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- Tasks: Join our Clinical Services Unit as a Healthcare Scientist, delivering vital serological and molecular testing.
- Company: UK Health Security Agency is dedicated to public health and safety, promoting equality and inclusion.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working options, a generous pension scheme, and tailored learning and development opportunities.
- Other info: This role is lab-based in Colindale, London, with no hybrid working options available.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in healthcare while working in a supportive, innovative, and inclusive environment.
- Qualifications: BSc in Biological Sciences or equivalent, with experience in microbiological/molecular diagnostics preferred.
The predicted salary is between 25000 - 37000 £ per year.
The Public Health Microbiology Division (PHMD) delivers nationally and internationally recognised reference services using highly specialised and complex microbiological and molecular techniques. PHMD laboratories provide authoritative, validated analysis for complex clinical and food-related microbiological problems, contribute to innovation in diagnostic methodologies, and support national surveillance, outbreak investigation, and risk assessment for emerging threats. The Division also plays a key role in providing expert advice to government and national and international agencies, and in training staff across medical, scientific, and technical disciplines. UKHSA is establishing the Sexually Transmitted Infections Reference Laboratory (STIRL) as the national reference laboratory for bacterial STIs. STIRL provides specialist and reference testing to detect, characterise, and monitor clinically significant STI pathogens and antimicrobial resistance. Using established and developing phenotypic and genotypic assays, the laboratory supports individual case management, surveillance programmes, outbreak investigation, and the identification of diagnostic escape mutants, while providing scientific and clinical advice on STI infections.
Undertake routine and non-routine laboratory diagnostic and reference work within STIRL, following approved SOPs and quality systems.
Process specimens, perform culture, subculture, nucleic acid extraction, PCR (including real-time PCR), sequencing, and antimicrobial susceptibility testing following appropriate training.
Analyse, technically validate, and authorise laboratory results, ensuring accurate entry onto LIMS.
Support national surveillance programmes, reference services, and outbreak investigations through laboratory testing and data contribution.
Adhere to internal and external quality assurance requirements, including IQC, IQA, EQA, and UKAS ISO 15189 standards.
Participate in audits, implement corrective actions, and contribute to continuous service improvement.
Maintain laboratory safety standards, monitor equipment and safety cabinets, and report incidents, near misses, or hazards in line with UKHSA policy.
Assist with stock management, equipment monitoring, and service continuity planning.
Use laboratory IT systems and software for data entry, analysis, and documentation.
Contribute to research and development activities where required.
Communicate effectively with colleagues within STIRL, BRD, and external stakeholders as appropriate.
Participate in mandatory training and ongoing professional development in line with appraisal and development plans.
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.
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Contact Detail:
UK Health Security Agency Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Healthcare Scientist
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest serological and molecular techniques. Since the role requires extensive experience in these areas, being able to discuss recent advancements or methodologies during your interview can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the healthcare science field. Attend relevant conferences or workshops where you can meet current employees of UKHSA or similar organisations. This can provide you with insider knowledge about the work culture and expectations.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to demonstrate your leadership skills. As the role involves managing a team, think of examples from your past experiences where you successfully led a project or mentored junior staff, and be ready to share these during your interview.
✨Tip Number 4
Understand the importance of quality assurance in laboratory settings. Be prepared to discuss how you have implemented or adhered to quality control measures in your previous roles, as this is crucial for the position you're applying for.
We think you need these skills to ace Healthcare Scientist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Job Requirements: Carefully read the job description for the Healthcare Scientist position. Make sure you understand the essential criteria and responsibilities outlined, as this will help you tailor your application effectively.
Craft a Strong Statement of Suitability: Your 1000-word Statement of Suitability is crucial. Clearly demonstrate how your skills, experience, and knowledge align with the essential criteria. Use specific examples from your past work to illustrate your qualifications.
Detail Your Experience: In the application form, provide detailed information about your relevant experience in microbiological or molecular diagnostic laboratories. Highlight any supervisory roles or training experiences you've had, as these are key aspects of the role.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, thoroughly proofread your application for spelling and grammatical errors. A well-presented application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which are important in a scientific role.
How to prepare for a job interview at UK Health Security Agency
✨Showcase Your Technical Skills
As a Healthcare Scientist, you'll need to demonstrate your expertise in both manual and automated serological and molecular techniques. Be prepared to discuss specific examples from your experience that highlight your technical abilities and how they align with the requirements of the role.
✨Emphasise Team Collaboration
The role involves working closely with colleagues across various units. Highlight your experience in collaborative projects and how you foster teamwork. Be ready to share instances where your contributions led to improved service provision or operational efficiency.
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
Expect questions that assess your behaviours, such as decision-making and leadership. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses, ensuring you provide clear examples that showcase your ability to manage quality services and develop others.
✨Demonstrate Commitment to Inclusivity
UKHSA values inclusivity and diversity. Be prepared to discuss how you have contributed to an inclusive work environment in your previous roles. Share your understanding of equality of opportunity and how you can support this ethos within the team.