Biomedical Scientist

Job summary

The UKHSA Mycology Reference Laboratory in Bristol is one of the few reference laboratories that are situated outside the main reference facility currently housed at Colindale. The laboratory undertakes local diagnostic testing and national reference and referred tests across a varied panel, together these currently amount to more than 67,000 tests per year. The laboratory currently employs 20 staff.

The post holder will act as a Healthcare Scientist to provide specialist technical and clerical activities in support of the scientific services to patients and service users as an aid to clinical diagnosis within the Mycology Reference Laboratory. To be responsible for the efficient processing of specimens and performing additional laboratory duties, such as media and microtitre dilution plate preparation, performance of antibody, antigen and other fungal biomarker tests, culture identification and susceptibility testing to ensure the efficient day to day performance of the laboratory, under the supervision of more senior Healthcare Scientist (HCS) and Clinical Scientist (CS) staff.

Working for your organisation

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.

Please visit our careers site for more information https://gov.uk/ukhsa/careers

Job description

• To perform general laboratory duties e.g. checking and cleaning instruments/equipment, recording temperatures, preparing media and reagents and assistance with stock control.
• Assist in the training of other staff and visitors and to cover the duties of other staff where possible.
• To help revive, prepare and dispatch items for the National Collection of Pathogenic Fungi.
• To undertake sterilisation and disposal of laboratory waste including collection of discard and waste material, loading and unloading discard bins to autoclaves, transfer of laboratory waste to designated collection/disposal areas
• To receive, sort, unpack, label and process specimens
• To understand the use of the laboratory information system (LIMS) and undertake data entry e.g. for samples received and referred and look up results etc.
• Assist in the production and dissemination of laboratory reports, data and statistics, including the issuing of authorised reports by telephone and being aware of the priority of reports.
• Process clinical specimens and undertake related tasks such as reading and interpreting cultures.
• Perform and interpret identification and sensitivity tests on referred and clinical isolates.
• To be aware of anomalous results, reporting them appropriately to ensure that unusual reports are drawn to the attention of senior staff and to report complaints or anomalies as soon as possible.
• Liaise with medical, scientific and other healthcare staff in all matters relating to diagnosis.
• Assist in the calibration and maintenance of equipment. To use equipment in a safe and responsible manner, assisting in maintenance and calibration as required and assist in the research and evaluation of new methods and equipment.
• To maintain a high standard of professional competence and technical skill in the performance of all tests and investigations carried out in the laboratory.
• Adhere to laboratory SOP’s, assist in the introduction of new and amended methodology.

This is not an exhaustive list.

Person specification

Essential role criteria

• State registration as a Biomedical Scientist with the HCPC
• BSc or equivalent in Biomedical Science
• Demonstrable post-registration experience in a relevant field
• Working knowledge of mycology laboratory procedures
• Practical experience in a mycology laboratory
• Experience with LIMS
• Evidence of continuing professional development
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team
• Good computer skills and sound knowledge of common IT programmes
• Evidence of ability to train others
• Knowledge of health and safety practices
• Able to provide judgement on a range of problems
• Communicate complex and sensitive information with peers and senior staff.
• An understanding of and commitment to equality of opportunity and good working relationships
  

Desirable role criteria:

• Practical experience in a mycology laboratory
• Experience of working in a healthcare environment
• Able to work on own initiative, organising and prioritising own workload to set deadlines

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £38,682, UK Health Security Agency contributes £11,206 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.

• Learning and development tailored to your role
• An environment with flexible working options
• A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity

Things you need to know

Artificial intelligence

Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance (opens in a new window) for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.

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 essential criteria, and this will be in the form of:

• an application form (‘Employer/ Activity history’ section on the application)
• a 1500 word supporting statement

This should outline how 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.

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

Only those meeting all essential criteria will be taken through to shortlisting.

Shortlisting: In the event of a large number of applications we will shortlist on:

• State registration as a Biomedical Scientist with the HCPC

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 and assessment.

Feedback will not be provided at this stage.

Stage 2: Interview

You will be invited to a face to face interview. In exceptional circumstances, we may be able to offer a remote interview.

Knowledge, experience, skills and abilities will be tested at interview.

You will be required to undertake a short technical test as part of the interview process.

Interviews dates are 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 lab based at Pathology Sciences Building, Southmead Hospital, Bristol, BS10 5NB. Please note that hybrid working is not available with this role.

Eligibility Criteria

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

Security Clearance Level Requirement

Successful candidates must pass a disclosure and barring security check.

Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is Counter Terrorism Check clearance.

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. 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.

Salary guides

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.

Reasonable Adjustments

The Civil Service is committed to making sure that our selection methods are fair to everyone. To help you during the recruitment process, we will consider any reasonable adjustments that could help you. An adjustment is a change to the recruitment process or an adjustment at work. This is separate to the Disability Confident Scheme. If you need an adjustment to be made at any point during the recruitment process you should contact the recruitment team in confidence as soon as possible to discuss your needs.

You can find out more information about reasonable adjustments across the Civil Service here: https://www.civil-service-careers.gov.uk/reasonable-adjustments/

International Police check

If you have spent more than 6 months abroad over the last 3 years you may need an International Police Check. This would not necessarily have to be in a single block, and it could be time accrued over that period.

Internal Fraud check

If successful for this role as one aspect of pre-employment screening, applicant’s personal details – name, national insurance number and date of birth - will be checked against the Cabinet Office Internal Fraud Hub and anyone included on the database will be refused employment unless they can show exceptional circumstances. Currently this is only for External candidates to the Civil Service.

Careers website

Please visit our careers site for more information https://gov.uk/ukhsa/careers

Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.

Security

Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is counter-terrorist check (opens in a new window).

See our vetting charter (opens in a new window).People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.

Nationality requirements

This job is broadly open to the following groups:

• UK nationals
• nationals of the Republic of Ireland
• nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window)
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
• individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
• Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service

Further information on nationality requirements (opens in a new window)

Working for the Civil Service

The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.

We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window).The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.

Diversity and Inclusion

The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see theCivil Service People Plan (opens in a new window) and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy (opens in a new window).

Apply and further information

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

Contact point for applicants

Job contact :

• Name : Jon Payne
• Email : jonathan.payne@ukhsa.gov.uk

Recruitment team

• Email : recruitment@ukhsa.gov.uk

Further information

The law requires that selection for appointment to the Civil Service is on merit on the basis of fair and open competition as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's Recruitment Principles. If you feel your application has not been treated in accordance with the Recruitment Principles, and you wish to make a complaint, in the first instance, you should contact UKHSA Public Accountability Unit via email: Complaints@ukhsa.gov.uk If you are not satisfied with the response you receive from the Department, you can contact the Civil Service Commission: Visit the Civil Service Commission website: https://civilservicecommission.independent.gov.uk