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- Tasks: Join a dynamic lab team providing top-notch microbiology support and innovative diagnostic services.
- Company: Be part of the UK Health Security Agency, a leader in public health and microbiology.
- Benefits: Full-time role with opportunities for professional growth and impactful work.
- Other info: Exciting chance to contribute to national health responses and quality assurance initiatives.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in public health while working with cutting-edge technologies.
- Qualifications: Degree in relevant science and IBMS Specialist Diploma in Medical Microbiology required.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
This role is being offered as lab working based at Leeds, Centre for Laboratory Medicine, St James University Hospital. Please note hybrid working is not available for this role.
UKHSA provides microbiology services through a network of regional laboratories and central reference laboratories. UKHSA commissions its diagnostic Microbiology service for the Yorkshire & Humber region from Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust (LTHT). The post holder will work as part of the UKHSA employed team based in the Leeds Regional Laboratory at the Centre for Laboratory Medicine at the St James University Hospital, providing microbiology support for the laboratory based CDRN surveillance activities. The Leeds Regional Laboratory is the national laboratory for the Clostridium difficile Ribotyping Network (CDRN) in England. UKHSA is currently implementing a plan to introduce new technologies and services, such as Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) to the Clostridium difficile services it currently provides. This role will support the Lead Scientist in the CDRN unit in delivering this plan.
The post holder will be required to support the emergency response capability of the Leeds Laboratory should this be required and also to work with colleagues to provide a laboratory liaison service to the Yorkshire & Humber Health Protection teams. The successful candidate will be educated to degree level (as described in the essential criteria). An IBMS Specialist Diploma in Medical Microbiology is essential (please note that this is not covered by HCPC registration or a higher degree). The successful candidate must also have experience in diagnostic bacteriology, bacterial culture techniques and experience of diagnostic molecular biology testing.
Main duties:
- To work as part of the laboratory team, providing a high-quality Clostridium difficile ribotyping service to provide patients and clinicians with the highest level of diagnosis, treatment and surveillance.
- To assist the Lead Scientist in the development and transition to a whole genome sequencing (WGS) service for CDRN.
- To provide expert technical support for the specialist work undertaken within the laboratory in accordance with UKHSA and laboratory policies and procedures.
- The post holder would be expected to assist in any UKHSA coordinated response or activity of a national/international nature, e.g., a Bioterrorism incident or a major disease outbreak.
- To participate in Quality Assurance and Quality Control activities and assist the department in maintaining ISO 15189 accreditation from UKAS (UK Accreditation Service).
- To participate in the provision of out-of-hours services should these be required.
- To provide support for any PH initiatives undertaken in Leeds UKHSA.
- Responsible for organising and controlling own workload ensuring deadlines are observed and duties performed efficiently.
- Provide cover as directed by Line Manager for other members of the team in their absence and assist with their workloads as necessary.
- Act independently on day-to-day issues and to use own judgement within the autonomy and limitations of the post.
Qualifications:
- Educated to degree level in an appropriate medical / microbiological / biological science or equivalent level of experience of working at a similar level in a specialist area e.g., molecular biology.
- IBMS Specialist Diploma in Medical Microbiology.
- Registration with the Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC) as Biomedical Scientist.
- Experience in diagnostic bacteriology and bacterial culture techniques.
- Experience of diagnostic molecular biology testing, molecular methods including real time PCR and sequencing.
- Experience of working in a regulated environment with quality systems and knowledge of UKAS/ISO.
- Experience of evaluating new techniques/equipment.
- MSc or higher qualification in an appropriate medical / microbiological / biological science.
- Experience of training staff.
- Ability to work effectively as part of the Microbiology out-of-hours team if required as part of a national public health response.
- Aware of a range of Health Services provisions and knowledge of NHS issues.
Seniority level: Associate
Employment type: Full-time
Job function: Science
Industries: Hospitals and Health Care and Public Health
Specialist Biomedical Scientist in Leeds employer: UK Health Security Agency
Contact Detail:
UK Health Security Agency Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Specialist Biomedical Scientist in Leeds
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to professionals in the biomedical field on LinkedIn or at local events. A friendly chat can lead to opportunities you might not find online.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to microbiology and your specific skills. We recommend doing mock interviews with friends or mentors to boost your confidence.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion for the role! During interviews, share your enthusiasm for microbiology and any relevant projects you've worked on. It’s all about making a memorable impression.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Specialist Biomedical Scientist in Leeds
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Specialist Biomedical Scientist role. Highlight your relevant experience in diagnostic bacteriology and molecular biology testing, as well as any specific skills that match the job description.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share your passion for microbiology and how your background aligns with the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Showcase Your Qualifications: Don’t forget to emphasise your educational background, especially your IBMS Specialist Diploma in Medical Microbiology. We want to see how your qualifications make you a strong candidate for this position.
Apply Through Our Website: For the best chance of success, apply directly through our website. This ensures your application gets to the right people and shows us you're serious about joining our team at UKHSA.
How to prepare for a job interview at UK Health Security Agency
✨Know Your Microbiology Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of diagnostic bacteriology and molecular biology testing. Be prepared to discuss specific techniques like real-time PCR and sequencing, as well as your experience with Clostridium difficile ribotyping. This will show that you're not just familiar with the theory but also have practical insights.
✨Showcase Your Quality Assurance Experience
Since this role involves maintaining ISO 15189 accreditation, be ready to talk about your experience in quality assurance and quality control activities. Highlight any previous roles where you contributed to compliance with UKAS standards, as this will demonstrate your understanding of the regulatory environment.
✨Demonstrate Teamwork and Leadership Skills
This position requires working closely with a team and supporting the Lead Scientist. Prepare examples of how you've effectively collaborated in a lab setting and any instances where you've taken the lead on projects or initiatives. This will illustrate your ability to work independently while also being a team player.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your response to emergency situations, such as a major disease outbreak or bioterrorism incident. Think of past experiences where you had to act quickly and effectively under pressure, and be ready to explain your thought process and actions during those times.