Location
Scientific Campus, Colindale, London NW9 5EQ

Hours
Full Time (hours not specified)

Salary
£29,613 - £30,266 per annum, pro rata
This role includes a Market Payment Supplement (MPS) bringing the minimum starting salary to £32,578 per annum, pro rata.
UK Health Security Agency also contributes £8,578 towards membership of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme.

About the Role
As a Healthcare Scientist Support Worker within the Clinical Services Unit of Reference Microbiology Services, you will support complex and specialist microbiology testing that aids outbreak detection, method development, surveillance design, and advanced characterisation for NHS, public health bodies, and international partners.

You will carry delegated responsibility from the Technical Manager across technical, support, quality, research and development, and governance functions.

Key duties include processing and tracking laboratory specimens in line with SOPs, preparing reagents, running assays and quality controls, monitoring equipment, maintaining stock levels, and recording results using laboratory IT systems.

You will work independently and collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams to deliver reference microbiology services, maintain a clean and safe laboratory environment, and ensure compliance with safety and waste disposal standards.

Additional responsibilities include drafting documentation and SOPs, supporting quality assurance and governance activities, participating in internal and external audits, and contributing to service development and quality improvements.

You will also assist with research and development projects, organise and deliver training for staff and visitors, manage resources efficiently, and participate in relevant committees or working groups.

Confidentiality, data protection compliance, and collaboration with other departments and external partners are essential aspects of this role.

This role is office/lab based with no hybrid working option and requires passing a Counter-Terrorist Check security clearance prior to appointment.

UKHSA is committed to inclusion and diversity, providing flexible working options and tailored learning and development opportunities.

Experience
- Recent, relevant laboratory experience including pre-analytical techniques applicable to bacterial, serological, or molecular methods.
- Knowledge of laboratory safety requirements and procedures.
- Experience working in a lab environment using computerised data systems.
- Competent use of laboratory IT systems and software tools such as Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.

About You
- Clear communicator with good writing, data entry, and telephone skills ensuring accuracy.
- Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to remain calm and efficient.
- Able to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
- Organised and able to prioritise workload to meet deadlines.
- Able to follow written and oral instructions and standard operating procedures.
- Good timekeeping.
- Well-developed physical skills, including precise manipulation of pipettes and laboratory equipment.
- Physically fit to lift and move racks, push trolleys, and safely use step stools or ladders.
- Committed to equality of opportunity and maintaining good working relationships.
- Able to maintain confidentiality and trust.
- Adaptable with a flexible approach to work.

Qualifications
- Educated to GCSE level in English, Maths, and Science or equivalent.

Desirable
- Experience working in a healthcare environment.
- Awareness of a range of Health Services provisions.
- Working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications.
- Knowledge of NHS issues.
- Understanding of Data Protection legislation.
- Residence within a reasonable distance of the service site.