About the job

Job summary

Biomedical Scientists are responsible for the diagnosis of infection and disease processes by the application of microbiological, biological and serological technology, utilising the most up to date scientific methods in conjunction with traditional methods of culture, microscopy and antigen/antibody-complex diagnostics. Diagnostic work includes examination of respiratory samples (including sputum), cerebrospinal fluid, pleural fluid, urine, blood/serum, faeces, pus and other body fluids and tissues. Animal samples may also be examined.

The post holder will be a State Registered Biomedical Scientist whose role is to help deliver a reference and medical laboratory service to achieve the objectives of efficient and effective patient care and resource management for the users of this specialist reference laboratory. This includes working exclusively with Mycobacteria spp., including those in Hazard Group 3, in containment level 3 facilities. The post-holder will contribute to the team by performing a range of the tests offered by the laboratory. 

Location

This is a lab-based role located at  NMRS, Colindale, London, NW9 5EQ.

*Please be aware that this role can only be worked from within the UK and not overseas. Relocation expenses are not available.*

Job description

The job holder will be required to carry out the following responsibilities, activities and duties:

• To follow agreed protocols and policies in accordance with the UKHSA policies and procedures.
• Perform manual, semi-automated and fully automated laboratory investigations, then interpret and record test results according to given Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), including performing genotypic (molecular) tests, which can be complex technical procedures
• Provide technical advice and results to all users, as required.
• To assess the clinical relevance and importance of diagnostic test requests, work in progress and test results.
• To use interpretive skills and follow SOPs to determine the pathogenic and clinical significance of results of laboratory results
• To ensure that all reagents are prepared, stored and used in a manner suitable for patient investigations.
• Contribute to the development, evaluation and introduction of new methodologies as required.

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.

For the full list of responsibilities and duties, please see the full job description.

Person specification

It is important through your application and Statement of Suitability of up to 1250 words that you give evidence and examples of proven experience of each of the following criteria:

Essential:

• Degree or equivalent qualification that is acceptable to the Health Professions Council (HPC) for State Registration.
• State Registration (the Health Professions Council) having completed necessary training period and oral examination.
• Evidence of continuing professional development.
• 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
• Consistently thinks about how their work can help and support clinicians and frontline staff deliver better outcomes for patients
• Values diversity and difference, operates with integrity and openness
• Works well with others, is positive and helpful, listens, involves, respects and learns from the contribution of others
• Consistently looks to improve what they do, looks for successful tried and tested ways of working, and also seeks out innovation
• Comprehensive specialist microbiology theory.
• Health & Safety
• Quality Control and Assurance.
• Ability to analyse and interpret information, pre-empt and evaluate issues, and recommend and appropriate course of action to address the issues
• Problem solving skills and ability to respond to sudden unexpected demands
• Ability to analyse and interpret information, pre-empt and evaluate issues, and recommend and appropriate course of action to address the issues
• Used to working in a busy environment

Desirable:

• MSc Biomedical Science (or related subject) or equivalent OR Fellowship of the Institute of Biomedical Sciences.
• Further training or significant experience in project management, financial management or supporting change management processes
• Containment level 3 experience
• Working with Mycobacterium spp.
• Workforce development knowledge and experience
• Previous experience in similar role in public sector
• A good understanding of the health and social care environment and roles and responsibilities within it
• Clear communicator with excellent writing, report writing and presentation skills; capable of constructing and delivering clear ideas and concepts concisely and accurately for diverse audiences

Benefits

For more information on the UKHSA please visit: UK Health Security Agency - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Benefits

• Learning and development tailored to your role
• An environment with flexible working options
• A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity
• A Civil Service pension with an average employer contribution of 27%
• Range of health and wellbeing support

Any move to UKHSA from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. This includes moves between government departments. You may however be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax Free Childcare. Determine your eligibility at Childcare Choices , 30 Hours Free Childcare, Tax-Free Childcare and More , Help with Costs , GOV.UK

Things you need to know

Selection process details

STAGE 1 - APPLICATION & SIFT: 

You will be required to complete an application form and a statement of suitability. This will be assessed in line with the advertised essential criteria – please do provide evidence of how you meet this.

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

STAGE 2 – INTERVIEW: 

This competition will involve an interview either by video or face to face.

Please note that you may be asked to undertake a test or presentation at interview.

As part of the process, candidates will be invited to interview which will involve an in-depth discussion of your previous experience and professional competence in relation to the criteria set out in the Person Specification. 
 

Expected Timeline:

Advert close: 23:55hrs on 13th March 2024 – unfortunately, late applications will not be considered. Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.

Shortlist: TBC 2024

Interviews: w/c TBC 2024

Please note these dates could be subject to change.  

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 Basic Personnel Security Standard.  People working with government assets must complete Basic Personnel Security Standard checks.

For posts on UKHSA Civil Service terms and conditions, new entrants to the Civil Service are expected to start on the minimum of the pay band. For existing Civil Servants and roles advertised across government, the rules of transfer apply, i.e., level transfers move on current salary or the pay range minimum, transfers on promotion move to new pay range minimum or receive a 10% increase. Either case is determined by whichever is the highest. 

Please Note

This role is to be appointed under Civil Service Terms & Conditions. Full details on the T&C’s are found https://www.ukhsa.reed.com/

Are you already a civil servant, or employed by a Civil Service Commission accredited public body? Please state home department on your application form.

Do you meet the nationality requirements for this post? https://www.ukhsa.reed.com/

Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.

Security

Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check. People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.

Nationality requirements

This job is broadly open to the following groups:

• UK nationals
• nationals of the Republic of Ireland
• nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window)
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
• individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
• Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service

Further information on nationality requirements (opens in a new window)

Working for the Civil Service

The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.

We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window). The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.