Healthcare Scientist

UK Health Security Agency; Idmiston; Hybrid; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A national health security agency in the UK is seeking a skilled laboratory scientist to perform next generation sequencing and sequencing diagnostic assays. The successful candidate will ensure that laboratory work adheres to scientific, safety, and quality standards, while also supporting the development of new testing methods. Candidates should have a relevant biological science degree and experience in molecular biology. This role allows for hybrid working options depending on business needs.

Benefits

Access to a defined benefit pension scheme

Flexi-working patterns

Access to retail discounts and cashback

Generous parental leave package

Qualifications

• Experience in molecular biology is essential.
• Understanding of laboratory safety procedures is required.
• Must possess advanced keyboard skills.

Responsibilities

• Conduct a range of sequencing and diagnostic assays.
• Support development of new assays and current testing strategies.
• Ensure compliance with laboratory standards and protocols.

Skills

Knowledge of automated liquid handling

Molecular biology experience

Excellent time-management skills

Problem-solving skills

Interpersonal and communication skills

Education

Degree in a relevant biological science

Job description

United Kingdom Health Security Agency (UKHSA) – About Us

The United Kingdom Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is a system leader for health security; taking action internationally to strengthen global health security, providing trusted advice to government and the public and reducing inequalities in the way different communities experience and are impacted by infectious disease, environmental hazards, and other threats to health. UKHSA’s remit, as an agency with a global‑to‑local reach, is to protect the health of the nation from infectious diseases and other external threats to health.

UKHSA Mission

• Prevent: anticipate threats to health and help build the nation’s readiness, defences and health security
• Detect: use cutting edge environmental and biological surveillance to proactively detect and monitor infectious diseases and threats to health
• Analyse: use world‑class science and data analytics to assess and continually monitor threats to health, identifying how best to control and mitigate the risks
• Respond: take rapid, collaborative and effective actions nationally and locally to mitigate threats to health when they materialise
• Lead: lead strong and sustainable global, national, regional and local partnerships designed to save lives, protect the nation from public health threats and reduce inequalities.

Job Overview

The successful candidate will work as part of the Porton Pathogen Genomics next generation sequencing team to ensure a clinical service is provided efficiently and to the highest standard. This role will involve routine laboratory work, laboratory housekeeping and maintenance, recording and reporting of results and ensuring the work is carried out to high scientific, safety and quality standards. The post holder will perform a range of scientific techniques primarily focused on high throughput next generation sequencing.

Key Responsibilities

• Undertake a range of sequencing and diagnostic assays and techniques as required, meeting the needs of UKHSA Pathogen Genomics service provision
• Perform targeted NGS methods such as the ARTIC protocol
• Support current testing strategies and the development of new assays
• Assist in the identification, evaluation, and adaptation of new technologies to enhance the laboratory’s capabilities and to ensure the laboratory works to a high scientific standard
• Conform to the working standards outlined by UKAS ISO 15189:2022 and ISO 9001:2015
• Operate a range of equipment, e.g., centrifuges, analyzers, safety cabinets, fridges and freezers
• Act as a laboratory supervisor ensuring equipment is suitably maintained and calibrated and that documentation relevant to the laboratory is kept up to date
• Comply with waste disposal protocols
• Operate, maintain, clean, and disinfect laboratory equipment safely
• Monitor laboratory stocks and supplies daily to help optimise use of consumables and to reduce wastage
• Play a leading role in the training of junior and new staff
• Ensure all work is undertaken in accordance with UKHSA’s safety policies
• Work within the laboratory’s Quality Management System
• Maintain a clean, safe, and tidy working environment
• Escalate risks that cannot be controlled to the Laboratory Head
• Notify accidents, near misses, dangerous situations and shortcomings in health and safety via the appropriate management structure
• Report any personal sickness that may have been caused by or may impact upon work, in line with the UKHSA Sickness Absence management policy
• Support UKHSA administrative staff
• Comply with all UKHSA policies and procedures
• Identify any potential conflicts of interest which may impinge on your ability to perform duties effectively as defined by UKHSA Conflict of Interest Policy
• Perform any other duties required by the line manager commensurate with grade
• The above is only an outline of the tasks, responsibilities and outcomes required of the role. You will carry out any other duties as may reasonably be required by the directorate.
• The job description and person specification may be reviewed on an ongoing basis in accordance with the changing needs of the organisation.
• It should be noted that the work of the division is of a confidential nature and must not be communicated to other persons except where required for authorised purposes.

Working for Our 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.

Professional Development

You should pursue a programme of continuous professional development in accordance with any relevant professional registration or statutory requirements, while maintaining appropriate awareness of service provider requirements. As part of a member of staff’s duty they are required to participate in a joint quarterly review of their work.

• Identify, discuss, and action your own professional performance and training needs with your line manager through quarterly performance reviews and individual training plans
• Attend internal and external training events
• Complete all mandatory training as required
• Undergo any training requirements as required for the post

Key Working Relationships

• Head of Operations (internal)
• Laboratory Head (internal)
• UKHSA Porton colleagues (internal)
• Scientists (internal)
• Suppliers (external)
• Sample collection staff (external)
• Referring laboratory staff (external)
• Stores Team (external)

Application Process

You will be required to complete an application form (Employer/Activity history section) and up to a 750‑word supporting statement. 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 supporting statement will be marked together. Please note you will not be able to upload your CV. You must complete the application form in as much detail as possible. Do not email us your CV.

• The application will be long‑listed into three piles: Meets all essential criteria; Meets some essential criteria; Meets no essential criteria.
• Only the first pile will move to the next stage.

Selection Process Details

This vacancy uses Success Profiles and will assess your behaviours, strengths, experience and technical skills.

• Degree in a relevant biological science
• Knowledge and understanding of laboratory safety requirements and procedures
• Experience in molecular biology
• Knowledge of automated liquid handling
• Basic knowledge of project principles
• Previous experience as a Healthcare Scientist or equivalent in Molecular/Microbiology
• Advanced keyboard skills, use of a range of software
• Excellent time‑management skills with the ability to re‑prioritise
• Problem‑solving skills and ability to respond to sudden unexpected demands
• Skills in communication of complex information and administrative matters, requiring developed interpersonal and oral/written communication skills
• Ability to work on own initiative and organise own workload with minimal supervision working to tight and often changing timescales
• An understanding of and commitment to equality of opportunity and good working relationships, both in terms of day‑to‑day working practices and in relation to management systems

Security Clearance Level Requirement

• Basic Personnel Security Standard
• Counter‑terrorist Check

Benefits

• Access to a generous Defined Benefit pension scheme with employer contributions.
• Access to a cycle‑to‑work salary sacrifice scheme, seasonal ticket advances and payroll giving.
• Access to a retail discounts and cashback site.
• Flexi‑working patterns (part‑time, job‑share, condensed hours). All employees have the right to apply for flexible working and there are a range of options available including working from home, compressed hours and job sharing.
• A generous maternity, paternity and adoption leave package.
• Hybrid working model where business needs allow.

Hybrid Working

UKHSA operates a hybrid working model where business needs allow. This provides us with greater flexibility about how and where we work, to get the best from our workforce.

International Considerations

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 could be time accrued over that period.

Successfully applying for this role as part of the pre‑employment screening will involve a personal details check against the Cabinet Office Internal Fraud Hub. Applicants included on the database will be refused employment unless they can show exceptional circumstances.