Healthcare Scientific Support Worker
UK Health Security Agency
Birmingham, B9 5SSView on map(opens Google Maps in a new tab)
Salary
£25,651 to £27,220
Contract
Permanent
Hours
Not specified
Closing date
16 September 2026
7 days leftJob description
Are you looking to start or develop your career in laboratory science within a nationally recognised healthcare organisation? The UK Health Security A...
As a Healthcare Scientist Support Worker, you will:
- Provide technical and administrative support to scientific staff, assisting with the processing, preparation and handling of clinical specimens.
- Work as part of a skilled multidisciplinary team and rotate through a variety of microbiology laboratory sections, gaining broad experience across different service areas.
This role is ideal for an organised, motivated individual with excellent attention to detail, strong teamwork skills and a commitment to delivering high-quality laboratory services.
Please note, the above is not exhaustive.
Under the local supervision of a Registered Biomedical Scientist:
- Sample receipt and handing.
- Sample preparation and reagent preparation following protocols.
- Clerical duties, including use of computers, and data entry, telephone enquiries.
- Provide results service to wards, GPs and other hospitals
- Dealing with patients, visitors and deliveries.
- Monitor and maintain appropriate stock levels, receipt of deliveries and preparation of orders.
- Cleaning and disinfection of equipment and laboratory areas.
- Monitoring and routine maintenance of equipment.
- Perform basic manual and automated tests according to protocols.
- Disposal of tissue and patient samples in accordance with relevant guidelines
- Autoclaving of waste material and patient samples (involves moderate lifting).
- Work in a safe manner in accordance with Laboratory Health and Safety policies and procedures.
- Processing specimens, sub culturing of specimens, cleaning and maintenance of equipment, assisting BMS staff in analytical techniques, and use of automated equipment within Containment Level 3 laboratory.
- To participate in Quality Assurance and Quality Control activities and assist the department in maintaining UKAS Accreditation.
- To participate in audit processes, drug trials, research projects as required.
- Job Holder is expected to occasionally work under remote supervision of a Registered Biomedical Scientist following defined SOP/protocols and would be expected to refer non routine issues to their supervisor.
- Assistance with training of junior HSSW staff and trainee BMS staff.
- Preparation of samples prior to sending away to reference laboratories.
- GCSE grade C or above in Maths & English or equivalent experience working in a laboratory
- Experience of using computerised data systems
- Basic knowledge of Health & Safety
- Previous experience working in an administrative environment
- Previous experience of using computerised data systems
- Experience of manual handling task
- Previous experience of working in a microbiology laboratory
- Previous experience of working in a health care environment
- Knowledge of laboratory consumables
Selection Process Details This vacancy is using Success Profiles and will assess your Behaviours, Strengths and Experience.
Stage 1: Application & Sift
You will be required to complete an application form. You will be assessed on the listed 7 essential criteria, and this will be in the form of a:
- Application form(Employer/ Activity history section on the application)
- 750 word supporting statement.
This should outline how you consider your skills, experience and 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 be advised you 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.
Healthjobs UK has a word limit of 1500, but your supporting statement must be no more than 750 words. We will not consider any words over 750.
In the event of a large number of applications we will longlist into 3 piles of:
- Meets all essential criteria
- Meets some essential criteria
- Meets no essential criteria
If used, the pile(s) Meets all essential criteria will proceed to shortlisting.
In the event of a large number of applications we may conduct an initial sift, on the lead criteria of:
- GCSE grade C or above in Maths and English or equivalent experience working in a laboratory
Desirable criteria may be used in the event of a large number of applications or large amount of successful candidates.
If you are successful at this stage, you will progress to interview.
Feedback will not be provided at this stage.
Stage 2: Interview
You will be invited to a face to face interview at UK Health Security Agency Public Health Laboratory Birmingham, Heartlands Hospital, Bordesley Green East, Birmingham, B9 5ST.
If face to face interviews are planned, in exceptional circumstances, we may be able to offer a remote interview.
Behaviours and Strengths will be tested at interview.
The Behaviours tested during the interview stage will be:
- Seeing the big picture
- Communicating and influencing
- Working together (Lead behaviour)
- Delivering at pace
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 and Supporting Statement
Essential: - Application form and Supporting Statement
Behaviours
Essential: - Seeing the big picture; - Communication and influencing; - Working together - Lead; - Delivering at pace
Strengths
Essential: - Strength based questions
How to apply
Applications are handled entirely by the employer on the original advert. We do not collect CVs, supporting statements or application data.
Provenance
Source
NHS Jobs
First seen
9 September 2026
Last checked
9 September 2026
Salary, closing date and description are taken from the employer's advert. The original advert always takes precedence.
About the employer
NHS organisation
This listing was structured from NHS Jobs. Vacancy details and the application process remain the responsibility of the original source.
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