Biomedical Scientist

UK Health Security Agency; London; On-site; GBP 46,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

The UK Health Security Agency is seeking a Biomedical Scientist for its Sexually Transmitted Infections Reference Laboratory in London. This rewarding role involves performing advanced microbiological and molecular techniques to support national public health initiatives and engage in training and stakeholder collaboration.

Benefits

Learning and development tailored to your role

Flexible working options

Pension contributions

Qualifications

• HCPC registration required.
• Experience in managing surveillance projects.
• Good analytical skills and ability to present data effectively.

Responsibilities

• Perform complex microbiological and molecular laboratory duties.
• Support national surveillance programmes.
• Train and supervise junior staff.

Skills

Microbiological techniques

Molecular techniques

Data analysis

Communication

Education

BSc (Hons) in Biomedical science or related subject

Tools

LIMS

Job description

UKHSA Colindale, London, NW9 5EQ

Job Summary

We are seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Biomedical Scientist to join the Sexually Transmitted Infections Reference Laboratory (STIRL), part of the Specialised Microbiology and Laboratories Directorate within the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA). STIRL plays a vital role in delivering high-quality specialist and reference services and contributing to national surveillance programmes that support the public health response to sexually transmitted infections.

As a Biomedical Scientist, you will perform complex microbiology and molecular laboratory duties under supervision, following established standard operating procedures and protocols. You will be part of a dynamic and expert laboratory team undertaking a range of high-level scientific activities, from antimicrobial susceptibility testing and outbreak investigations to supporting national surveillance initiatives. STIRL’s work is pivotal in shaping national responses to STI threats, monitoring emerging antimicrobial resistance, and developing innovative diagnostic methods, including the application of whole genome sequencing technologies.

This is a stimulating and rewarding opportunity for individuals who are passionate about public health microbiology, laboratory excellence, and scientific innovation. If you are motivated to advance your technical expertise, contribute to national and global health protection efforts, and work alongside leading experts in the field, we encourage you to apply.

Working for your organisation

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

Job Description

As a Biomedical Scientist within STIRL, you will play a key role in delivering high-quality specialist services and supporting national surveillance programmes that inform the public health response to sexually transmitted infections. Working within the Specialised Microbiology and Laboratories Directorate at UKHSA, you will contribute to the laboratory’s day-to-day operations by performing a range of complex microbiological and molecular techniques, while ensuring the smooth and efficient delivery of services.

In this role, you will be involved in both routine and advanced testing procedures, including antimicrobial susceptibility testing, molecular typing, and the application of whole genome sequencing technologies to characterise bacterial sexually transmitted infections. You will contribute to surveillance programmes such as the Gonococcal Resistance to Antimicrobials Surveillance Programme (GRASP) and the Mycoplasma genitalium Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance Programme (MARS), providing vital data to support the monitoring of antimicrobial resistance and the investigation of outbreaks. Working closely with senior scientific and technical staff, you will assist in developing and validating new laboratory methods to enhance service delivery and scientific innovation.

You will be responsible for the interpretation, recording, and validation of laboratory results in accordance with established protocols, while maintaining the highest standards of quality and compliance with accreditation requirements such as ISO15189. Your responsibilities will also include supporting the maintenance and development of laboratory information management systems (LIMS), assisting with the preparation and review of standard operating procedures, and ensuring health and safety guidelines are consistently followed.

Alongside your technical work, you will play an active role in staff development within the laboratory, assisting with the training, supervision, and competency assessment of junior staff, postgraduate students, and visitors. You will contribute to the effective management of laboratory resources, including stock control and equipment maintenance, ensuring operational continuity.

This role offers opportunities to engage with a range of internal and external stakeholders, including NHS laboratories, academic partners, and international organisations. You will participate in national and international projects relating to the surveillance and investigation of STI pathogens and may be involved in responding to public health incidents both within the UK and globally.

