Senior Biomedical Scientist

UK Health Security Agency; Bristol; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A public health agency based in Bristol is seeking a professional to provide leadership and supervision in genomic sequencing activities. The ideal candidate will maintain high standards of laboratory services, support staff development, and ensure quality protocols are followed. This role is integral to the daily operations of a modern NGS laboratory, which plays a vital role in public health diagnostics. The agency values inclusivity and aims to reflect diversity within its workforce.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in genomic sequencing and laboratory protocols.
• Strong leadership abilities to manage and motivate laboratory staff.
• Expertise in next generation sequencing (NGS) workflows.

Responsibilities

• Provide professional leadership and line management to laboratory staff.
• Supervise daily workflows of NGS services and ensure quality standards.
• Support the development and delivery of NGS services in the laboratory.

Skills

Genomic sequencing technologies

Leadership and line management

NGS expertise

Manual and automated laboratory techniques

Collaboration and teamwork

Job description

The post holder will be expected to maintain and apply their up-to-date knowledge of genomic sequencing technologies & science to support the delivery of high-quality services and a cycle of continuous improvement. This role supports the Technical Manager to ensure high standards of safety, quality and training are maintained, supporting the daily workflow of the laboratory, and the recording of results. Main duties include:

• To provide professional leadership and line management to staff for whom they are accountable, leading by example and in a manner which will encourage the development of a positive working environment.
• To follow agreed UKHSA protocols and policies.
• Perform manual and automated laboratory techniques following Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), with leading expertise in NGS.
• Supervise the daily workflows of NGS services on a rotational basis, provide supervision of staff or persons seconded to the laboratory.
• To participate in and carry out formal staff appraisal(s) to agreed UKHSA deadlines.
• To provide senior scientific support for the Bristol services, with leadership and expertise in Genomics.
• To provide advice and prepare proposals that contribute to enhancing the effectiveness of the work and achieving laboratory objectives.

The Infection Sciences department at North Bristol NHS Trust is formed from a collaboration between the UKHSA and North Bristol NHS Trust (NBT) part of Severn Pathology. This is a busy and forward-looking laboratory receiving in excess of 1.3 million specimens a year from a large number of clinical specialties located within Bristol and Bath hospital trusts, and beyond, which contribute to an interesting and varied workload. The laboratory is located within NBT and is a new, modern and fully automated laboratory incorporating state of the art equipment. It lies within easy reach of the city of Bath and surrounding villages. We have close links with our host Trusts as well as both Universities in Bristol. The UKHSA/NBT collaboration employs approximately 200 staff performing a range of diagnostic, public health and research activities, including high containment level work.

The post holder will provide senior scientific input in the development and delivery of next generation sequencing (NGS) services in the Bristol sequencing laboratory. They will provide supervision for the day-to-day running of the NGS laboratory, while acting as part of the team, performing the tests being carried out and ensure essential laboratory-based duties are covered and services are adequately maintained.

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.