Location
Scientific Campus, Colindale, Edgware, London (Office/Laboratory based). Hybrid working is not available for this role.

Hours
Full Time (hours not specified)

Salary
AfC Band 5: £31,049 - £37,796 (plus Outer HCAS) per annum, pro rata
EO (Inner): £32,624 - £37,737 per annum, pro rata

About the Role
We are seeking an HCPC registered Biomedical Scientist (AfC Band 5) or a Healthcare Scientist Practitioner (EO). Candidates with HCPC registration will be appointed on NHS Terms & Conditions at NHS AfC Band 5, while those without HCPC registration will be appointed on Civil Service Terms and Conditions at EO grade. A permanent role opportunity may become available in the near future.

The Gastrointestinal Bacteria Reference Unit (GBRU) is a National Reference Laboratory providing specialist services for hazard group 2 and 3 gastrointestinal and foodborne pathogens, including Bacillus, Clostridium, E. coli, Listeria, Campylobacter, Helicobacter, Salmonella, Shigella, Yersinia and Vibrio species. GBRU supports public health locally, nationally and internationally through bacterial typing, surveillance, outbreak investigation and specialist analysis of clinical, food, water and environmental samples. The unit uses phenotypic and genotypic methods, including whole genome sequencing, while streamlining workflows and maintaining essential reference capability. Safety and safe laboratory practice are key priorities.

This laboratory-based role supports service delivery, training staff in laboratory procedures, and assisting senior staff in maintaining strong Safety and Quality Management Systems. Responsibilities include molecular and conventional microbiological testing, contributing to diagnosis, reference work, epidemiology, outbreak investigations and responses to health alerts. Samples are received from NHS laboratories, public health teams and international partners for specialist testing and characterisation.

The postholder will ensure efficient specimen processing, support daily laboratory operations, maintain safety and quality standards, and contribute to research and development activities within GBRU. Key duties include receiving and processing specimens, performing CL2 and CL3 microbiological, serological and molecular laboratory duties guided by SOPs, validating clinical results, undertaking DNA-based detection and typing using techniques such as real-time PCR and whole genome sequencing, and assisting in emergency public health responses.

Additional responsibilities include writing and updating SOPs, providing technical support to GBRU Reference Services, managing telephone enquiries related to clinical specimens, assisting senior staff in staff management and deputising for the HEO when required, maintaining a safe working environment in collaboration with the GBRU Safety Officer, and ensuring compliance with health and safety policies.

The role also involves entry of results into the LIMS system, maintaining high standards of work in line with ISO15189 and 17025 standards, training and supervising staff, overseeing equipment maintenance and performance checks, contributing to strategic policies, and working flexibly across the unit as needed.

UKHSA is investing in a new National Biosecurity Centre in Harlow, Essex, expected to be operational by the mid-2030s, with phased staff relocation planned. Until then, investment in current sites including Colindale will continue.

Experience
- HCPC registration as a Biomedical Scientist
- Experience and knowledge of working in a microbiology laboratory at containment level 2
- Good experience and knowledge of multiple laboratory techniques including phenotypic and molecular methods
- Experience working as part of a team
- Understanding of quality assurance principles and procedures
- Problem-solving skills and ability to respond to sudden unexpected demands
- Ability to work independently, prioritise work effectively and organise daily tasks for self and others
- Use of micropipettes, sub-culturing organisms with good manual dexterity and attention to detail
- Ability to supervise and train other staff, visitors and students
- Commitment to equality of opportunity and good working relationships

Qualifications
- BSc in Microbiology or relevant biological science or equivalent level of qualification and experience in a relevant field (e.g. microbiology)
- Evidence of Continuing Professional Development (CPD)

Desirable Criteria
- Experience and knowledge of working in a microbiology laboratory at containment level 3
- Experience of writing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
- Ability to make decisions on difficult and contentious issues
- Skills in analysing and interpreting information, pre-empting and evaluating issues, and recommending appropriate actions
- Attention to detail combined with ability to extract key messages from complex analysis
- Project management skills to ensure targets are met