This is an exciting opportunity for a motivated and detail-oriented Biomedical Scientist who thrives in a dynamic and multidisciplinary environment. With access to excellent professional development opportunities, including training in advanced microbiological and molecular techniques, this role offers the chance to make a significant contribution to the national effort to understand, control, and prevent sexually transmitted infections.

As a Biomedical Scientist within STIRL, you will play a key role in delivering high-quality specialist services and supporting national surveillance programmes that inform the public health response to sexually transmitted infections. Working within the Specialised Microbiology and Laboratories Directorate at UKHSA, you will contribute to the laboratory’s day-to-day operations by performing a range of complex microbiological and molecular techniques, while ensuring the smooth and efficient delivery of services.

In this role, you will be involved in both routine and advanced testing procedures, including antimicrobial susceptibility testing, molecular typing, and the application of whole genome sequencing technologies to characterise bacterial sexually transmitted infections. You will contribute to surveillance programmes such as the Gonococcal Resistance to Antimicrobials Surveillance Programme (GRASP) and the Mycoplasma genitalium Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance Programme (MARS), providing vital data to support the monitoring of antimicrobial resistance and the investigation of outbreaks. Working closely with senior scientific and technical staff, you will assist in developing and validating new laboratory methods to enhance service delivery and scientific innovation.

You will be responsible for the interpretation, recording, and validation of laboratory results in accordance with established protocols, while maintaining the highest standards of quality and compliance with accreditation requirements such as ISO15189. Your responsibilities will also include supporting the maintenance and development of laboratory information management systems (LIMS), assisting with the preparation and review of standard operating procedures, and ensuring health and safety guidelines are consistently followed.

Alongside your technical work, you will play an active role in staff development within the laboratory, assisting with the training, supervision, and competency assessment of junior staff, postgraduate students, and visitors. You will contribute to the effective management of laboratory resources, including stock control and equipment maintenance, ensuring operational continuity.

This role offers opportunities to engage with a range of internal and external stakeholders, including NHS laboratories, academic partners, and international organisations. You will participate in national and international projects relating to the surveillance and investigation of STI pathogens and may be involved in responding to public health incidents both within the UK and globally.

This is an exciting opportunity for a motivated and detail-oriented Biomedical Scientist who thrives in a dynamic and multidisciplinary environment. With access to excellent professional development opportunities, including training in advanced microbiological and molecular techniques, this role offers the chance to make a significant contribution to the national effort to understand, control, and prevent sexually transmitted infections.

Person specification

Essential Criteria

• HCPC registration
• BSc (Hons) in Biomedical science or related subject, 2:1 or above
• Maintains professional competence in biomedical sciences by attending lectures and seminars
• Proven experience of working in a microbiology laboratory
• Good in-depth knowledge and experience in the development and validation of molecular and phenotypic methods in the analysis of microbial pathogens.
• Knows and understands quality assurance and laboratory safety requirements and procedures
• Experience in managing surveillance and/or research-based activities and projects.
• Experience in communication and collaboration at national and international level with a track record of peer-reviewed publications and oral presentations.
• Experience in training others
• Excellent written and communication skills
• Use of bioinformatics tools for data analysis, as well as familiarity with database software and preparation of queries
• Skills in dealing with difficult situations in managing staff and customers service delivery.
• Organised, flexible and innovative approach to work, self-motivating and pro-active.
• Ability to analyse data based on evidence and present it in a meaningful way.
• Ability to deliver high quality work to tight deadlines
• An understanding of and commitment to equality of opportunity and good working relationships, both in terms of day-to-day working practices, but also in relation to management systems
  
  

Alongside your salary of £46,148, UK Health Security Agency contributes £13,369 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.

• Learning and development tailored to your role
• An environment with flexible working options
• A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity
  
  

Selection process details

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

Stage 1: Application & Sift

Job Description

You will be required to complete an application form. You will be assessed on the listed essential criteria that have been selected from the job description, and this will be in the form of a:

• Application form (‘Employer/ Activity history’ section on the application)
• 1500 word Statement of Suitability.
  
  

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

The Application form and Statement of Suitability will be marked together.

