Location
Colindale Sequencing Laboratory, London Borough of Barnet. This is a lab-based role with no hybrid working options.

Hours
Full Time (hours not specified)

Salary
£52,113 per annum

About the Role
This role is based at the Colindale Sequencing Laboratory (CSL) supporting the delivery of UKHSA pathogen genomic services that are resilient, scalable, and adaptable to emerging public health challenges. The Senior Healthcare Scientist will translate genomics research and innovation into routine service delivery, aligning with UKHSA Science and Pathogen Genomics Strategies and organisational priorities. Key responsibilities include driving continuous improvement in laboratory efficiency, fostering innovation, and supporting adoption of emerging technologies to ensure long-term sustainability of genomics services.

The post holder will maintain high standards and quality in delivering a high-throughput pathogen genomics sequencing service, keeping up-to-date with genomic sequencing technologies, laboratory automation, and innovations. Flexibility is required to maintain essential laboratory services while meeting service improvement objectives.

Supporting the senior leadership team, the role ensures safety, quality, and training standards are upheld and compliance with relevant legislation is maintained. The post holder will provide training and technical advice to team members and may have line management responsibilities.

Responsibilities include professional leadership, performing manual and automated laboratory techniques, writing and reviewing SOPs, troubleshooting NGS workflows, managing project timelines, maintaining equipment and LIMS, contributing to strategy and service development, financial management, staff management, and promoting a strong safety culture.

The role also involves providing training leadership, developing and supervising projects, ensuring compliance with UKAS and accreditation standards, and managing information technology tools related to laboratory workflows and data analysis.

Additional duties may be assigned by CSL and PHM Genomics senior leadership teams. Continuous professional development is expected to maintain awareness of service provider requirements.

Experience
- Extensive knowledge and experience in at least one specialist area of the unit.
- Proven record supporting NGS sequencing services and automation.
- Experience evaluating NGS methods including short-read and long-read technologies.
- Ability to assess and implement new technologies and laboratory innovations.
- Experience managing and motivating teams, including reviewing performance.
- Problem-solving skills and ability to respond to unexpected demands.
- Ability to negotiate and present complex information effectively.
- Capability to plan and prioritise work over short, medium, and long-term periods.

About You
- Professional leadership skills with the ability to foster positive working attitudes.
- Strong communication skills to provide technical advice and maintain stakeholder relationships.
- Commitment to maintaining high standards of safety, quality, and compliance.
- Flexible and adaptable to meet service delivery and improvement objectives.
- Enthusiastic about continuous professional development and innovation.
- Ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.

Qualifications
- Educated to degree level or equivalent in microbiology, biological science, molecular biology, or a relevant subject.
- Maintains a continuous professional development (CPD) portfolio.
- Desirable: Experience training and supervising teams.
- Desirable: Comprehensive experience with principal project techniques and tools related to pathogen genomics.