Senior Biomedical Scientist and Laboratory Safety Officer
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. As the nation’s expert national health security agency UKHSA will:
- 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 National Mycobacterium Reference Service South (NMRS-S) is a UKHSA National Reference Centre for Tuberculosis and Mycobacteriology. It provides a regional reference centre for London and The South of England and also receives primary samples from several NHS hospitals in the London area.
The NMRS-S is part of the UKHSA National Infection Service and is located in Colindale. At an international level the NMRS-S is a World Health Organisation (WHO) Supranational Reference Laboratory within the Global Programme on Drug Resistance in Tuberculosis and works with other designated National Reference Centres.In addition to its reference, diagnostic and clinical activities, the NMRS-S carries out research projects in the UK, Europe and Africa.
Main duties of the job
Biomedical Scientists are responsible for the diagnosis of infection and disease processes by the application of microbiological, biological and serological technology, utilising the most up to date scientific methods in conjunction with traditional methods of culture, microscopy and antigen/antibody-complex diagnostics.
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.
Please visit our careers site for more information https://gov.uk/ukhsa/careers
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.
Please visit our careers site for more information https://gov.uk/ukhsa/careers
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
The post holder will be an HCPC registered Biomedical Scientist and will act as a lead specialist whose role is to help deliver a reference and medical laboratory service to achieve the objectives of efficient and effective patient care and resource management for the users of this specialist reference laboratory.This includes working exclusively with Mycobacteria spp., including those in Hazard Group 3, in a containment level 3 environment.
The post-holder will supervise non state registered scientists and support staff in that section while acting as part of the team by being involved in performing the tests being carried out. The post holder will also be expected to train other professional groups such as junior medical staff.
As a Senior Biomedical Scientist (BMS), the post holder will be expected to contribute to the daily diagnostic work performed by the laboratory, including (but not limited to) the examination of direct patient samples, microscopy and cultures from these samples, molecular testing of positive cultures (including rapid PCR, WGS, etc) and DST testing by different methodologies (such as MIC, liquid DSTs, etc).Samples examined include respiratory samples (e.g., sputum), cerebrospinal fluid, pleural fluid, urine, blood/serum, faeces, pus and other body fluids and tissues. Animal samples may also be examined.
In addition to the H&S expected of this job role the post holder, in collaboration with the Laboratory Manager and with the support of designated support staff and complying with safety policies and procedures, will act as Laboratory Safety Officer (LSO).The post holder will play a key role in the implementation and upkeep of Health and Safety procedures in the department and ensuring that the laboratory complies with all relevant H&S legislation as well as training all staff in H&S related issues.
The post holder will also act as the Deputy Laboratory Manager in the absence of or by delegation by the NMRS-S laboratory manager. All AfC band 7/SEO grade NMRS-S staff job descriptions will contain the responsibility of performing the Deputy Laboratory Manager role as assigned on a rotational basis
Key responsibilities for this job, include:
General- Follow agreed protocols and policies in accordance with UKHSA policies and procedures.
- Perform manual, semi-automated and fully automated laboratory investigations, interpret and record test results according to given Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), including performing genotypic (molecular) tests, which are complex technical procedures.
- Supervise and check work of all non-state registered staff when they perform manual, semi-automated and fully automated laboratory investigations, according to given SOPs, including performing genotypic (molecular) tests, which are complex technical procedures. This supervision will extend to persons seconded to the NMRS-South for periods of technical training.
- Technically validate reports, which may include highly complex results, as required.
- Provide technical advice and results to all users, as required.
- Ensure that all reagents are prepared, stored and used in a manner suitable for patient investigations.
- Measure and monitor the accuracy and precision of laboratory investigations using appropriate quality control procedures.
- Assess, initiate and monitor appropriate action when a situation may cause service delivery failure.
- Assess the clinical relevance and importance of diagnostic test requests, work in progress and test results.
- Use interpretive skills and follow SOPs to determine the pathogenic and clinical significance of laboratory results.
- Write, prepare, review and comply with standard documents and draft SOPs as required.
- Contribute to the development, evaluation and introduction of new methodologies as required.
- As delegated by or in the absence of the NMRS-S laboratory manager, the post holder will also act as the deputy laboratory manager. All AfC band 7 NMRS-S staff job descriptions will contain the responsibility of performing the deputy laboratory manager role as assigned on a rotational basis.
Laboratory Safety Officer
In addition to the H&S expected of this job role the post holder, in collaboration with the Laboratory Manager and with the support of designated support staff and complying with safety policies and procedures, has additional responsibilities:
- To ensure health, safety and welfare are afforded priority, to lead in conducting regular safety tours and to lead by example.
- To be responsible, through the NMRS-S Clinical Lead and Regional Head of Operations, for all aspects of health, safety and welfare of self, staff and visitors.
- To ensure attendance of self and staff on safety training courses as required in the UKHSA Health and Safety Training Policy and other safety policies as appropriate.
- To agree safety objectives with managed staff, to review performance at appraisal and to ensure regular meetings take place to ensure adequate execution of safety responsibilities.
- To ensure that relevant UKHSA health and safety policies are implemented within the unit.
