Location
UKHSA Colindale, 61 Colindale Avenue, London NW9 5EQ. This role is laboratory based and hybrid working is not available.

Hours
Full Time, standard working hours as per Agenda for Change Terms and Conditions.

Salary
£32,073 - £39,043 per annum, pro-rata, AfC Band 5. This role attracts HCAS Outer: 15% of annual salary, subject to a minimum payment of £4,870 and a maximum payment of £6,137.

About the Role
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) works to prevent, prepare for, and respond to infectious diseases and environmental hazards to protect public health and build national health security. Within Public Health Microbiology, laboratory teams perform complex and highly skilled techniques, often requiring nationally or internationally unique capabilities. Reference laboratories provide authoritative analysis for complex clinical or food microbiological and virological problems, drive methodology development, and support outbreak investigations and international health alerts.

The Biomedical Scientist will work as part of the host laboratory team delivering reference laboratory services. Responsibilities include efficient specimen processing, performing microbiological, serological, and molecular laboratory duties under supervision, booking specimens, data input, filing, reception duties, and other clerical tasks appropriate to the grade. The role supports the bacteriology or virology reference departments during incidents and contributes to training and skill development when not deployed.

Main duties include reading and analysing test results, entering data onto LIMS, collating and presenting data, adhering to quality control practices, attending meetings, planning and implementing projects, monitoring safety cabinets, and supporting research and development activities. The role requires compliance with health and safety standards, UKAS ISO15189, and confidentiality under the Data Protection Act.

The Biomedical Scientist will also participate in internal and external audits, maintain stock and equipment, apply computer technology for biological information management, and actively engage in continuing professional development.

This role may involve supporting UKHSA’s incident response activities, prioritising such work as required. The job description may be reviewed to reflect organisational needs.

Experience
Post-qualification laboratory experience in microbiology. Knowledge of laboratory safety requirements and quality assurance procedures. Experience using Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) and common software such as Microsoft Office and Excel. Confident in presenting ideas and information with excellent analytical and organisational skills, with particular attention to detail. Ability to problem solve calmly and efficiently.

About you
Self-motivated, organised, meticulous, and able to work effectively both independently and as part of a team. Committed to maintaining professional competence and continuing professional development. Able to work under supervision and follow standard operating procedures. Willing to contribute to incident response activities and adapt to changing priorities.

Qualifications
BSc in a Biological Science. State registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) as a Biomedical Scientist and maintenance of professional competence. Desirable: Experience or understanding of molecular assays including Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), sequencing technologies, and serological assays.