Healthcare Scientist / Biomedical Scientist

UK Health Security Agency; City of Westminster; On-site; GBP 31,000 - 38,000; Full time

Job summary

A public health organization in the UK is seeking a qualified professional to conduct genomic services, including Next-Generation Sequencing and Sanger sequencing. The ideal candidate will hold HCPC registration and have experience with manual and automated lab techniques. This role involves supervising junior staff, ensuring adherence to safety protocols, and maintaining the laboratory's operational standards. A commitment to equality and inclusion is fundamental to the organization's ethos.

Qualifications

• Candidates must hold HCPC registration for Biomedical Scientist roles.
• Experience with NGS and Sanger sequencing required.
• Ability to supervise and train junior staff.

Responsibilities

• Conduct various genomic services, including NGS and Sanger sequencing.
• Maintain laboratory equipment and supplies.
• Supervise junior staff and evaluate their performance.
• Ensure compliance with safety and quality systems.

Skills

Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS)

Sanger sequencing

Fragment analysis

Manual and automated lab techniques

Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)

Data analysis

Education

HCPC registration

Biomedical Scientist or Healthcare Scientist qualification

Job description

The post holder will contribute to ensuring the provision of genomic services to our customers, including:

Responsibilities

• Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS)
• Sanger sequencing
• Fragment analysis using a variety of instruments and technologies
• Follow protocols and policies in accordance with UKHSA's policies and procedures.
• Perform manual and automated lab techniques following Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), with expertise in sequence-based methods/techniques.
• Participate/support molecular routine service delivery within the remit of CSL.
• Understand and carry out all aspects of NGS and Sanger sequencing on various commercial platforms using automated liquid handling procedures.
• Follow defined SOPs/protocols and refer non-routine issues to their supervisor.
• Run the service autonomously as required, including development and optimisation of services and organisation of workflows.
• Ensure the smooth flow of samples through the lab, from receipt to testing.
• Carry out routine quality control procedures to ensure samples are being prepared, processed, recorded and archived to a high standard.
• Maintain equipment, including routine monitoring, calibration and safety checks and maintain records.
• Facilitate the day-to-day running of the lab by ensuring the availability of stock and reagents.
• Encourage the development of a flexible team by supporting training, development and rotation.
• Supervise and support junior staff and staff seconded into the unit.
• Carry out staff appraisals.
• Review and analyse data to ensure it is suitable for release to customers.
• Assist in the instruction and training of other staff and visitors.
• Ensure compliance with safety and quality systems.

Qualifications

Candidates holding HCPC registration will be appointed to a Biomedical Scientist post on NHS AfC T&Cs at Band 6. Candidates without HCPC registration will be appointed to a Healthcare Scientist post on Civil Service T&Cs at HEO grade.

About the Employer

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.