- To ensure that risk assessments are carried out and reviewed for all new and existing work and that controls are implemented, monitored, and maintained.
- To escalate risks that cannot be controlled via the Laboratory Manager, Clinical Lead and Regional Head of Operations.
- To ensure safety inspections and audit programmes are carried out in accordance with UKHSA safety policies.
- To ensure safety is an agenda item at management and staff meetings and raise relevant safety issues with the Clinical Lead of the NMRS-S, Regional Head of Operations for London, Lead Public Health Microbiologist for London and Director of Operations for Specialist Microbiology Services.
- To ensure all return to work meetings are undertaken in accordance with the UKHSA Sickness Absence and Control procedure.
- To ensure that incidents and accidents are reported on a timely basis and that the UKHSA’s statutory responsibilities for health, safety and welfare matters are fulfilled e.g. Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations.
- To ensure attendance at relevant safety committees and that joint working takes place with laboratory safety managers.
- To attend appropriate absence management training as outlined in the UKHSA Sickness Absence and Control Procedure.
- To observe the immunisation policy, safety regulations and attend mandatory fire, manual handling training, etc.
Please see the job description for full list of duties and responsibilities.
Selection Process Details:
This vacancy will be assessed using a competency-based framework which will assess your qualifications, knowledge and experience and / or skills and abilities outlined in the essential criteria.
Stage 1: Application & Sift
You will be required to complete an application form. You will be assessed on the listed 10 essential criteria that have been selected from the job description, and this will be in the form of:
- an application form (‘Employer/ Activity history’ section on the application)
- a 1250 word Statement of Suitability
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 Statement of Suitability will be marked separately, and you must pass both to move forward to interview.
Longlisting: In the event of a large number of applications we will longlist into 3 piles of:
- Meets all essential criteria
- Meets some essential criteria
- Meets no essential criteria
Please note all those applications meeting all the essential criteria will be taken through to shortlisting.
Shortlisting: In the event of a large number of applications we will shortlist on:
- Experience training and supervising a team
- Full conversant of working in a regulated environment with quality systems and knowledge of UKAS and ISO 15189 quality standards
- HCPC registration
If you are successful at this stage, you will progress to interview and assessment
Please do not exceed 1250 words. We will not consider any words over and above this number.
Please note you will not be able to upload your CV. You must complete the application form in as much detail as possible. Please do not email us your CV.
Feedback will not be provided at this stage.
Stage 2: Interview
You will be invited to a face to face interview. In exceptional circumstances, we may be able to offer a remote interview.
Knowledge, experience, skills & abilities will be tested at interview.
There will be a presentation.
Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.
Location
This role is being offered as office/lab based at our site in Colindale, NW9 5EQ. Please note that hybrid working is not available for this role.
Eligibility Criteria
Open to all external applicants (anyone) from outside the Civil Service (including by definition internal applicants).
Security Clearance Level Requirement
Successful candidates must pass a disclosure and barring security check.
Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed Counter Terrorism Check.
For meaningful National Security Vetting checks to be carried out individuals need to have lived in the UK for a sufficient period of time. You should normally have been resident in the United Kingdom for the last 3 years as the role requires Counter Terrorism Check (CTC) clearance.
UK residency less than the outlined periods may not necessarily bar you from gaining national security vetting and applicants should contact the Vacancy Holder / Recruiting Manager listed in the advert for further advice.
Person specification
Qualifications
Essential criteria- Educated to degree level in a biomedical science subject or equivalent qualification that is acceptable to the HCPC
Registrations
Essential criteria- HCPC registration
Experience #1
Essential criteria- Evidence of continued professional development (CPD)
Experience #2
Essential criteria- Experience training and supervising a team
Experience #3
Essential criteria- Fully conversant of working in a regulated environment with quality systems and knowledge of UKAS and ISO 15189 quality standards
Experience #4
Essential criteria- Comprehensive knowledge of microbiology techniques.
Experience #5
Essential criteria- Ability to interpret complex diagnostic laboratory results, undertake technical validation of results and result authorisation for clinical use
Experience #6
Essential criteria- Evidence of using technical experience to assess new and existing systems and processes to innovate and initiate change in laboratory practice.
Experience #7
Essential criteria- Experience of setting up and implementing internal processes and procedures
Experience #8
Essential criteria- Demonstrated capabilities to manage own workload and make informed decisions in the absence of required information, working to tight and often changing timescales
IMPORTANT - PLEASE READ
Your application may be rejected and/or you may be subject to disciplinary action if evidence of plagiarism is detected. Examples of plagiarism can include presenting the ideas and experience of others, or generated by artificial intelligence (AI), as your own.
This is a Non-Reserved post under the Civil Service Nationality Rules. To be eligible for employment in the UK Civil Service applicants must meet the Civil Service Nationality Rules (CSNRs) which operate independently of and additionally to the Immigration Rules.Applicants must also meet necessary security and vetting requirements, along with any other relevant pre-employment checks.
