Location
Scientific Campus, Colindale, London (Office based)

Hours
Full Time (hours not specified)

Salary
£32,624 per annum

About the Role
As a Laboratory Administrator at the UK Health Security Agency, you will be a key point of contact for Local and Port Health Authorities, NHS, and commercial customers, ensuring the smooth and effective running of the laboratory. You will assist the Laboratory Manager in preparing commercial quotes, coordinate courier bookings, and maintain communication with courier contractors to ensure timely sample collections. You will support quality systems management by working closely with the Laboratory Quality Manager to maintain UKAS accreditation and compliance with ISO 17025 standards, participating in audits as required.

In addition, you will manage administrative staff recruitment, induction, training, and performance appraisal, ensuring all staff files and training records are up to date for audit purposes. You will oversee HR functions including sickness absence recording, annual leave coordination, return to work interviews, and monthly reporting. Acting as the first point of contact for internal support departments such as HR, payroll, and finance, you will ensure effective communication and dissemination of UKHSA policies and procedures.

You will contribute to service development by maintaining high standards, encouraging innovation, and assisting in writing administrative Standard Operating Procedures. You will also support the Laboratory Management team in preparing and updating the Laboratory Business Plan.

Competency in the laboratory’s IT systems is essential, as is ensuring confidentiality in line with the Data Protection Act and Caldicott principles. You will promote health and safety by implementing safety codes, maintaining risk assessments, reporting hazards, and ensuring attendance at required safety training courses.

This role requires a commitment to maintaining a secure working environment, including passing a Counter Terrorist Check security clearance.

Experience
- Managing priorities within a large, complex organisation
- Records maintenance and filing systems (both paper and electronic)
- Using a variety of software packages, data entry, and proficient keyboard skills
- Ordering and invoicing processes
- Liaising with customers and maintaining strong customer relationships
- Managing and communicating sensitive and confidential information effectively

About you
- Excellent organisational skills with the ability to manage your own workload
- Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing
- Able to work collaboratively and cooperatively as part of a team
- High level of motivation and commitment to maintaining high standards
- Understanding of and commitment to equality of opportunity and fostering good working relationships
- Ability to liaise effectively across departments and organisational boundaries

Qualifications
- Educated to A Level/NVQ standard or equivalent, including English

Desirable Criteria
- Experience working in a public health related field
- Knowledge and understanding of laboratory safety requirements and procedures
- Experience independently managing projects within an administrative capacity
- Previous experience supervising or managing staff
- Knowledge and experience of financial management, including budget monitoring
- Proven ability to identify and develop efficient and effective workplace systems