Assistant Healthcare Scientist

Job overview

The Assistant Healthcare Scientist/Healthcare Scientist Support Worker will work within the Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIRL) Reference Unit, supporting the delivery of UKHSA's national reference laboratory service for bacterial sexually transmitted infections. Working under supervision and following appropriate training and competency assessment, the post holder will undertake routine laboratory support activities in accordance with standard operating procedures, contributing to the safe, efficient and timely delivery of microbiology and molecular diagnostic services.

The role includes receiving, preparing and processing clinical specimens, undertaking routine laboratory procedures, maintaining laboratory equipment and consumables, recording laboratory information using the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS), and supporting specimen storage and archiving. The post holder will assist in maintaining laboratory quality, health and safety standards, participate in routine quality assurance activities, and contribute to the day-to-day running of the laboratory.

Working as part of a multidisciplinary team, the successful candidate will develop their technical knowledge and practical skills through structured training while supporting the delivery of a high-quality national reference and surveillance service for bacterial sexually transmitted infections.

Main duties of the job

• Assist in the delivery of UKHSA's national reference and surveillance services for bacterial sexually transmitted infections by undertaking routine laboratory support activities in accordance with standard operating procedures.
• Receive, prepare, process and track clinical specimens, maintaining accurate laboratory records using the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS).
• Perform routine microbiological, molecular and serological laboratory procedures following appropriate training, competency assessment and supervision.
• Support the day-to-day operation of the laboratory, including stock management, preparation of reagents and consumables, equipment monitoring, specimen archiving and waste disposal.
• Contribute to maintaining laboratory quality, health and safety standards by following UKHSA policies, quality management procedures and accreditation requirements.
• Work collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary team, responding to routine enquiries and providing support to colleagues to ensure an efficient laboratory service.
• Participate in mandatory training, competency assessments and continuous development to enhance technical knowledge and laboratory skills.
• Undertake other duties appropriate to the grade to support service delivery, business continuity and the effective operation of the laboratory

This list is not exhaustive.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

The Assistant Healthcare Scientist/Healthcare Scientist Support Worker will support the delivery of UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) national reference laboratory services for bacterial sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Working under the supervision of senior scientific staff, the post holder will undertake routine laboratory support activities that contribute to the efficient, safe and timely operation of the Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIRL) Reference Unit.

Laboratory Support

• Receive, label, prepare and process clinical specimens in accordance with standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Perform routine laboratory procedures following appropriate training, competency assessment and supervision.
• Assist with the preparation of laboratory media, reagents and consumables required for diagnostic and reference testing.
• Accurately enter and maintain laboratory records using the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) and other laboratory databases.
• Support specimen receipt, storage, archiving and disposal, including maintaining paper and electronic archive systems.
• Record routine laboratory findings and enter results onto LIMS where no scientific interpretation is required, following established procedures.
• Respond to routine laboratory enquiries and assist with the receipt of visitors, deliveries and service engineers as required.

Laboratory Operations

• Assist with the day-to-day running of the laboratory to ensure an efficient and effective service.
• Monitor laboratory stock levels and assist with ordering, receiving and storing consumables and equipment.
• Carry out routine equipment checks and basic maintenance following training, reporting faults or discrepancies to senior staff.
• Ensure work areas are maintained in a clean, safe and organised condition.
• Participate in internal and external quality assurance activities where appropriate.

Quality, Health and Safety

• Work in accordance with UKHSA policies, laboratory SOPs and quality management procedures.
• Comply with Health and Safety legislation, COSHH requirements and infection prevention and control procedures.
• Participate in routine quality assurance activities and maintain accurate laboratory documentation.
• Report equipment faults, incidents or health and safety concerns to an appropriate member of staff.

Team Working and Communication

• Work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary laboratory team to support the delivery of national reference and surveillance services.
• Communicate effectively with colleagues and respond appropriately to routine operational requests.
• Develop and maintain positive working relationships with colleagues across the department.

Training and Development

• Participate in induction, mandatory training and competency assessments appropriate to the role.
• Maintain and develop technical knowledge and practical laboratory skills through continuous learning and development.
• Participate in team meetings and contribute positively to service improvement activities where appropriate.

General Responsibilities

• Maintain confidentiality and comply with UKHSA Information Governance requirements.
• Demonstrate UKHSA values and behaviours in all aspects of work.
• Work flexibly to support service delivery and business continuity.
• Undertake any other duties commensurate with the grade and responsibilities of the post.

Essential Criteria

• GCSEs (or equivalent qualification) including English, Mathematics and Science at Grade C/4 or above, or equivalent experience in a lab based role.
• Ability to follow standard operating procedures accurately and work to a high standard of attention to detail.
• Good organisational and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Basic IT skills, with the ability to accurately record information using computer systems.
• Ability to work safely and follow laboratory health and safety procedures.
• Willingness to undertake training, competency assessments and continuous professional development.
• Flexible approach to work, with the ability to support changing service priorities and business continuity

Desirable Criteria

• Previous experience working in a laboratory, healthcare or scientific environment.
• Experience of handling clinical specimens or working within a diagnostic or research laboratory.
• Familiarity with Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) or other electronic record systems.
• Awareness of laboratory quality systems, infection prevention and control, and health and safety requirements.
• Experience of working within a regulated or accredited environment, such as UKAS ISO 15189.
• Awareness of bacterial sexually transmitted infections and antimicrobial resistance

Selection Process Details

This vacancy will be assessed using a competency-based framework which will assess your qualifications, knowledge and experience and / or skills and abilities outlined in the essential criteria.

Stage 1: Application & Sift

You will be required to complete an application form. You will be assessed on the listed 7 essential criteria, and this will be in the form of a:

• Application form (Employer/ Activity history’ section on the application)
• 700 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. You will receive a joint score for your application form and statement. (The application form is the kind of information you would put into your C.V –please be advised you will not be able to upload your CV. Please complete the application form in as much detail as possible). Please do not email us your CV.

Healthjobs UK has a word limit of 1500, but your supporting statement must be no more than 700 words. We will not consider any words over 700 words.

Longlisting

In the event of a large number of applications we will longlist into 3 piles of:

• Meets all essential criteria
• Meets some essential criteria
• Meets no essential criteria

If used, the pile ‘Meets all essential criteria’ will proceed to shortlisting.

Shortlisting

In the event of a large number of applications we may conduct an initial sift, on the lead criteria of:

• GCSEs (or equivalent qualification) including English, Mathematics and Science at Grade C/4 or above, or equivalent experience in a lab based role
• Ability to follow standard operating procedures accurately and work to a high standard of attention to detail.
• Good organisational and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team.

Desirable criteria may be used in the event of a large number of applications/large amount of successful candidates.

If you are successful at this stage, you will progress to interview & assessment.

Feedback will not be provided at this stage.

Stage 2: Interview

You will be invited to a single face to face interview at our scientific campus in Colindale, 61 Colindale Avenue, London, NW9 5EQ If face to face interviews are planned, in exceptional circumstances, we may be able to offer a remote interview.

Knowledge, experience, skills & abilities will be tested at interview

Interviews dates to be confirmed.

Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.

Location

This role is being offered as lab based at our Scientific Campus in Colindale. Please note hybrid working is not available for this role.

Security Clearance Level Requirement

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.

Based at our scientific campus, 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.

Eligibility Criteria

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

Salary Information

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.

This role offers Market Pay Supplement (MPS) to raise the total minimum pay to £32,578 per annum, pro rata to be reviewed annually.