Healthcare Scientist

PLEASE NOTE: ‘If you have previously submitted an application against this reference number 264045 within the last 4 weeks, please do not submit a duplicate application. This role has been reopened due to a system error’

This post is positioned within the Clinical Services Unit of Reference Services.

Microbiology reference laboratories undertake complex and highly skilled techniques which often require nationally or internationally unique capabilities or facilities. Reference laboratories are required to provide authoritative, final and validated analysis for complex clinical or food microbiological problems and be innovative in driving microbiological methodology developments and standards. They have a key role in the provision of expert advice to government and other national and international agencies, risk assessment for new and emerging microbiological threats and play an important role in teaching and training organism specific and subject matter expertise to all grades of professional medical, nursing, scientific and technical staff. Design of national microbiological surveillance programmes and sampling strategies and outbreak detection and control are part of day to day work of reference laboratories.

The work of microbiology reference laboratories includes clinical microbiological advice and diagnosis, complex reference testing, service delivery, methodology development, microbial epidemiology, investigation of national and uncommon outbreaks, response to international health alerts, and advice on the risks posed by various infections. Clinical samples and isolates are received from public health departments, the National Health Service and commercial laboratories across the UK and internationally for specialist testing, characterisation and susceptibility testing.

Office Location: 61 Colindale Avenue, London, NW9 5HT

This role is based within the office on a full-time basis.

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

Working as part of a team delivering high-throughput diagnostic and reference testing for a range of pathogens. Utilising existing knowledge and gaining experience in a range of serological and molecular techniques.

Contribute towards the Clinical Services Unit (CSU) reference and surveillance functions:

• perform laboratory testing as required.
• support delivery of service functions of Unit.

Communication and key working relationships:
Internal
Medical, Scientific, Biomedical and support staff in and Reference Services and within UKSHA.
External
External bodies including NHS staff and other national and international users, commercial companies, and professional groups, as required.

Key Responsibilities:

To take delegated responsibility from the Technical Manager in accordance with UKHSA policies for the following:

Quality / Governance

In collaboration with the Quality Assurance Manager and Technical Manager:

• Maintain a high standard of work
• Contribute to developing the service of the laboratory so that service delivery is safe, effective and economical and follows best practice
• Contribute to internal and external quality assurance programmes
• Contribute to internal and external audit programmes and corrective actions
• Suggest and implement quality improvements
• Technical validation of laboratory results
• Ensure that Reference Services comply with UKAS and other accreditation standards

Research and Development:

• Participate in and support research and development activities within the laboratory and Reference Services.

Management of Staff:

• Ensure, with others, that junior staff and assigned visitors or trainees are competent to carry out the tasks given to them, ensuring levels of sufficient supervision.
• Assist in the appointment selection of junior staff when required.
• Develop and maintain good working relationships with staff.

Financial management:

• Ensure best use of resources.

UKHSA Committees and Working Parties:

• Participate in UKHSA or national committees or working groups as appropriate.
  General
• With the designated Laboratory Caldicott Guardian, Data Protection Officer and Security of Information Officer, ensure confidentiality and conformity to the requirements of the Data Protection Act.
• Foster good relationships with other departments and establishments. This will include collaboration with other parties for the efficient delivery of surveys and other services related to RM.
• Maintain professional competence and be aware of relevant developments in microbiology and other biomedical sciences.
• Develop professional/management expertise by undertaking further appropriate training 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.

Essential Criteria:

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

• BSc in Biological sciences or equivalent.
• Maintains professional competence in biomedical sciences.
• 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.
• Experience of supervision and training of technical staff.
• Able to work carefully, with precision and be able to balance laboratory duties with accurate record keeping.
• Computer literate, ability to analyse data, create reports, and present findings to others.
• Ability to work individually and as part of a team.
• Professional in dealing with external laboratories and other contacts to facilitate receipt of clinical samples and highly sensitive clinical information.
• An understanding of and commitment to equality of opportunity and good working relationships, both in terms of day-to-day working practices, but also in relation to management systems
• Able to convey ideas and opinions clearly and concisely, orally and in writing.
• High level of motivation and commitment to high standards.
• Able to analyse and evaluate data based on evidence.
• Ability to troubleshoot both laboratory-based and project-based problems effectively.
• Able to deal with problems in a calm and efficient manner.
• Able to work to prioritise workload, work to deadlines and remain focussed.

Desirable

• CPD registration and certification.
• HCPC Registration.
• Experience of liaising with customers.
• Experience of using automated analysers.
• Evidence of using technical experience to assess new and existing systems and processes to innovate and initiate change in laboratory.
• Evidence of negotiating skills.
• Live within reasonable distance of the laboratory.
• Evidence of wider interest in public health/research.

Working for the UKHSA

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

• 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

Job contact :

Name :
Shannon Carter
Email :
UKHSA.recruitment@reed.com

Recruitment team :

Email :
UKHSA.recruitment@reed.com