About the job

Job summary

We need an enthusiastic and highly skilled Biomedical/Healthcare Scientist to join our busy Clinical Services Unit.  The Unit delivers high throughput serological and molecular testing of a wide range of Viral and Bacterial pathogens.    Our work is wide ranging and varied. The unit delivers a range of specialist testing and supports the microbiology reference laboratories which provide clinical microbiological advice and diagnosis, complex reference services, methodology development, microbial epidemiology, investigation of national and uncommon outbreaks, response to international health alerts, and advice on the risks posed by various infections.

The post holder will be Healthcare Scientist with experience of manual/automated serological and/or molecular techniques and will join a team within the Clinical Services Unit.  They will support the team to ensure it delivers a performance that meets the clinical and scientific requirements of the Unit and complies with the best quality and laboratory practices while ensuring the work is performed safely, economically, and effectively. 

The role will be based at our UKHSA Colindale site (61 Colindale Avenue 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

In this role you will be required to support the technical services of the Clinical Services Unit.  Your responsibilities will include:

• Delivering technical and related services which meet the clinical and scientific requirements, comply with the best laboratory practices and are safe, economical, and effective.
• Supporting the provision of an efficient, effective, and timely service ensuring maximum efficiency within allocated resources.
• Supporting the use of automation of Serological and Molecular services using both commercially available kits and assays developed in-house.
• Assist with the organisation of, and participate in, suitable training programmes for staff and visitors.
• Being proactive in suggesting operational improvements within CSU and supporting operational improvement initiatives.
• Contribute to the proper storage and management of the laboratory specimens.
• Assist with acquisition of stock to ensure adequate service provision and continuity.
• Prepare documents and draft sops relevant to the work performed/developed.
• Contribute to internal and external quality assurance programmes.

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.

Person specification

Essential Criteria:

It is important through your application and Statement of Suitability of 750 words that you give evidence and examples of proven experience of each of the essential criteria (for full details of all essential criteria please refer to the attached job description):

Essential

• BSc in Biological sciences or equivalent.
• Experience with quality assurance principles and procedures.
• Knows and understands laboratory safety requirements and procedures.
• Experience of working in a microbiological/molecular diagnostic (preferably virological) laboratory, or equivalent.
• Able to work individually and as part of a team.
• Able to work carefully, with precision and be able to balance laboratory duties with accurate record keeping.

 Desirable

• CPD registration and certification.
• HCPC Registration.
• Experience of liaising with customers.
• Experience of using automated analysers

 

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%

Things you need to know

Selection process details

Selection process details

STAGE 1 - APPLICATION & SIFT: 

You will be required to complete an application form. This will be assessed in line with the full list of essential criteria as detailed in the attached job description – 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 by video. 

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. 

Your Statement of Suitability should outline your skills, experience, and achievements, providing evidence of your suitability for the role, with reference to the essential criteria (outlined in the person specification section).

You will also be asked to provide information within the ‘Employer/ Activity history’ section of the application form. This is equivalent to the information you would provide on a CV, setting out your career history.

Expected Timeline:

Advert close: 23:55hrs on the 13th of February 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: w/c 19th of February 2024

Interviews: w/c 26th of February or 4th of March 2024

Please note these dates could be subject to change.  

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.