Healthcare Scientist Practitioner

UK Health Security Agency; City of Westminster; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A national health organization is seeking a team member to assist in external quality assessment services in the City of Westminster. Responsibilities include preparing specimens, validating data, and ensuring compliance with quality standards. The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of quality assurance processes and the ability to work safely with biological specimens. The organization promotes equality and inclusivity in its workforce.

Qualifications

• Understanding of quality assurance processes and standards.
• Ability to work with biological specimens safely and responsibly.
• Strong attention to detail and investigative skills.

Responsibilities

• Prepare external quality assessment specimens for testing.
• Participate in data validation and entry on databases.
• Maintain compliance with quality standards and documentation.

Job description

Overview

External Quality Assessment (EQA) Services is part of UKHSA Quality and Regulatory Assurance directorate and provides external quality assessment (EQA) schemes (also known as proficiency testing (PT) schemes) for food, water and clinical Parasitology laboratories throughout the United Kingdom, and worldwide. Results reported by Parasitology laboratories often play a significant role in health protection and managing public health incidents; tools such as EQA/PT is essential for laboratories to demonstrate that their results are accurate, reliable and reproducible. United Kingdom National External Quality Assessment Service for Parasitology (UK NEQAS for Parasitology) is hosted within UKHSA as part of EQA Services department.

Responsibilities

• Assist in the preparation of external quality assessment specimens for UK NEQAS for Parasitology.
• Take part in the data transfer and validation of participants' results and data entry of in-house test results onto computer databases.
• Work as a member of a team liaising closely with colleagues from the same team, and with other teams working on common activities.
• Participate in quality assurance audits and maintain up to date records in QPulse on a daily basis.
• Work to GLP and GMP in compliance with ISO 17043 accreditation.
• Technical/Scientific Duties: Work responsibly and safely with large volumes of organisms in hazard groups 2/3 on a daily basis.
• Prepare all types of quality assessment specimens distributed.
• Undertake quality control and stability testing of these specimens applying knowledge of diagnostic Parasitology.
• Ensure all processes and results are documented in accordance with quality requirements.
• Ensure all non-conforming results are fully investigated and are brought to the attention of the scheme manager.
• Participate in rotation around the various sections within the clinical Parasitology schemes.

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.