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UK Health Security Agency

Principal Healthcare Scientist

The closing date is 13 March 2026

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Job summary

The Health Protection Research Unit (HPRU) in Healthcare-Associated Infections (HCAI) & Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) is a partnership between the UKHSA and the University of Oxford, that seeks to find ways to combat the major threats posed by HCAI and AMR.This is a mixed office/laboratory-based role, which sits within the AMR & HCAI Division of UKHSA whose mission is to protect people from healthcare-associated and antimicrobial resistant infections, through world-leading public health microbiology, outbreak response, surveillance, antimicrobial stewardship, modelling, research and evidence-based interventions. The post holder will also be working within UKHSA's Antimicrobial Resistance and Healthcare Associated Infections (AMRHAI) Reference Unit, which is the national reference laboratory for investigation of AMR in, and characterization of, healthcare-associated bacterial pathogens.We are seeking a talented and experienced microbiologist with expertise in both wet and dry lab aspects of the subject area who will deliver AMR- and genomic-related projects mainly within the 'Mitigating Gram-negative infections' Research Theme of the HPRU.The successful candidate will work closely with the HPRU Leads in both UKHSA and Oxford University to ensure the objectives and milestones of the HPRU are met. They will also be required to work with other collaborators and stakeholders to develop other research projects

Main duties of the job

  • Lead the management and development of relevant projects to ensure milestones and objectives are met.
  • Lead and develop capacity building collaborations to ensure project targets are met, workingwith the relevant HPRU Leads to maintain the engagement of stakeholders.
  • Lead on other externally funded projects as assigned, meeting targets in line with sponsorrequirements, engaging with collaborators as required.
  • Identify, bid and lead on internal and external funding with an AMR or genomics focus, orother complementary group activities to maintain capability and develop the group in linewith HPRU core objectives.
  • Provide reports and data as required by the HPRU Leads and NIHR, and externalstakeholders.
  • To build external links with collaborators and similar groups to the benefit of the HPRU andUKHSA.
  • To give internal/external presentations, develop, draft and submit manuscripts on work forpeer-reviewed publications.
  • Lead the project team/area to identify, evaluate and adapt new approaches whereappropriate and to ensure that the project operates to a high scientific standard using current methods.
  • Provide line and project management as required and indicated by UKHSA HPRU Leads.
  • To ensure that the project team undertakes work in accordance with applicable UKHSASafety and Quality systems.
  • To maintain health and safety competence.
  • To comply with all UKHSA policies and procedures

This list is not exhaustive.

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

02 March 2026

Pay scheme

Other

Salary

£60,494 to £70,566 a year per annum, pro rata

Contract

Fixed term

Duration

36 months

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

919-NP-62391351-EXT

Job locations

Scientific Campus

Colindale

NW9 5EQ


Job description

Job responsibilities

Essential role criteria:

  • PhD or equivalent higher qualification and more than 3 years experience in an appropriate microbiology or molecular biology field
  • Substantial working knowledge and experience in antimicrobial resistance and phenotypicand molecular diagnostic assays for detection of resistance
  • Experience of working in pathogen genomics
  • Experience of external collaboration, with demonstrable expertise in scientific research withgrant writing and publication record
  • Experience of developing junior staff members, including line management experience
  • Clear communicator with excellent writing skills, report writing, and presentation skills
  • Evidence of success in efficient and effective project participation and management
  • Conduct behaviours in a manner aligned to the Civil Service Code of Conduct

Desirable role criteria:

  • Practical experience in whole genome sequencing on Illumina and Oxford NanoporeTechnology platforms; some understanding of bioinformatics processes includingphylogenetic analyses
  • Experience of making decisions on difficult and contentious issues where there may be anumber of courses of action
  • Project management qualification (e.g., PRINCE2 practitioner)

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

Competency Based

You will be required to complete an application form. You will be assessed on the listed 7 essential criteria, and this will be in the form of a:

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

1500 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 than1500 words. We will not consider any words over 1500 words.

Longlisting:

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

  • Meets all essential criteria
  • Meets some essential criteria
  • Meets no essential criteria

If used, the pile Meets all essential criteria will proceed to shortlisting.

