Location
Scientific Campus, Colindale, Edgware, London. This role is office/lab based. Please note hybrid working is not available for this role.

Hours
Full Time (hours not specified)

Salary
£31,049 - £37,796 (NHS AfC Band 5, plus Outer HCAS payment) or £32,624 - £37,737 (Civil Service EO Inner) depending on terms and conditions and registration status.

About the Role
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is seeking a Healthcare Scientist to join the newly established Sexually Transmitted Infections Reference Laboratory (STIRL), the national reference laboratory for bacterial STIs. STIRL provides specialist testing to detect, characterise, and monitor clinically significant STI pathogens and antimicrobial resistance using phenotypic and genotypic assays. The role involves undertaking routine and non-routine diagnostic and reference laboratory work including specimen processing, culture, nucleic acid extraction, PCR (including real-time PCR), sequencing, and antimicrobial susceptibility testing. You will analyse, validate, and authorise laboratory results, support national surveillance programmes, outbreak investigations, and contribute to quality assurance and continuous service improvement. The role requires adherence to UKAS ISO 15189 standards and internal quality systems, maintaining laboratory safety, stock management, and effective communication with colleagues and external stakeholders. You will also participate in training, professional development, and contribute to research and development activities as required. This position offers the opportunity to work within a nationally and internationally recognised division that supports public health through expert microbiological services and advice to government and agencies. Security clearance at Counter-Terrorist Check level is required prior to appointment.

Experience
- Post-qualification laboratory experience in microbiology pathogens or antimicrobial susceptibility testing
- Experience working in a laboratory environment using pre-analytical techniques applicable to bacterial, serological, or molecular methods
- Experience using Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) and common software packages such as Microsoft Office and Access
- Ability to organise own workload, delegate priorities where appropriate, and work effectively within a team
- Self-motivated, organised, meticulous, and able to problem-solve calmly and efficiently

About you
- Good communication and team-working skills
- Confident in presenting ideas and information with strong analytical and organisational skills and attention to detail (desirable)
- Leadership capability including confidence in supporting or supervising junior staff (desirable)
- Commitment to equality, diversity, and fostering good working relationships in daily practice and management systems

Qualifications
- BSc (or equivalent) in a biological science
- HCPC registration with evidence of CPD and certification for NHS AfC Terms and Conditions (essential for NHS appointment)
- Candidates without HCPC registration will be appointed on Civil Service Terms and Conditions at EO grade