Location
Colindale, Edgware, London. This role is office/lab based at the UK Health Security Agency Scientific Campus. Hybrid working is not available.

Hours
Full Time (hours not specified)

Salary
£46,310 - £56,515 per annum (AfC Band 7 plus Outer HCAS) or £46,310 - £52,113 per annum (SEO grade), pro rata

About the Role
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) Immunisation and Diagnosis Unit (IDU) is a WHO Global Specialised Laboratory for Measles & Rubella and provides reference and surveillance services for multiple pathogens including Mumps, Parvovirus B19, Polyomavirus JC, Varicella Zoster Virus, Human Herpes Virus 6 & 7, and Intrathecal antibody investigations. Based at Colindale, this role provides technical and scientific expertise for the development and implementation of a new whole genome sequencing (WGS) service within the IDU.
The post holder will lead the development and implementation of sequencing workflows for IDU pathogens using Illumina and Oxford Nanopore Technologies (ONT) platforms, supporting WGS delivery for reference and surveillance activities. This dynamic role requires an applied research genomics scientist with R&D and implementation experience, proactive in translating genomic research into practical services.
Key responsibilities include developing and evaluating new genomic methods, optimising workflows, supporting service development and horizon scanning, and providing high-quality analyses to meet clinical and scientific requirements. The role involves collaboration with multidisciplinary teams, training and engaging users, validating new genomic services, and maintaining UKHSA’s national and international reputation through strategic partnerships and R&D projects.
The post holder will also contribute to national UKHSA activities including policy development, health and safety, training, procurement, audit, and emergency responses such as bio-terrorism incidents or major disease outbreaks.
Successful candidates will be HCPC registered Senior Biomedical/Clinical Scientists (AfC Band 7) or Senior Healthcare Scientists (SEO). HCPC registered candidates will be appointed on NHS Terms & Conditions, while non-registered candidates will be appointed on Civil Service Terms and Conditions.

Experience
- Post-graduate degree in a relevant medical, microbiology, or biological science discipline (or equivalent experience).
- HCPC registration as a Biomedical or Clinical Scientist (for AfC Terms & Conditions).
- Significant practical and theoretical experience in molecular biology and pathogen genomics.
- Experience working in multidisciplinary teams including wet lab, bioinformatics, and quality assurance.
- Proven ability to network proactively across academia, government, industry, and internal teams.
- Experience providing technical advice, scientific problem solving, R&D, and applied sciences.
- Experience interviewing and recruiting staff.
- Strong data analysis skills and ability to communicate complex data to diverse stakeholders.
- Understanding of genomics applications in public health for virology and bacteriology.
- Experience critically assessing workflows and introducing efficient, cost-effective practices.
- Excellent communication skills, both oral and written.
- Training and teaching skills with aptitude for staff development.
- Strong organisational skills with attention to detail.
- Ability to manage problems calmly and efficiently.
- Experience designing improvements and managing change.
- Problem-solving skills for strategic planning and practical laboratory challenges.
- Financial management skills for planning and assessment.
- Ability to deputise for the scientific lead and lead task deliverables.

About You
You are a dynamic, proactive scientist with a passion for translating genomic research into practical public health applications. You have excellent communication and leadership skills, thrive in collaborative environments, and are committed to maintaining high standards of quality and safety. You are adaptable, organised, and able to manage multiple priorities effectively.

Qualifications
- Post-graduate degree in an appropriate discipline or equivalent experience.
- HCPC registration for Biomedical or Clinical Scientist roles (AfC Band 7).
- Evidence of continuing professional development (desirable).
- Applied experience in bioinformatics methods for pathogen genomics, including hands-on use of pipelines and tools for sequence quality control, assembly or mapping, variant calling, phylogenetic analysis, and interpretation (desirable).
- Experience with quality systems, laboratory accreditation, and compliance in clinical diagnostic laboratories (desirable).