This job is broadly open to the following groups:
- UK nationals
- nationals of the Republic of Ireland
- nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
- nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window)
- nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
- individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
- Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service
For more information on job nationality requirements and the right to work in the UK, see the Civil Service Nationality rules (opens in a new window) and the UK Visas and Immigration rules (opens in a new window)
For posts on UKHSA Civil Service terms and conditions, new entrants to the Civil Service are expected to start on the minimum of the pay band. For existing Civil Servants and roles advertised across government, the rules of transfer apply, i.e., level transfers move on current salary or the pay range minimum, transfers on promotion move to new pay range minimum or receive a 10% increase.Either case is determined by whichever is the highest.
The Civil Service pay structure and progression is different from NHS Agenda for Change (AfC), most local authority pay grades and other systems that have annual pay increments. For further details, please refer to the Information Sheet- Starting Salaries & Benefits attachment.
For AfC or Medical/Dental posts, you must have the correct professional registration to be appointed. The pay will follow the AfC or Medical & Dental terms & conditions. You may be asked to provide evidence of previous service whilst we are conducting pre-employment checks to determine your starting salary.
For Temporary Appointments, if you are not currently a civil servant, you will take up the post on a Fixed Term appointment. You may be able to take this role up as a Secondment. If you are an existing Civil Servant, based outside of the UKHSA, you will take up the post as a loan which you will need your department to agree.You cannot take the post up as a fixed term. If you are an existing UKHSA member of staff, you will take up the post as either a level transfer or a temporary promotion as per the UKHSA’s Pay policy.
Given the nature of the work of the UKHSA, as a Category 1 responder under the Civil Contingencies Act, you may be required in an emergency, if deemed a necessity, to redeploy to another role at short notice. You may also be required to work at any other location, within reasonable travelling distance of your permanent home address, in line with the provisions set out in your contract of employment.
Late Applications will unfortunately not be considered.
Working for the Civil Service
The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.
We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window).
The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equality of opportunity. The law requires that selection for appointment to the Civil Service is on merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's Recruitment Principles.
If you feel your application has not been treated in accordance with the Recruitment Principles, and you wish to make a complaint, in the first instance, you should contact UKHSA Public Accountability Unit via email: [email protected] If you are not satisfied with the response you receive from the Department, you can contact the Civil Service Commission: Visit the Civil Service Commission website here.
Reserve List - If more than the required number of suitable candidates pass the interview criteria, you may be kept on a reserve list for 12 months subject to your agreement. You may be contacted, in merit-order, if similar roles with closely matching essential criteria become available and the department choose to appoint from a reserve list.
The panel will assess if candidates meet the requirement of the role first, using a specific benchmark system. If you are interviewed for the post and do not meet the required threshold for the specified grade, your application may be assessed against a similar, lower grade role and you may be offered the post should one be available.
Interview expenses will not be reimbursed.
UKHSA is required to check employment and/or education history covering three consecutive years. Please ensure you give details of at least two different referees, even if you were employed in one company for three years or more.
If you are offered a job, information will also be transferred into the national NHS Electronic Staff Records system. Please note, all communication regarding your application will be made via email, please ensure you check your junk/spam folders as emails are sometimes filtered there.
Any move to UKHSA from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. This includes moves between government departments. You may however be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax-Free Childcare. Determine your eligibility at https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk/.
Benefits of working at UKHSA include:
- Generous annual leave:
- 26 days for the first 5 years of continuous service
- 28 days after 5 years of continuous service
- 32 days after 10 years of continuous service
- Plus public holidays and one privilege day for the King’s birthday
- Access to a generous Defined Benefit pension scheme with employer contributions.
- Access to a cycle-to-work salary sacrifice scheme, season ticket advances and payroll giving.
- Access to a retail discounts and cashback site.
- We also promote flexible working patterns (part-time, job-share, condensed hours). UKHSA views flexible working as essential in enabling us to recruit and retain talented people, ensuring that they are able to enjoy a long-lasting career with us. 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.
- We also offer a generous maternity/ paternity and adoption leave package.
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.
As a hybrid worker, you will usually spend a minimum of 60% of your contracted hours (averaged over a month) working at one of UKHSA's locations (approximately 3 days a week pro rata) and the rest of your time working from home.
Disability Confident Scheme
The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria at sift to ensure these candidates are invited to interview.If you wish to be included in this scheme please tick the box on your application form.
Reasonable Adjustments
The Civil Service is committed to making sure that our selection methods are fair to everyone.
To help you during the recruitment process, we will take into account any reasonable adjustments that could help you.
An adjustment is a change to the recruitment process or an adjustment at work.
This is separate to the Disability Confident Scheme.
If you need an adjustment to be made at any point during the recruitment process you should:
Contact the recruitment team in confidence as soon as possible to discuss your needs.
You can find out more information about reasonable adjustments across the Civil Service here: https://www.civil-service-careers.gov.uk/reasonable-adjustments/
International Police Check
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.
Internal Fraud check
If successful for this role as one aspect of pre-employment screening, applicant’s personal details – name, national insurance number and date of birth - will be checked against the Cabinet Office Internal Fraud Hub and anyone included on the database will be refused employment unless they can show exceptional circumstances.Currently this is only for External candidates to the Civil Service.