Healthcare Scientist Team Manager for Virology and Molecular

UK NEQAS for Microbiology provides clinical EQA services to participants worldwide. Microbiology covered includes mycology, bacteriology (with antimicrobial susceptibility testing), virology, parasitology and schemes based on a range of technologies including proteomic, molecular detection methods and conventional methods. Schemes are under constant review and development. The schemes provide an international benchmark for quality. There are over 3000 participants in more than 80 countries. See our website for further information: www.ukneqasmicro.org.uk

Main duties of the job

• Provide leadership (in rotation with other Team Managers) in the UK NEQAS for Microbiology laboratories and be responsible for the overall service in that area.
• Responsible for ensuring specimens for EQA are prepared and quality controlled according to schedule.
• Responsible for procedures involved in report production and responding to customer queries/feedback in a timely manner.
• Responsible for the development and training of laboratory staff in specific areas.

Technical/Scientific Duties

• Lead the organisation, preparation and quality control of simulated specimens for UK NEQAS schemes, ensuring effective resource management.
• Maintain high laboratory standards, ensuring compliance with UKAS accreditation and best practice.
• Oversee data analysis of participant results and preparation of scheme reports.
• Source clinical material and develop new specimen types for EQA schemes.
• Apply expertise in clinical virology and molecular diagnostics to specimen design, quality control and stability testing.
• Maintain professional competence and keep up to date with developments in clinical microbiology.
• Undertake deputy responsibilities as required.

Professional Development

• Identify and undertake training and development needs through appraisal and personal development plans.
• Complete all mandatory training requirements.
• Support recruitment, induction, training, performance reviews and ongoing development of staff.
• Promote effective working relationships and facilitate appropriate training opportunities.

Communication and Working Relationships

• UK NEQAS for Microbiology staff and colleagues across UKHSA.
• Collaborating institutions, stakeholders, scheme participants, Steering Committees, the UK NEQAS Central Office and other relevant organisations.
• Provide scientific advice and interpretation relating to quality assurance schemes.

Service Improvement

• Work collaboratively to improve processes and working practices.

Health, Safety and Security

• Comply with UKHSA health and safety policies and objectives.
• Attend required safety training and implement local safety procedures.
• Promote the health, safety and welfare of staff and visitors.
• Ensure risk assessments are completed and control measures implemented.
• Support corrective actions arising from inspections, audits and incident reporting.

Quality Working with the Quality Team

• Maintain high standards of service delivery that are safe, effective and economical.
• Contribute to quality assurance, accreditation, audit activities and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Support implementation of corrective actions and quality improvements.

Information and Knowledge

• Support the development of IT systems and databases.
• Analyse and present statistical information to support quality and project activities.

Development and Innovation

• Assist in the development of new specimen types and EQA schemes.

Procurement and Project Support

• Assist with business cases, risk management and stock procurement (up to £5,000).

Services and Project Management

• Support the selection, implementation and validation of laboratory equipment.

People Management

• Ensure technical and support staff receive appropriate training on new procedures, systems and developments.

This role is being offered as lab based at our scientific campus in Colindale.

You will be required to have a Counter Terrorism Check security vetting check as a minimum. 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. In exceptional circumstances 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.

Successful candidates must pass a basic disclosure and barring security check before they can be appointed. Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is Counter Terrorist Check.

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.

If you are successful at interview and are moving from another government department, NHS, or Local Authority, the relevant starting salary principles for level transfers or promotions will apply. Otherwise, roles are offered at the pay scale minimum for the grade, but in exceptional circumstances there may be flexibility if you are able to demonstrate you are already in receipt of an existing, higher salary. Pay increases are through the relevant annual pay award for the role and terms.