large number of applications/large amount of successful candidates.

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

Feedback will not be provided at this stage.

Stage 2: Interview

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.

Interviews dates to be confirmed.

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 Scientific Campus in Bristol, BS10 5NB.

Based at our scientific campus, 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.

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 isCounter-Terrorist Check.

Eligibility Criteria External

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

Salary InformationIf you are successful at interview, and are moving from another government department, NHS, or Local Authority, the relevant starting salary principles for level transfers or promotions will apply. Otherwise, roles are offered at the pay scale minimum for the grade, but in exceptional circumstances there may be flexibility if you are able to demonstrate you are already in receipt of an existing, higher salary. Pay increases are through the relevant annual pay award for the role and terms.

Person Specification

Application form and supporting statement

Essential

  • Application form and supporting statement

Interview

Essential

  • Questions on knowledge, experience, skills & abilities
Person Specification

Application form and supporting statement

Essential

  • Application form and supporting statement

Interview

Essential

  • Questions on knowledge, experience, skills & abilities

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

Bristol

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

Bristol

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 Team

Gurkamal Bhambra

gurkamal.bhambra@ukhsa.gov.uk

Details

Date posted

13 February 2026

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 5

Salary

£31,049 to £37,796 a year Per annum, Pro Rata

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

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

Reference number

919-GB-301040-EXT

Job locations

Bristol

Bristol

BS10 5NB


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