Location
Colindale, London. Please note that hybrid working is not available with this role.

Hours
Full Time (hours not explicitly stated)

Salary
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

About the Role
We are seeking an HCPC registered Biomedical Scientist Practitioner (AfC Band 5) or a Healthcare Scientist Practitioner (Executive Officer) to join the Gastrointestinal Bacteria Reference Unit (GBRU), a National Reference Laboratory providing specialist services for hazard group 2 and 3 gastrointestinal and foodborne bacterial pathogens including Bacillus cereus, Clostridium perfringens, C. botulinum, E. coli, Listeria, Campylobacter, Helicobacter, Salmonella, Shigella, Yersinia and Vibrio species.

GBRU operates locally, regionally, nationally and internationally to reduce the impact of food, water and environmentally borne illnesses. The role involves bacterial typing services to assist national surveillance, outbreak detection and investigation, and specialist microbiological examination of clinical, food, water and environmental samples. Techniques include phenotypic and genotypic methods, increasingly using whole genome sequencing.

The post holder will provide technical support to ensure safe, effective, and timely delivery of microbiological, serological and molecular laboratory duties within containment level 2 and 3 environments. Responsibilities include specimen processing, DNA-based detection and typing, analysis and validation of results, participation in research and development, writing and updating SOPs, and assisting in staff management.

Health and safety is a priority, with active involvement in maintaining a safe working environment, risk assessments, and compliance with UKHSA safety policies. The role also involves entry of results into LIMS, responding to laboratory queries, and supporting emergency public health responses.

UKHSA is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion, fostering an inclusive culture where differences drive innovative solutions to meet workforce and community needs.

Experience
- Experience working in a microbiology laboratory at containment level 2
- Knowledge of multiple laboratory techniques including phenotypic and molecular methods
- Experience with DNA-based detection and typing methods such as real-time PCR and whole genome sequencing is desirable
- Experience working in a containment level 3 laboratory is desirable
- Experience of writing SOPs is desirable

About you
- Independent thinker with good judgement, problem-solving and analytical skills
- Good manual dexterity and attention to detail, including use of micropipettes and sub-culturing organisms
- Ability to work without supervision and prioritise work effectively
- Good organisational skills
- Ability to analyse and interpret information, pre-empt and evaluate issues, and recommend appropriate actions

Qualifications
- BSc in Microbiology, relevant biological science or equivalent level of qualification and experience
- HCPC registration is desirable; candidates holding HCPC registration will be appointed on NHS Terms & Conditions at AfC Band 5
- Candidates without HCPC registration will be appointed on Civil Service Terms and Conditions at EO grade
- Successful applicants will be required to provide evidence of qualifications and registrations before employment can commence