Assistant Healthcare Scientist

• Assist in the delivery of UKHSA's national reference and surveillance services for bacterial sexually transmitted infections by undertaking routine laboratory support activities in accordance with standard operating procedures.
• Receive, prepare, process and track clinical specimens, maintaining accurate laboratory records using the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS).
• Perform routine microbiological, molecular and serological laboratory procedures following appropriate training, competency assessment and supervision.
• Support the day-to-day operation of the laboratory, including stock management, preparation of reagents and consumables, equipment monitoring, specimen archiving and waste disposal.
• Contribute to maintaining laboratory quality, health and safety standards by following UKHSA policies, quality management procedures and accreditation requirements.
• Work collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary team, responding to routine enquiries and providing support to colleagues to ensure an efficient laboratory service.
• Participate in mandatory training, competency assessments and continuous development to enhance technical knowledge and laboratory skills.
• Undertake other duties appropriate to the grade to support service delivery, business continuity and the effective operation of the laboratory

• Receive, label, prepare and process clinical specimens in accordance with standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Perform routine laboratory procedures following appropriate training, competency assessment and supervision.
• Assist with the preparation of laboratory media, reagents and consumables required for diagnostic and reference testing.
• Accurately enter and maintain laboratory records using the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) and other laboratory databases.
• Support specimen receipt, storage, archiving and disposal, including maintaining paper and electronic archive systems.
• Record routine laboratory findings and enter results onto LIMS where no scientific interpretation is required, following established procedures.
• Respond to routine laboratory enquiries and assist with the receipt of visitors, deliveries and service engineers as required.

• Assist with the day-to-day running of the laboratory to ensure an efficient and effective service.
• Monitor laboratory stock levels and assist with ordering, receiving and storing consumables and equipment.
• Carry out routine equipment checks and basic maintenance following training, reporting faults or discrepancies to senior staff.
• Ensure work areas are maintained in a clean, safe and organised condition.
• Participate in internal and external quality assurance activities where appropriate.

• Work in accordance with UKHSA policies, laboratory SOPs and quality management procedures.
• Comply with Health and Safety legislation, COSHH requirements and infection prevention and control procedures.
• Participate in routine quality assurance activities and maintain accurate laboratory documentation.
• Report equipment faults, incidents or health and safety concerns to an appropriate member of staff.

• Work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary laboratory team to support the delivery of national reference and surveillance services.
• Communicate effectively with colleagues and respond appropriately to routine operational requests.
• Develop and maintain positive working relationships with colleagues across the department.

• Participate in induction, mandatory training and competency assessments appropriate to the role.
• Maintain and develop technical knowledge and practical laboratory skills through continuous learning and development.
• Participate in team meetings and contribute positively to service improvement activities where appropriate.

• Maintain confidentiality and comply with UKHSA Information Governance requirements.
• Demonstrate UKHSA values and behaviours in all aspects of work.
• Work flexibly to support service delivery and business continuity.
• Undertake any other duties commensurate with the grade and responsibilities of the post.

• GCSEs (or equivalent qualification) including English, Mathematics and Science at Grade C/4 or above, or equivalent experience in a lab based role.
• Ability to follow standard operating procedures accurately and work to a high standard of attention to detail.
• Good organisational and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Basic IT skills, with the ability to accurately record information using computer systems.
• Ability to work safely and follow laboratory health and safety procedures.
• Willingness to undertake training, competency assessments and continuous professional development.
• Flexible approach to work, with the ability to support changing service priorities and business continuity

• Previous experience working in a laboratory, healthcare or scientific environment.
• Experience of handling clinical specimens or working within a diagnostic or research laboratory.
• Familiarity with Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) or other electronic record systems.
• Awareness of laboratory quality systems, infection prevention and control, and health and safety requirements.
• Experience of working within a regulated or accredited environment, such as UKAS ISO 15189.
• Awareness of bacterial sexually transmitted infections and antimicrobial resistance

• Application form (Employer/ Activity history section on the application)
• 700 word supporting statement.

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

Essential

• Application form and supporting statement

Essential

• Questions on Experience, Knowledge and Skills