Longlisting: 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
  
  

Only those meeting all essential criteria will be taken through to shortlisting.

Shortlisting: In the event of a large number of applications we will shortlist on:

• BSc (Hons) in Biomedical science or related subject, 2:1 or above
• Good in-depth knowledge and experience in the development and validation of molecular and phenotypic methods in the analysis of microbial pathogens.
  
  

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

Please do not exceed 1500 words. We will not consider any words over and above this number.

Please note you will not be able to upload your CV. You must complete the application form in as much detail as possible. Please do not email us your CV.

Feedback will not be provided at this stage.

Stage 2: Interview

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

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

You will be asked to prepare and present a 5–10 minute presentation. The subject of this will be sent to you prior to interview.

Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.

Location:

This role is being offered as lab based at our Scientific Campus in Colindale, London. Please note that hybrid working is not available for this role.

Eligibility Criteria

Open to all external applicants (anyone) from outside the Civil Service (including by definition internal applicants).

Security Clearance Level Requirement

Successful candidates must pass a disclosure and barring security check.

Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is Counter-terrorist Check.

For meaningful National Security Vetting checks to be carried out individuals need to have lived in the UK for a sufficient period of time. You should normally have been resident in the United Kingdom for the last 3 years as the role requires Counter Terrorism Check (CTC) clearance.

UK residency less than the outlined periods may not necessarily bar you from gaining national security vetting and applicants should contact the Vacancy Holder / Recruiting Manager listed in the advert for further advice.

Reasonable Adjustments

The Civil Service is committed to making sure that our selection methods are fair to everyone. To help you during the recruitment process, we will consider any reasonable adjustments that could help you. An adjustment is a change to the recruitment process or an adjustment at work. This is separate to the Disability Confident Scheme. If you need an adjustment to be made at any point during the recruitment process you should contact the recruitment team in confidence as soon as possible to discuss your needs.

You can find out more information about reasonable adjustments across the Civil Service here: https://www.civil-service-careers.gov.uk/reasonable-adjustments/

International Police check

If you have spent more than 6 months abroad over the last 3 years you may need an International Police Check. This would not necessarily have to be in a single block, and it could be time accrued over that period.

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Your application may be rejected and/or you may be subject to disciplinary action if evidence of plagiarism is detected. Examples of plagiarism can include presenting the ideas and experience of others, or generated by artificial intelligence (AI), as your own.

Internal Fraud check

If successful for this role as one aspect of pre-employment screening, applicant’s personal details – name, national insurance number and date of birth - will be checked against the Cabinet Office Internal Fraud Hub and anyone included on the database will be refused employment unless they can show exceptional circumstances. Currently this is only for External candidates to the Civil Service.

Careers website

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

Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.

Security

Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.

Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is counter-terrorist check (opens in a new window).See our vetting charter (opens in a new window).

People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.

Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.

Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is counter-terrorist check (opens in a new window).See our vetting charter (opens in a new window).

People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.

Nationality requirements

This Job Is Broadly Open To The Following Groups

• UK nationals
• nationals of the Republic of Ireland
• nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window)
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
• individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
• Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service
  
  

Further information on nationality requirements (opens in a new window)

Working for the Civil Service

The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.

We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window).

The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.

The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.

We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window).

The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.

Diversity and Inclusion

The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see the Civil Service People Plan (opens in a new window) and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy (opens in a new window).

Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.

Contact point for applicants

Job Contact

• Name : Jon Payne
• Email : [e-mail]
  
  

Recruitment team

• Email : [e-mail]
  
  

Further information

The law requires that selection for appointment to the Civil Service is on merit on the basis of fair and open competition as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's Recruitment Principles. If you feel your application has not been treated in accordance with the Recruitment Principles, and you wish to make a complaint, in the first instance, you should contact UKHSA Public Accountability Unit via email: [e-mail] If you are not satisfied with the response you receive from the Department, you can contact the Civil Service Commission: Visit the Civil Service Commission website: https://civilservicecommission.independent.gov.uk

http://www.healthjobsuk.com/vacancy/7208682