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Job description

Biomedical Scientists are responsible for the diagnosis of
infection and disease processes by the application of
microbiological, biological and serological technology,
utilising the most up to date scientific methods in conjunction
with traditional methods of culture, microscopy and
antigen/antibody-complex diagnostics. Diagnostic work
includes examination of respiratory samples (including
sputum), cerebrospinal fluid, pleural fluid, urine, blood/serum,
faeces, pus and other body fluids and tissues. Animal
samples may also be examined.

ThepostholderwillbeaStateRegisteredBiomedical
Scientist whose role is to help deliver a reference and medical
laboratory service to achieve the objectives of efficient and
effective patient care and resource management for the users
of this specialist reference laboratory. This includes working
exclusively with Mycobacteria spp., including those in Hazard
Group 3, in a containment level 3 facilities. The post-holder
will contribute to the team by performing a range of the tests
offered by the laboratory.

• To follow agreed protocols and policies in accordance

with the UKHSA policies and procedures.

• Perform manual, semi-automated and fully automated

laboratory investigations, then interpret and record test
resultsaccordingtogivenStandardOperating
Procedures (SOPs), including performing genotypic
(molecular) tests, which can be complex technical
procedures

• Provide technical advice and results to all users, as

required.

• This supervision will extend to persons seconded to

the NMRS-South for periods of technical training.

• To assess the clinical relevance and importance of

diagnostic test requests, work in progress and test
results.
Other

• Theaboveisonlyanoutlineofthetasks,

responsibilities and outcomes required of the role. You
will carry out any other duties as may reasonably be
required by your line manager.

• The job description and person specification may be

reviewed on an ongoing basis in accordance with the
changing needs of the division and UKHSA.

• It should be noted that the work of the division is of a

confidential nature and must not be communicated to
other persons except where required for authorised
purposes.
Professional development

• Youshouldpursueaprogrammeofcontinuous

professionaldevelopmentinaccordancewithany
relevantprofessionalregistrationorstatutory
requirements, whilst maintaining appropriate awareness
of service provider requirements.

UK Health Security Agency provides strategic leadership and
vision for protecting and improving the nation’s health. Its
ambitionistoleadnationally,andenablelocally,a
transformation in the health expectations of all people in
England, regardless of where they live and the circumstance
of their birth. It will achieve this through the application of
research, knowledge and skills. UK HSA is an executive
agency of the Department of Health. It is a distinct delivery
organisation with operational autonomy to advise and support
government, local authorities and the NHS in a professionally
independent manner.
Laboratory Safety Officer
In addition to the H&S expected of this job role the post
holder in collaboration with the Laboratory Manager and with
the support of designated support staff and complying with
safety policies and procedures has additional responsibilities:

• To ensure health, safety and welfare are afforded

priority, to lead in conducting regular safety tours and
to lead by example.

• To be responsible, through the Clinical Lead of the

NMRS-S and Regional Head of Operations NMRSS
for all aspects of health, safety and welfare of self,
staff and visitors.

• To ensure attendance of self and staff on safety

training courses as required in the UKHSA Health
and Safety Training Policy and other safety policies
as appropriate.

• To agree safety objectives with managed staff, to

review performance at appraisal and to ensure
regular meetings take place to ensure adequate
execution of safety responsibilities.

• To ensure that relevant UKHSA health and safety

policies are implemented within the Unit.

• To ensure that risk assessments are carried out and

reviewed for all new and existing

• work and that controls are implemented, monitored,

and maintained.

• To escalate risks that cannot be controlled via the

Labortory Manager, Clinical Lead of the NMRS-S and
Regional Head of Operations to ultimately the
Director of the

• To ensure safety inspections and audit programmes

are carried out in accordance with PHE safety
policies.

• To ensure safety is an agenda item at management

and staff meetings and raise relevant safety issues
with the Clinical Lead of the NMRS-S, Regional Head
of Operations for London, Lead Public Health
Microbiologist for London and Director of Operations
for Specialist Microbiology Services.

• To ensure all return to work interviews are

undertaken in accordance with the PHE Sickness
Absence and Control procedure.

• To ensure that incidents and accidents are reported

on a timely basis and that the PHE's statutory
responsibilities for health, safety and welfare matters
are fulfilled e.g., Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and
Dangerous Occurrences Regulations.To ensure attendance at relevant safety committees
and that joint working takes place with laboratory
safety managers.

• To attend appropriate absence management training

as outlined in the PHE Sickness Absence and Control
Procedure.

• To observe the immunisation policy, safety

regulations and attend mandatory fire, manual
handling training, etc.

In the absence of other senior staff, responsibilities may be
extended to duties carried out by other members of the senior
team.

The post holder is responsible to maintain at all times the
required high standards and quality; to maintain an up-to-date
knowledge of microbiology, especially mycobacteriology, and
currentworkingpracticeswithinthisreference/diagnostic
laboratory

In the absence of other staff there is a need to work flexibly, to
ensure essential laboratory-based duties are covered and
services are adequately maintained.

The post holder will also support the Laboratory Manager to
ensurehighstandardsofsafety,quality&trainingare
maintained with NMRSS. Additional roles will be assigned by
theLaboratoryManagerandensurethatthelaboratory
complies with all relevant legislation as well as training all staff
in appropriate related issues.

At interview stage the candidate will be assessed on essential
criteria, and this will be in the form of a question-based
interview and a short presentation.

Selection process details

STAGE 1 - APPLICATION & SIFT:
You will be required to complete an application form and a statement of suitability of up to 1250 words. This will be assessed in line with the advertised essential criteria – please do provide evidence of how you meet this.

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

STAGE 2 – INTERVIEW

This competition will involve an interview either by video or face to face. Please note that as part of the selection process you may be asked to complete a presentation or test at interview.

As part of the process, candidates will be invited to interview which will involve an in-depth discussion of your previous experience and professional competence in relation to the criteria set out in the Person Specification.

Your Statement of Suitability should outline your skills, experience, and achievements, providing evidence of your suitability for the role, with reference to the essential criteria (outlined in the person specification section).

You will also be asked to provide information within the ‘Employer/ Activity history’ section of the application form.

The Success Profiles framework will be used to assess and recruit the most suitable candidate. The following behaviours will be used at the interview:

• Seeing the Big Picture
• Leadership
• Developing Self and Others
• Managing a Quality Service
• Delivering at Pace

Expected Timeline:
Advert close: 23:55hrs on 21st June 2023 – unfortunately, late applications will not be considered. Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.

Interviews: TBC

Please note these dates could be subject to change.