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

Hours
Full time hours as per UKHSA standards.

Salary
£32,624 - £37,737 per year

About the Role
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is dedicated to preventing, preparing for, and responding to infectious diseases and environmental hazards to protect public health and save lives. The Virus Reference Department (VRD) is a national and international reference centre for a wide range of virus infections. Within VRD, the Antiviral Unit (AVU) provides specialist diagnostic services and advice on HIV, Hepatitis C Virus (HCV), and Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) types 1 & 2. The unit also undertakes research and development projects focused on correlating genotypic markers with phenotypic resistance profiles and continuously improving diagnostic methods.

The key objectives of this role include supporting the antiviral resistance testing services for HCV, HIV, and HSV, as well as contributing to R&D projects. Responsibilities include performing molecular and viral culture diagnostic tests, compiling and updating technical documentation, supporting assay validation, maintaining UKAS accreditation standards, and contributing to quality management and project work.

The role involves working closely with epidemiology colleagues and academic collaborators to deliver national public health surveillance programmes. The post holder will support routine diagnostic service delivery, including LIMS management, record keeping, sample handling, nucleic acid extraction, PCR and sequencing, and viral tissue culture including drug susceptibility testing. Training will be provided where necessary, although prior experience with these techniques is advantageous.

The unit is advancing its sequencing assays and phenotyping methods to increase speed and throughput while maintaining accuracy and cost-effectiveness. All assays are UKAS accredited to ISO15189 standards, and new developments aim to meet these standards.

This role requires maintaining high quality standards, attending mandatory training, and developing effective communication and working relationships with a wide range of clinical and non-clinical stakeholders both within and outside UKHSA.

Experience
- Experience working in a microbiological diagnostic laboratory or equivalent environment.
- Experience with quality assurance and safety principles and procedures.
- Computer literate with proficiency in MS Office (Excel, Word).
- Ability to analyse and evaluate data based on evidence.
- Ability to create reports and present findings clearly.
- High level of motivation and commitment to maintaining high standards.

About you
- Motivated and committed to delivering high quality scientific work.
- Able to work effectively both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
- Willingness to engage in continuous professional development and training.
- Strong communication skills to liaise with internal and external stakeholders.

Qualifications
- BSc in biological sciences or equivalent qualification such as microbiology.
- Desirable: CPD registration and/or HCPC registration.
- Desirable: Experience with PCR, sequencing, and/or viral culture.
- Desirable: Experience working in a regulated environment (e.g. ISO 15189).