Healthcare Scientist Team Manager (Virology and Molecular)
UK Health Security Agency
Colindale, NW9 5EQView on map(opens Google Maps in a new tab)
Salary
£46,310 to £52,113
Contract
Permanent
Hours
Not specified
Closing date
1 October 2026
3 days leftJob description
UK NEQAS for Microbiology provides clinical EQA services to participants worldwide. Microbiology covered includes mycology, bacteriology (with antimic...
o Provide leadership (in rotation with other Team Managers) in the UK NEQAS for Microbiology laboratories and be responsible for the overall service in that area.
o Responsible for ensuring specimens for EQA are prepared and quality controlled according to schedule.
o Responsible for procedures involved in report production and responding to customer queries/feedback in a timely manner.
o Responsible for the development and training of laboratory staff in specific areas.
Please note this list is not exhaustive.
- Lead the organisation, preparation and quality control of simulated specimens for UK NEQAS schemes, ensuring effective resource management.
- Maintain high laboratory standards, ensuring compliance with UKAS accreditation and best practice.
- Oversee data analysis of participant results and preparation of scheme reports.
- Source clinical material and develop new specimen types for EQA schemes.
- Apply expertise in clinical virology and molecular diagnostics to specimen design, quality control and stability testing.
- Maintain professional competence and keep up to date with developments in clinical microbiology.
- Undertake deputy responsibilities as required.
- Identify and undertake training and development needs through appraisal and personal development plans.
- Complete all mandatory training requirements.
- Support recruitment, induction, training, performance reviews and ongoing development of staff.
- Promote effective working relationships and facilitate appropriate training opportunities.
Communication and Working Relationships
The post holder will communicate with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders, including:
Internal
- UK NEQAS for Microbiology staff and colleagues across UKHSA.
- Collaborating institutions, stakeholders, scheme participants, Steering Committees, the UK NEQAS Central Office and other relevant organisations.
- Provide scientific advice and interpretation relating to quality assurance schemes.
Service Improvement
- Work collaboratively to improve processes and working practices.
In conjunction with the Laboratory Safety Coordinator and Laboratory Manager:
- Comply with UKHSA health and safety policies and objectives.
- Attend required safety training and implement local safety procedures.
- Promote the health, safety and welfare of staff and visitors.
- Ensure risk assessments are completed and control measures implemented.
- Support corrective actions arising from inspections, audits and incident reporting.
- Maintain high standards of service delivery that are safe, effective and economical.
- Contribute to quality assurance, accreditation, audit activities and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Support implementation of corrective actions and quality improvements.
Information and Knowledge
- Support the development of IT systems and databases.
- Analyse and present statistical information to support quality and project activities.
Development and Innovation
- Assist in the development of new specimen types and EQA schemes.
Procurement and Project Support
- Assist with business cases, risk management and stock procurement (up to £5,000).
Services and Project Management
- Support the selection, implementation and validation of laboratory equipment.
People Management
- Ensure technical and support staff receive appropriate training on new procedures, systems and developments.
Essential role criteria
MSc or an equivalent/higher qualification in Medical Microbiology/Virology
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: - Changing and Improving; - Leadership; - Working together; - Managing a Quality Service (lead behaviour)
Presentation
Essential: - The importance of EQA in a virology diagnostic laboratory
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
17 September 2026
Last checked
21 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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