• Job Description

  Req#: K9919-23-0120

  Job summary

  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. Diagnostic work includes examination of respiratory samples (including sputum), cerebrospinal fluid, pleural fluid, urine, blood/serum, faeces, pus and other body fluids and tissues. Animal samples may also be examined.

  The post holder will be a State Registered Biomedical Scientist 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 facilities. The post-holder will contribute to the team by performing a range of the tests offered by the laboratory.

  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 band 7 NMRS-S staff job descriptions will contain the responsibility of performing the Deputy Laboratory Manager role as assigned on a rotational basis.

  Main duties of the job

  • To follow agreed protocols and policies in accordance with the UKHSA policies and procedures.
  • Perform manual, semi-automated and fully automated laboratory investigations, then interpret and record test results according togiven 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.
  • Prepare the laboratory training ready for inspections by UKAS and other third party assessors and progress with improvement actions and non-conformances arising from these inspections relating to training.
  • Take every opportunity to suggest training improvements. Training for clinical and medical staff will be determined by the NMRS-S clinical lead
  • 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 band 7 NMRS-S staff job descriptions will contain the responsibility of performing the Deputy Laboratory Manager role as assigned on a rotational basis.

  About us

  UK Health Security Agency provides strategic leadership and vision for protecting and improving the nation's health. Its ambition is to lead nationally, and enable locally, a transformation in the health expectations of all people in England, regardless of where they live and the circumstance of their birth. It will achieve this through the application of research, knowledge and skills. UKHSA is an executive agency of the Department of Health. It is a distinct delivery organisation with operational autonomy to advise and support government, local authorities and the NHS in a professionally independent manner.

  Date posted

  08 June 2023

  Pay scheme

  Agenda for change

  Band

  Band 7

  Salary

  £46,836 to £52,849 a year AfC Band 7(Outer)

  Contract

  Permanent

  Working pattern

  Full-time

  Reference number

  919-vm-3979906A-ext

  Job locations

  UKHSA Colindale

  London

  NW9 5HT

  
  

  Job description

  Job responsibilities

  In the absence of other senior staff, responsibilities may be extended to duties carried out by other members of the senior team.

  The post holder is responsible to maintain at all times the required high standards and quality; to maintain an up to date knowledge of microbiology, especially mycobacteriology, and current working practices within this reference/diagnostic laboratory

  In the absence of other staff there is a need to work flexibly, to ensure essential laboratory-based duties are covered and services are adequately maintained.

  The post holder will also support the Laboratory Manager to ensure high standards of safety, quality & training are maintained with NMRSS. Additional roles will be assigned by the Laboratory Manager and ensure that the laboratory complies with all relevant legislation as well as training all staff in appropriate related issues.

  You would manage the day to day to day work of a section, ensuring sufficient staffing levels by liaising the Lab Manager and other senior staff.

  You would be required to participate in supervision and suitable training programmes for staff and visitors.

  Please note, as part of the selection process, you may be asked to take a test or deliver a presentation.

  Selection process details

  STAGE 1 - APPLICATION & SIFT:

  You will be required to complete an application form and statement of suitability of up to 1250 words. This will be assessed in line with the advertised essential criteria please do provide evidence of how you meet this.

  If you are successful at this stage, you will progress to an interview.

  STAGE 2 INTERVIEW

  This competition will involve an interview either by video or face to face.

  As part of the process, candidates will be invited to interview which will involve an in-depth discussion of your previous experience and professional competence in relation to the criteria set out in the Person Specification.

  As part of the interview process, you may be asked to undertake a test or presentation at interview.

  The Success Profiles framework will be used to assess and recruit the most suitable candidate. The following behaviours will be used at the interview:

  • Seeing the Big Picture
  • Leadership
  • Developing Self and Others
  • Managing a Quality Service
  • Delivering at Pace

  Expected Timeline:

  Advert close: 23:55hrs on 23rd June 2023 unfortunately, late applications will not be considered. Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.

  Shortlist: w/c 28th June 2023

  Interviews: TBC

  Please note these dates could be subject to change.

  Job description

  Job responsibilities

  In the absence of other senior staff, responsibilities may be extended to duties carried out by other members of the senior team.

  The post holder is responsible to maintain at all times the required high standards and quality; to maintain an up to date knowledge of microbiology, especially mycobacteriology, and current working practices within this reference/diagnostic laboratory

  In the absence of other staff there is a need to work flexibly, to ensure essential laboratory-based duties are covered and services are adequately maintained.

