About the job

Job summary

Biomedical Scientists play a crucial role in diagnosing infections and disease processes. They apply microbiological, biological, and serological techniques, combining cutting-edge scientific methods with traditional culture, microscopy, and antigen/antibody diagnostics. Their diagnostic work involves analysing various samples, including respiratory samples (such as sputum), cerebrospinal fluid, pleural fluid, urine, blood/serum, faeces, pus, and other bodily fluids and tissues. They may also examine animal samples.

As State Registered Biomedical Scientists, their primary responsibility is to support a reference and medical laboratory service. Their goal is to ensure efficient patient care and resource management within this specialized reference laboratory. Specifically, they work exclusively with Mycobacteria spp., including those in Hazard Group 3, within Containment Level 3 facilities. Their tasks include performing a range of tests offered by the laboratory. In the absence of senior staff, they may take on additional responsibilities across different sections.

The post holder will maintain high standards and quality, stays up-to-date with microbiology (especially mycobacteriology), and follows current practices within the reference/diagnostic laboratory. Additionally, they serve as the IT Officer, supporting laboratory IT systems and acting as a MOLIS Superuser. They also contribute to technical validation within the department. In the absence of the NMRS-S laboratory manager or by delegation, they step into the role of Deputy Laboratory Manager, as assigned on a rotational basis.

Location

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

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

Working Pattern – Full Time

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
• Supervise and check work of all non-state registered staff when they perform manual, semi-automated and fully automated laboratory investigations, according to given SOPs, including performing genotypic (molecular) tests, which are complex technical procedures.
• This supervision will extend to persons seconded to the NMRS-South for periods of technical training.
• Technically validate reports, which may include highly complex results, as required.
• Provide technical advice and results to all users, as required
• To ensure that all reagents are prepared, stored and used in a manner suitable for patient investigations.
• To measure and monitor the accuracy and precision of laboratory investigations using appropriate quality control procedures.
• The post holder will be the designated LIMS SuperUser for the NMRS-S. Tasks for the LIMS super-users are specifically those tasks that require specialised training (MOLIS SuperUser training) and a higher level of access with MOLIS than a normal user.
• The responsibility for requesting and authorising changes to the LIMS system are with Laboratory management (Unit head and technical managers or equivalent). It is the responsibility of the super-user to interpret the change request and propose how the changes are implemented on the LIMS

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.

Please see the job description for the full list of duties and responsibilities.

Person specification

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

Essential

• State registration with the HCPC (with a minimum of 3 years post registration)
• Degree or equivalent qualification that is acceptable to the HCPC
• A post graduate degree in a relevant science or Fellowship of the Institute of Biomedical Sciences
• Evidence of success working within, training and supervising a team
• Evidence of knowledge of comprehensive Microbiology Techniques and of using these to assess new and existing systems and processes to innovate and initiate change in laboratory practice
• Ability to interpret diagnostic laboratory results, technically validate and authorise for clinical use.
• Ability to prioritise work in a timely manner. 

Desirable 

• Evidence of managerial training/advanced technical expertise
• Good understanding of the public sector and demonstrated experience in a Healthcare environment
• Evidence of good performance as a LIMS SuperUser
• Evidence of good practical knowledge of LIMS systems
• Evidence of knowledge of Mycobacterial genomics and phylogenetics

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

STAGE 1 - APPLICATION & SIFT: 

You will be required to complete an application form and a statement of suitability of 1250 words. 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. 

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 1st of January 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.

Interviews: TBC

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.