Principal Clinical Scientist
UK Health Security Agency
North London, NW9 5EQView on map(opens Google Maps in a new tab)
Salary
£57,528 to £60,417
Contract
Permanent
Hours
Not specified
Closing date
15 November 2026
3 days leftJob description
The Principal Clinical Scientist will provide leadership and expertise in developing and implementing clinical and reference service delivery, surveil...
- Provide effective scientific leadership to implementation and provision of end-to-end services for antiviral resistance within AVU
- Maximise efficient and flexible use of resources for LEAN service delivery
- Plan, develop, implement and direct with Unit Head a long-term strategy and programme of research for the specialist area
- Adopt new technologies and quality innovations to maximise the effectiveness of AVU clinical and reference services
Within defined specialist areas to support Unit Head by undertaking the following functions as required:
- Participate in Virus Reference Department (VRD) Senior Management Team meetings and in higher level meetings
- Develop professional/management expertise by undertaking further appropriate training
- Support career and professional development of staff within the team
- Manage staff, conduct staff appraisals of direct reports and manage performance issues
- Ensure provision of a safe working environment for all staff and visitors
- Contribute to maintaining a high profile for specialisms amongst key stakeholders in the UK and abroad
- Help to maintain lab accreditation e.g. with UK Accreditation Service (UKAS) or its successors and other agreed national/international standards
- Act as an advisor and a source of expert and specialist information for the Unit and UKHSA and deputise for Unit Head
The above is not an exhaustive list.
Within defined specialist area(s) to undertake the following functions:
- Advise AVU and VRD Senior Staff on all aspects of work associated with specialisms especially implementation of Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) for service delivery- Assess methodologies regularly to provide on-going improvement in services and provide expert advice and knowledge on the scientific basis of clinical and reference service tests and results- Develop, evaluate and implement methods relevant to the specialist area- Produce peer-reviewed publications on the results of research activities, and develop/review/edit manuscripts, documents, protocols, procedures, guidelines, and other measurable outputs- Provide scientific advice and support in relation to internal quality controls and external quality assessment, proficiency testing and reference materials in collaboration with the UK National External Quality Assessment Service for Microbiology (NEQAS), UK HIV Resistance Network and other organisations- Present research findings at local/national/international scientific meetings
- Ensure robust arrangements for Clinical Governance for activities relating to the specialist areas- Ensure the probity and integrity of research undertaken- Provide cover for other Clinical Scientist by validating reports at medical level on Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS)
- Contribute to development of efficient and use-friendly information technology systems and databases including appropriate databases and tools for analysis of WGS data and extraction of key information for clear, concise reports for service delivery- Use appropriate software packages for word processing, presentations, data analysis, and specialist bioinformatics packages- Liaise with LIMS team on the introduction of new tests
- Promote the personal and professional development of staff through creation of personal development plans, regular performance review, and identification and meeting of training needs- Ensure junior staff and assigned visitors or trainees are competent to carry out the tasks given to them, ensuring that levels of supervision are sufficient- Develop and supervise postgraduate research projects and support the organisation of, and participate in, training programmes for staff and visitors
- Maintain a high standard of work and appraise and contribute to developing services so they are safe, effective and economical and follow best practice- Work towards ensuring an efficient quality management system- Contribute to internal/external quality assurance programmes- Ensure compliance with UKAS and other accreditation and certification standards- Ensure continual development and compliance of internal/external audit programmes and corrective actions
To agree safety objectives with managed staff and to review performance at appraisal and support Senior Management Team in carrying out duties regarding:
- Ensuring health, safety and welfare of self/staff/visitors- Ensuring relevant UKHSA health & safety policies and lab safety committee recommendations and actions are implemented- Ensuring implementation of remedial actions resulting from safety inspections and audits
The above provides an overview of the role; other reasonable duties may be assigned by your line manager as required. The job description and person specification are subject to review in line with department or organisational needs.
- Educated to degree level in relevant subject (i.e. Microbiology or Biological Science)- PhD or equivalent postgraduate degree in relevant subject (i.e. Microbiology or Biological Science)- Relevant professional qualification: full registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) as Clinical Scientist- Extensive expertise in virology and antiviral resistant- Substantive experience in Public Health Microbiology in reference and diagnostic settings- Able to provide/receive highly complex information, negotiate and present to peers/others- Strong proficiency in applying analytical and statistical techniques using a variety of software/codebases including expert level knowledge of Python or other programming languages relevant to data and reproducible science
- Proven record of research in relevant areas, including significant/relevant publications- Able to prioritize own work effectively and be able to direct activities of others with experience of managing and motivating a team and reviewing performance of individuals
This vacancy will be assessed using a competency-based framework which will assess your qualifications,knowledge, experience, skills and abilities outlined in the 7 Essential Criteria in this job advert.
At sift stage you will be assessed against the 7 Essential Criteria in this job advert. You will be required to complete:
- an Application Form (Employer/Activity history section on the application)- a 1250 word Supporting Statement - DO NOT EXCEED 1250 WORDS AS WE WILL NOT CONSIDER ANY WORDS OVER THIS AMOUNT
This should outline how your skills, experience, and knowledge provide evidence of your suitability for the role. You will receive a joint score for your application form and supporting statement.
The application form is the kind of information you would put into your CV PLEASE BE ADVISED YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO UPLOAD OR EMAIL US YOUR CV. Please complete the application form in as much detail as possible.
LONGLISTING
In the event of numerous applications, we may longlist into 3 piles of:
- Meets all Essential Criteria- Meets some Essential Criteria- Meets no Essential Criteria
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 & Supporting Statement
Essential: - Application Form & Supporting Statement
Interview
Essential: - Questions on Knowledge, Experience, Skills and Abilities; - Presentation
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
2 November 2026
Last checked
4 November 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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