Healthcare Scientist Practitioner

UK Health Security Agency; City Of London; On-site; GBP 29,000; Full time

Job summary

A national health organization is seeking a qualified individual to perform specialist immunoassays and manage laboratory activities. Candidates must hold a BSc/Hons in biological sciences, possess strong communication and problem-solving skills, and have experience with immunoassays. This role offers a salary of £28,547 per annum and requires strict adherence to quality control standards.

Benefits

Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension

Learning and development opportunities

Flexible working options

Inclusive workplace culture

Qualifications

• Experience with immunoassays and laboratory techniques.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and prioritize tasks.

Responsibilities

• Perform specialist immunoassays and maintain equipment.
• Process clinical trial samples and adhere to quality control.
• Train and supervise staff and participate in research projects.

Skills

Immunoassays

Scientific mathematics

Communication skills

Problem-solving

Laboratory technique

Education

BSc/Hons in Biological Science

Tools

Advanced software for data capture

Microsoft Office

Job description

Overview

The Vaccine Evaluation Unit (VEU) specialises in the serological determination of immune responses to Neisseria meningitidis and Streptococcus pneumoniae for both vaccination and disease settings. The service is recognised internationally for its serum bactericidal antibody assays, ELISA for all N. meningitidis serogroups, and IgG concentration determinations for pneumococcal serotypes, Haemophilus influenzae type b, tetanus and diphtheria.

Responsibilities

• Perform specialist immunoassays to quantify antibody isotypes and avidity against microbial antigens.
• Process clinical trial samples in line with unit Standard Operating Procedures.
• Prepare reagents for in‑house immunoassays.
• Operate, maintain and calibrate manual and automated equipment for specialist assays.
• Monitor Quality Assurance and Quality Control activities and support UKAS ISO 15189 and GCLP compliance.
• Train, supervise and monitor staff from Senior Assistant Healthcare Scientists to students.
• Adhere to Laboratory Health and Safety policies and procedures.
• Participate in audit processes, clinical trials and research projects as required.
• Develop and improve laboratory protocols, policies and procedures.
• Maintain consumables supply and stock levels.
• Attend regular unit meetings and contribute to effective communication.
• Update Professional Development Plan and undertake ongoing training.
• Present data at national conferences and internal events.
• Enter data consistently and maintain integrity of laboratory information systems.
• Assist in developing new methods and implementing new technology.
• Disposal of patient samples in accordance with guidelines.
• Arrange own daily work schedule and support out‑of‑hours service when required.
• Perform any other reasonable duties as requested.

Person Specification

• BSc/Hons in an appropriate biological science degree (essential).
• Basic scientific mathematics and laboratory technique.
• Experience with immunoassays and advanced software for data capture.
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Problem‑solving ability and capacity to respond to unexpected demands.
• Ability to work independently, prioritise workload and meet deadlines.
• Judgement for interpreting results and generating laboratory reports.
• Commitment to confidentiality, trust and equality of opportunity.
• (Desirable) Knowledge of GCLP and UKAS procedures, Microsoft Office proficiency, and experience in drafting reports.

Role Criteria

• Knowledge of immunoassays and vaccine biology.
• Security clearance: Basic Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) plus Counter‑Terrorism Check (CTC).
• Basic DBS and, if required, International Police Check for extended overseas stays.
• Citizenship: UK nationals, ROKI nationals, Commonwealth, EU/UK‑settled status, or qualifying residence.
• Applicants may work from the Manchester site; hybrid working is not available.

Application Process

1. Complete the online application form, including an application history section and a 1500‑word supporting statement.

2. Applications are sifted first against the essential criteria; only candidates meeting all essential criteria progress.

3. Stage 2: Technical test – a timed remote competency test covering scientific maths, laboratory technique and vaccinology.

4. Stage 3: Face‑to‑face (or remote) interview assessed using the competency framework.

Feedback will not be provided at the sift or technical test stages; interview feedback will be given to those selected for an interview.

Benefits

• Salary: £28,547 per annum.
• UK Health Security Agency contributes £8,270 towards Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension; employer contribution of 28.97%.
• Learning and development opportunities.
• Flexible working options that support work–life balance.
• Inclusive workplace culture, promoting diversity and equality.

Equality and Diversity

The Civil Service and UKHSA are committed to equality of opportunity, encouraging applications from all, particularly groups historically under‑represented in the workforce. Everyone Matters – an inclusive organisation where differences drive innovative solutions.

Security and Disqualification

Successful candidates must satisfy all government security screening procedures – criminal record checks, BPSS, CTC and, where necessary, additional DBS or International Police checks.

Disclaimers

Open to all external applicants, including those outside the Civil Service, and to internal applicants where applicable.