At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our Clinical Services Unit to deliver high throughput testing for viral and bacterial pathogens.
- Company: UKHSA is a leader in health security, protecting the nation from infectious diseases and health threats.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working options, generous leave packages, and access to a defined benefit pension scheme.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on public health while working in a collaborative and inclusive environment.
- Qualifications: BSc in Biological or Biomedical Sciences with experience in microbiological/molecular diagnostics required.
- Other info: This role is based in Colindale; hybrid working is not available.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
We are looking for a motivated and detail-oriented Healthcare Scientist to join the Sexually Transmitted Infections Reference Laboratory (STIRL), part of the Specialised Microbiology and Laboratories directorate within UKHSA. The STI Reference Laboratory plays a vital role in delivering high-quality reference services and contributing to important surveillance projects that support the public health response to sexually transmitted infections., As a Healthcare Scientist, you will perform microbiology and molecular laboratory duties under supervision, following established standard operating procedures and protocols. You will also contribute to service development, assist with work allocation, problem-solving, and may take on some supervisory responsibilities. Candidates with prior laboratory experience, particularly in molecular microbiology, will be given preference.
This role offers opportunities to develop expertise in using laboratory information management systems and participate in various laboratory tasks. Full training will be provided to help you advance your skills and become proficient in the required techniques.
You will collaborate with internal colleagues in the STI Reference Laboratory and across the wider directorate, as well as with external stakeholders, including NHS laboratories and commercial organisations. This is an exciting opportunity for a Healthcare Scientist looking to make a significant contribution to public health through specialised laboratory work.
Please visit our careers site for more information https://gov.uk/ukhsa/careers, Colindale
61 Colindale Ave,
London
NW9 5EQ, https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/uk-health-security-agency (Opens in a new tab), Recruitment@ukhsa.gov.uk
Healthcare Scientist employer: UK Health Security Agency
Contact Detail:
UK Health Security Agency Recruiting Team
Recruitment@ukhsa.gov.uk
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Healthcare Scientist
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarize yourself with the latest advancements in serological and molecular techniques. Being well-versed in these areas will not only boost your confidence but also demonstrate your commitment to staying updated in a rapidly evolving field.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the healthcare science community, especially those who work within public health agencies. Engaging in discussions about current challenges and innovations can provide valuable insights and potentially lead to referrals.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for competency-based interviews by practicing responses that highlight your experience in quality assurance and laboratory safety. Use specific examples from your past roles to illustrate how you meet the essential criteria outlined in the job description.
✨Tip Number 4
Research UKHSA's recent projects and initiatives related to infectious disease control. Being knowledgeable about their work will allow you to tailor your discussions during the interview and show your genuine interest in contributing to their mission.
We think you need these skills to ace Healthcare Scientist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description carefully to understand the key responsibilities and required skills for the Healthcare Scientist position. Tailor your application to highlight how your experience aligns with these requirements.
Craft a Strong Statement of Suitability: Your 1000-word Statement of Suitability is crucial. Clearly outline your relevant skills, experiences, and knowledge that demonstrate your suitability for the role. Use specific examples to illustrate your competencies related to the essential criteria.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your application form, focus on your experience in microbiological or molecular diagnostic laboratories. Mention any specific techniques you are proficient in, such as serological and molecular methods, and how they relate to the job.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, thoroughly proofread your application to eliminate any spelling or grammatical errors. Ensure that your documents are clear, concise, and professional, as attention to detail is critical in this field.
How to prepare for a job interview at UK Health Security Agency
✨Understand the Role and Responsibilities
Make sure you thoroughly read the job description and understand the key responsibilities of a Healthcare Scientist at UKHSA. Be prepared to discuss how your experience aligns with their focus on preventing, detecting, analyzing, and responding to health threats.
✨Showcase Your Technical Skills
Highlight your experience with manual and automated serological and molecular techniques. Be ready to provide specific examples of how you've applied these skills in previous roles, especially in high-throughput testing environments.
✨Emphasize Collaboration and Teamwork
UKHSA values close collaborative working. Prepare to discuss instances where you've successfully worked as part of a team, particularly in a clinical or laboratory setting, and how you contributed to operational improvements.
✨Prepare for Competency-Based Questions
Since the interview will assess your qualifications, knowledge, and experience, practice answering competency-based questions. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses effectively.