Location
Scientific Campus, Colindale, London Borough of Barnet. This is a lab-based role with no hybrid working available.
Hours
Full time hours (specific hours not stated).
Salary
£29,613 per annum with a Market Pay Supplement raising the total minimum pay to £32,578 per annum, pro rata, reviewed annually. UK Health Security Agency also contributes £8,578 towards membership of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme.
About the Role
The Assistant Healthcare Scientist/Healthcare Scientist Support Worker will work within the Sexually Transmitted Infections Reference Unit (STIRL) supporting UKHSA's national reference laboratory service for bacterial sexually transmitted infections. Under supervision and following training and competency assessment, the post holder will undertake routine laboratory support activities in line with standard operating procedures to contribute to the safe, efficient, and timely delivery of microbiology and molecular diagnostic services.
Key responsibilities include receiving, preparing, processing, and tracking clinical specimens; performing routine laboratory procedures; maintaining laboratory equipment and consumables; recording information using the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS); supporting specimen storage and archiving; and assisting with quality assurance, health and safety standards, and day-to-day laboratory operations.
The role involves working as part of a multidisciplinary team, developing technical knowledge and practical skills through structured training, and supporting the delivery of a high-quality national reference and surveillance service for bacterial sexually transmitted infections.
Experience
- Ability to follow standard operating procedures accurately and work with high 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 to support changing service priorities and business continuity.
Desirable:
- Previous experience in a laboratory, healthcare, or scientific environment.
- Experience handling clinical specimens or working within diagnostic or research laboratories.
- 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 working within regulated or accredited environments such as UKAS ISO 15189.
- Awareness of bacterial sexually transmitted infections and antimicrobial resistance.
About you
Organised, detail-oriented, and motivated to develop technical laboratory skills. Able to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team and communicate effectively. Committed to maintaining high standards of quality, health, and safety in the laboratory environment. Flexible and adaptable to support service delivery and business continuity.
Qualifications
GCSEs (or equivalent) including English, Mathematics, and Science at Grade C/4 or above, or equivalent experience in a lab-based role. Evidence of qualifications or registrations will be required prior to employment commencement.