Shortlisting:

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

  • PhD or equivalent higher qualification and more than 3 years experience in an appropriate microbiology or molecular biology field
  • Substantial working knowledge and experience in antimicrobial resistance and phenotypic andmolecular diagnostic assays for detection of resistance
  • Experience of working in pathogen genomics

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

Competency Based

You will be invited to a single face to face interview.If face to face interviewsareplanned, in exceptional circumstances, we may be able to offer a remote interview.

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

There will be a Presentation. Candidates will be asked to deliver a 10 minute PowerPoint presentation (title to be provided in interview invite)

Interviews dates to be confirmed.

Location

This role is being offered as office/lab based at our Scientific Campus in Colindale. 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 beappointed. The level of security needed is Counter-Terrorist Check.If 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.

Eligibility Criteria

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

Salary Information

If you are successful at interview, and are moving from another governmentdepartment, 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.

Grade 7

  • £60,494- £70,566 (Inner London)

Job description

Job responsibilities

Essential role criteria:

  • PhD or equivalent higher qualification and more than 3 years experience in an appropriate microbiology or molecular biology field
  • Substantial working knowledge and experience in antimicrobial resistance and phenotypicand molecular diagnostic assays for detection of resistance
  • Experience of working in pathogen genomics
  • Experience of external collaboration, with demonstrable expertise in scientific research withgrant writing and publication record
  • Experience of developing junior staff members, including line management experience
  • Clear communicator with excellent writing skills, report writing, and presentation skills
  • Evidence of success in efficient and effective project participation and management
  • Conduct behaviours in a manner aligned to the Civil Service Code of Conduct

Desirable role criteria:

  • Practical experience in whole genome sequencing on Illumina and Oxford NanoporeTechnology platforms; some understanding of bioinformatics processes includingphylogenetic analyses
  • Experience of making decisions on difficult and contentious issues where there may be anumber of courses of action
  • Project management qualification (e.g., PRINCE2 practitioner)

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

Competency Based

You will be required to complete an application form. You will be assessed on the listed 7 essential criteria, and this will be in the form of a:

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

1500 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 than1500 words. We will not consider any words over 1500 words.

Longlisting:

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

  • Meets all essential criteria
  • Meets some essential criteria
  • Meets no essential criteria

If used, the pile Meets all essential criteria will proceed to shortlisting.

Shortlisting:

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

  • PhD or equivalent higher qualification and more than 3 years experience in an appropriate microbiology or molecular biology field
  • Substantial working knowledge and experience in antimicrobial resistance and phenotypic andmolecular diagnostic assays for detection of resistance
  • Experience of working in pathogen genomics

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

Competency Based

You will be invited to a single face to face interview.If face to face interviewsareplanned, in exceptional circumstances, we may be able to offer a remote interview.

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

There will be a Presentation. Candidates will be asked to deliver a 10 minute PowerPoint presentation (title to be provided in interview invite)

Interviews dates to be confirmed.

Location

This role is being offered as office/lab based at our Scientific Campus in Colindale. 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 beappointed. The level of security needed is Counter-Terrorist Check.If 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.

Eligibility Criteria

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

Salary Information

If you are successful at interview, and are moving from another governmentdepartment, 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.

Grade 7

  • £60,494- £70,566 (Inner London)

Person Specification

Application Form and Supporting Statement

Essential

  • Application Form and Supporting Statement

Interview

Essential

  • Questions on Knowledge, skill, experience & abilities.
  • 10 minute Powerpoint presentation
Person Specification

Application Form and Supporting Statement

Essential

  • Application Form and Supporting Statement

Interview

Essential

  • Questions on Knowledge, skill, experience & abilities.
  • 10 minute Powerpoint presentation

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

Scientific Campus

Colindale

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

Scientific Campus

Colindale

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:

Resourcing Support

Nigel Poole

Nigel.Poole@ukhsa.gov.uk

Details

Date posted

02 March 2026

Pay scheme

Other

Salary

£60,494 to £70,566 a year per annum, pro rata

Contract

Fixed term

Duration

36 months

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

919-NP-62391351-EXT

Job locations

Scientific Campus

Colindale

NW9 5EQ


Supporting documents

Privacy notice

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