  The post holder will also support the Laboratory Manager to ensure high standards of safety, quality & training are maintained with NMRSS. Additional roles will be assigned by the Laboratory Manager and ensure that the laboratory complies with all relevant legislation as well as training all staff in appropriate related issues.

  You would manage the day to day to day work of a section, ensuring sufficient staffing levels by liaising the Lab Manager and other senior staff.

  You would be required to participate in supervision and suitable training programmes for staff and visitors.

  Please note, as part of the selection process, you may be asked to take a test or deliver a presentation.

  Selection process details

  STAGE 1 - APPLICATION & SIFT:

  You will be required to complete an application form and statement of suitability of up to 1250 words. This will be assessed in line with the advertised essential criteria please do provide evidence of how you meet this.

  If you are successful at this stage, you will progress to an interview.

  STAGE 2 INTERVIEW

  This competition will involve an interview either by video or face to face.

  As part of the process, candidates will be invited to interview which will involve an in-depth discussion of your previous experience and professional competence in relation to the criteria set out in the Person Specification.

  As part of the interview process, you may be asked to undertake a test or presentation at interview.

  The Success Profiles framework will be used to assess and recruit the most suitable candidate. The following behaviours will be used at the interview:

  • Seeing the Big Picture
  • Leadership
  • Developing Self and Others
  • Managing a Quality Service
  • Delivering at Pace

  Expected Timeline:

  Advert close: 23:55hrs on 23rd June 2023 unfortunately, late applications will not be considered. Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.

  Shortlist: w/c 28th June 2023

  Interviews: TBC

  Please note these dates could be subject to change.

  Person Specification

  Education and Qualification

  Essential

  • oDegree or equivalent qualification that is acceptable to the HCPC
  • oA post graduate degree in a relevant science or Fellowship of the Institute of Biomedical Sciences
  • oHCPC registration
  • oEvidence of managerial training/advanced technical expertise
  • oMinimum of 3 years post HPC registration
  • oTraining and supervising a team
  • oFull conversant of working in a regulated environment with quality systems and knowledge of UKAS
  • oFully conversant with CPA / ISO 15189 Quality standards
  • oComprehensive Microbiology Techniques
  • oCommand of written and spoken English
  • oAbility to authorise results for clinical use
  • oAbility to interpret diagnostic laboratory results
  • oEvidence of using technical experience to assess new and existing systems and processes to innovate and initiate change in laboratory practice

  Desirable

  • oUnderstanding of the public sector
  • oDemonstrated experience in a Healthcare environment

  Person Specification

  Education and Qualification

  Essential

  • oDegree or equivalent qualification that is acceptable to the HCPC
  • oA post graduate degree in a relevant science or Fellowship of the Institute of Biomedical Sciences
  • oHCPC registration
  • oEvidence of managerial training/advanced technical expertise
  • oMinimum of 3 years post HPC registration
  • oTraining and supervising a team
  • oFull conversant of working in a regulated environment with quality systems and knowledge of UKAS
  • oFully conversant with CPA / ISO 15189 Quality standards
  • oComprehensive Microbiology Techniques
  • oCommand of written and spoken English
  • oAbility to authorise results for clinical use
  • oAbility to interpret diagnostic laboratory results
  • oEvidence of using technical experience to assess new and existing systems and processes to innovate and initiate change in laboratory practice

  Desirable

  • oUnderstanding of the public sector
  • oDemonstrated experience in a Healthcare environment

  Disclosure and Barring Service Check

  This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

  Certificate of Sponsorship

  Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

  From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

  UK Registration

  Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

  Additional information

  Certificate of Sponsorship

  Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

  From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

  UK Registration

  Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

  Employer details

  Employer name

  UK Health Security Agency

  Address

  UKHSA Colindale

  London

  NW9 5HT

  
  

  Employer's website

  https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/uk-health-security-agency (Opens in a new tab)

  Employer details

  Employer name

  UK Health Security Agency

  Address

  UKHSA Colindale

  London

  NW9 5HT

  
  

  Employer's website

  https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/uk-health-security-agency (Opens in a new tab)

• About the company

  National Health Service (NHS) is the umbrella term for the publicly-funded healthcare systems of the United Kingdom (UK). The founding principles were that services should be comprehensive, universal and free at the point of delivery—a health service based on clinical need, not ability to pay. Each service provides a comprehensive range of health services, free at the point of use for people ordinarily resident in the United Kingdom apart from dental treatment and optical care.

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