Biomedical Scientist Practitioner / Healthcare Scientist Practitioner in London

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) prevents, prepares for and responds to infectious diseases, and environmental hazards, to keep all our communities safe, save lives and protect livelihoods. We provide scientific and operational leadership, working with local, national and international partners to protect the public’s health and build the nation’s health security capability.

We are seeking an HCPC registered Biomedical Scientist Practitioner (AfC Band 5) or a Healthcare Scientist Practitioner (Executive Officer). Salary bands: AfC Band 5: £32,073 - £39,043 (plus Outer HCAS payment) per annum, pro rata EO (Inner London): £32,624 - £37,737 per annum, pro rata. Candidates holding HCPC registration will be appointed on NHS Terms & Conditions at NHS AfC Band 5. Candidates without HCPC registration will be appointed on Civil Service Terms and Conditions at EO grade.

The Gastrointestinal Bacteria Reference Unit (GBRU) is a National Reference Laboratory and provides specialist and reference services for a specific range of hazard group 2 and 3 gastrointestinal and foodborne bacterial pathogens notably Bacillus cereus, Clostridium perfringens, C. botulinum, E. coli, Listeria, Campylobacter, Helicobacter, Salmonella, Shigella, Yersinia and Vibrio species.

GBRU works at local, regional, national and international levels to reduce the impact of food, water and environmentally borne illnesses on people’s health. Activities include provision of bacterial typing services to assist national surveillance, the detection and investigation of outbreaks and specialist microbiological services for the examination of clinical, food, water and environmental samples. Currently, a combination of phenotypic and genotypic methods is used to detect, identify and type bacterial isolates and this increasingly involves the use of whole genome sequencing.

We are streamlining workflows for different pathogens across the unit to facilitate implementation of new technology whilst maintaining the capability to perform standard reference methods. GBRU has a high priority in ensuring the safe running of laboratory services and the safety of all staff.

To provide technical support within the Unit in ensuring that GBRU provides a national and international service in all aspects of the work of the Section; this includes molecular and conventional microbiological analysis on a range of foodborne bacterial isolates and clinical and environmental specimens. To work with senior staff to ensure that both the service and non-service work of the unit is carried out in a safe, effective, timely manner and operates to a quality system. To participate in research and development activities within GBRU.

The day to day duties will include:

• To receive, sort, unpack, label and process specimens in the laboratory.
• To assist in the provision and organisation of safe, timely, high quality and economical CL2 and CL3 microbiological, serological, and molecular laboratory duties, guided by standard operating procedures (SOPs) within GBRU.
• To undertake DNA-based detection and typing for a range of pathogens with assays and techniques such as real-time polymerase chain reaction and whole genome sequencing (WGS).
• To analyse and validate clinical and reference-based results, support the senior scientists in dealing with laboratory queries and maintain professional registration.
• Assist in providing a flexible laboratory response to emergency public health needs including investigation of incidents, of deliberate release of pathogenic organisms and to general investigations of illness as appropriate.
• Assist with evaluation and implementation of new techniques/methods to the unit that enhance effectiveness of the laboratory work.
• Writing and updating SOPs and controlled documentation.
• To provide technical support to GBRU Reference Services as appropriate including adjusting day-to-day work priorities to meet changing demands or emergency requirements.
• Assist senior staff in the management of supporting staff across GBRU and deputise for the HEO when required.

In collaboration with the GBRU Safety Officer and complying with UKHSA safety policies and procedures to:

• Ensure that health, safety and welfare is an afforded priority over other issues and to demonstrate a commitment to health, safety and welfare regarding self, all staff and visitors in the unit.
• Assist in maintaining a safe working environment within the unit ensuring risk assessments and COSHH are carried out as and when required and safety policy is adhered to.
• Report all accidents and incidents or near misses, dangerous situations or shortcomings in health and safety training instructions and assist in taking remedial action.
• Participate in the internal and external safety audits as required and implement any arising corrective actions.

Your attention is drawn to the Health and Safety at Work Act of 1974 which requires you to take reasonable care for the health and safety of yourself and others who may be affected by your acts and omissions at work; and co-operate with the UKHSA on any matters of health and safety.

Entry of results into LIMS system and liaison with senior staff in sending laboratory reports. Answering telephone queries.

Maintain a high standard of work and contribute to developing the service of the laboratory so that service delivery is safe effective and economical and follows best practice according to ISO15189 and 17025 standards.

Train and supervise other staff, visitors and students. Oversee the service and maintenance of equipment. Ensure performance checks on equipment are performed and to take appropriate corrective action if equipment fails to meet specification.

Contribute to GBRU strategic policies and encourage innovations and develop practices that enhance the effectiveness of the section’s work.

Essential criteria:

• BSc in Microbiology or relevant biological science or equivalent level of qualification and experience.
• Experience and knowledge of working in a microbiology laboratory at containment level 2.
• Good experience and knowledge of multiple laboratory techniques including phenotypic and molecular methods.
• Good understanding of quality assurance principles and procedures.
• Independent thinker with demonstrated good judgement, problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Use of micropipettes, sub-culturing organisms - good manual dexterity - work by paying attention to detail.
• Able to work without supervision - ability to prioritise work in a timely manner - good organisational skills.

Desirable criteria:

• HCPC registration.
• Experience and knowledge of working in a microbiology laboratory at containment level 3.
• Experience of writing SOPs.
• Ability to analyse and interpret information, pre-empt and evaluate issues, and recommend an appropriate course of action to address the issues.
• Attention to detail combined with the ability to extract key messages from complex analysis.

This vacancy is using Success Profiles and will assess your behaviours and experience. You will be required to complete an application form. You will be assessed on the listed essential criteria, and this will be in the form of a 1000 word supporting statement. This should outline how you consider your skills, experience and knowledge provide evidence of your suitability for the role, with reference to the essential criteria.

Interviews will be held week commencing 12th October 2026. Please note, these dates are subject to change.

This role is lab based in Colindale, London. Please note that hybrid working is not available with this role.

Open to all external applicants (anyone) from outside the Civil Service (including by definition internal applicants).

Successful candidates must pass a basic Disclosure and Barring Security (DBS) 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-Terrorism Check clearance.

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.

Benefits of working at UKHSA include:

• Generous annual leave: 26 days for the first 5 years of continuous service, 28 days after 5 years of continuous service, 32 days after 10 years of continuous service, plus public holidays and one privilege day for the King’s birthday.
• Access to a generous Defined Benefit pension scheme with employer contributions.
• Access to a cycle-to-work salary sacrifice scheme, season ticket advances and payroll giving.
• Access to a retail discounts and cashback site.
• Flexible working patterns (part-time, job-share, condensed hours).
• Generous maternity/paternity and adoption leave package.