Biomedical Scientist

Service DeliveryThe post holder will help deliver a specialist reference and medical laboratory service to achieve the objectives of efficient and effective patient care and resource management for users of the National Mycobacterium Reference Service South (NMRS-S). The role involves working exclusively with Mycobacterium species, including Hazard Group 3 organisms, within Containment Level 3 facilities. The post holder will perform a range of diagnostic and reference laboratory tests offered by the service. The post holder will assess the clinical relevance of diagnostic requests, work in progress and laboratory results, using scientific judgement and established procedures to determine the pathogenic and clinical significance of findings.

Technical and Laboratory ResponsibilitiesThe post holder will perform laboratory investigations in accordance with established Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). This will include undertaking complex technical procedures such as culture, microscopy and genotypic (molecular) testing used in the diagnosis and characterisation of mycobacterial infections. They will be responsible for the accurate interpretation, documentation and reporting of results, ensuring that all testing is undertaken to the required standards. The post holder will ensure that reagents, consumables and laboratory materials are prepared, stored and used appropriately for patient investigations and will contribute to the evaluation, validation and introduction of new methodologies and technologies to support service development.

Staff Supervision and TrainingThe post holder will supervise and check the work of non-state registered staff in line with established procedures. This responsibility may extend to staff and visitors undertaking technical training within the laboratory, including individuals seconded to the NMRS-S. The post holder will provide technical guidance, support and training to colleagues, helping to develop competence, maintain professional standards and ensure that laboratory procedures are followed consistently.

Quality, Governance and SafetyThe post holder will be responsible for maintaining compliance with all quality assurance, quality control and laboratory governance requirements. The role includes participation in audits, investigations, incident management processes and the implementation of corrective and preventative actions where appropriate. Working in a high-containment laboratory environment, the post holder will ensure strict adherence to health and safety requirements, risk assessments and safe systems of work when handling Hazard Group 3 organisms and other potentially infectious materials.

Communication and Stakeholder EngagementThe post holder will provide technical advice, specialist scientific information and laboratory results to service users and healthcare professionals as required. They will communicate effectively with colleagues across UKHSA as well as with external organisations. The role requires the ability to communicate complex scientific and technical information accurately, clearly and professionally, supporting the delivery of an effective diagnostic and reference service while maintaining productive working relationships with laboratory users and partners.

Service Development and ResearchThe post holder will contribute to the development, evaluation and implementation of new laboratory methodologies, technologies and service improvements. They will support activities that enhance the effectiveness, efficiency and quality of the service, including participation in validation projects, quality improvement initiatives and laboratory performance monitoring.

Professional DevelopmentThe post holder will maintain HCPC registration and professional competence through participation in continuing professional development activities. They will maintain an up-to-date knowledge of microbiology, mycobacteriology and current laboratory practice, ensuring that their professional knowledge and skills remain aligned with developments in the field.

Essential Criteria

Desirable criteria

Selection Process Details

This vacancy will be assessed using a competency-based framework which will assess your qualifications,knowledgeand experience and / or skills and abilities outlined in the essential criteria.

Stage 1: Application & Sift

You willbe requiredto complete an application form. You will be assessed on the listed(13)essential criteria, and this will be in the form of a:

This should outline how you consider your skills, experienceand knowledge provide evidence of your suitability for the role, with reference to the essential criteria.

You will receive a joint score for your application form and statement. (The application form is the kind of information you would put into your C.V please beadvisedyou will not be able to upload your CV. Please complete the application form in as much detail as possible). Please do not email us your CV.

HealthjobsUK has a word limit of 1500, but your supporting statement must be no more than1,000 words. We will not consider any words over1,000 words.

Longlisting: In the event ofa large number ofapplications,we will longlist into 3 piles of:

If used, the pile(s) Meets all essential criteria willproceedto shortlisting.

Shortlisting: In the event ofa large number ofapplications we will conductan initialsift, on the lead criteria of:

Desirable criteria may be usedin the event ofa large number ofapplications/largeamountof successful candidates.

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

Feedback will not be provided at this stage.

Stage 2: Interview

You will be invited to a single face to face at Colindale. In exceptional circumstances, we may be able to offer a remote interview.

Knowledge, experience, skills & abilities will be tested at interview.

We pride ourselves as being an employer of choice, where Everyone Matters promoting equality of opportunity to actively encourage applications from everyone, including groups currently underrepresented in our workforce.

UKHSA ethos is to be an inclusive organisation for all our staff and stakeholders. To create, nurture and sustain an inclusive culture, where differences drive innovative solutions to meet the needs of our workforce and wider communities. We do this through celebrating and protecting differences by removing barriers and promoting equity and equality of opportunity for all.

Please visit our careers site for more information https://gov.uk/ukhsa/careers

Application form andsupportingstatement

Essential Criteria