Location
London Borough of Barnet, Scientific Campus, Colindale

Hours
Full Time (hours not specified)

Salary
£48,117 per annum

About the Role
The National Mycobacterium Reference Service South (NMRS-S) is the UKHSA National Reference Centre for Tuberculosis and Mycobacteriology, providing specialist reference, diagnostic and advisory services across London, Southern England and internationally. Based at Colindale and recognised as a WHO Supranational Reference Laboratory, the NMRS-S offers a unique opportunity to work within a Containment Level 3 laboratory environment.

As a HCPC-registered Biomedical Scientist, you will deliver high-quality specialist diagnostic and reference laboratory services. Your role will involve performing a wide range of microbiological and molecular investigations on clinical specimens for the diagnosis and management of mycobacterial infections. You will contribute to service delivery, quality assurance, staff supervision, training, service development and continuous improvement while ensuring compliance with UKHSA quality, safety and governance standards.

Key responsibilities include performing manual, semi-automated and automated microbiological and molecular tests; interpreting and validating results; assessing clinical relevance of diagnostic requests; providing technical advice to healthcare professionals; supervising and supporting laboratory staff and trainees; maintaining reagents and equipment; contributing to quality assurance and accreditation; developing and implementing new methodologies; and maintaining professional competence. You will work safely within Containment Level 3 facilities, adhering strictly to health and safety requirements.

The role supports research, service improvement and performance monitoring activities and requires effective communication with colleagues and external partners to ensure the delivery of an efficient and effective diagnostic and reference service.

Experience
- Degree or equivalent qualification acceptable for HCPC registration as a Biomedical Scientist
- HCPC registration as a Biomedical Scientist
- Evidence of continuing professional development
- Comprehensive knowledge of microbiology and laboratory diagnostic practice
- Experience performing complex laboratory investigations
- Experience working in a Containment Level 3 laboratory (desirable)
- Experience working with Mycobacterium species (desirable)
- Experience within a public health or reference laboratory environment (desirable)
- Experience of workforce development and training (desirable)

About you
- Strong organisational skills and attention to detail
- Ability to analyse and interpret laboratory data and results
- Ability to work independently and prioritise workload
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to supervise and support other staff
- Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills
- Understanding of health and safety requirements within laboratory environments
- Knowledge of quality assurance and quality control systems
- Knowledge of the wider health and social care system (desirable)

Qualifications
- Degree or equivalent qualification acceptable for HCPC registration as a Biomedical Scientist
- HCPC registration as a Biomedical Scientist
- Commitment to maintaining professional competence through continuing professional development