Assistant Healthcare Scientist UK Health Security Agency London

Main duties continued from above Ensure the health and safety of self and others and report any risks or safety concerns to senior staff. Use IT tools and software, including Excel and LIMS, to record and manage data. Pursue continuous professional development and undertake mandatory training as required by UKHSA policies. This role offers the opportunity to work on critical public health initiatives, supporting high-quality laboratory services while contributing to the development and growth of laboratory capabilities.

As an Assistant Healthcare Scientist within the Specialised Microbiology and Laboratories Directorate at UKHSA, you will play a vital role in supporting the microbiological and molecular functions of the department. Working within a multidisciplinary team, you will be responsible for assisting with the preparation, examination, and processing of a variety of samples. Your work will contribute directly to the provision of reference and surveillance services, ensuring the timely and efficient delivery of laboratory testing and results. In this role, you will perform routine laboratory tests, including molecular techniques such as nucleic acid extraction and PCR, as well as microbiological and serological techniques.

Under supervision, you will be involved in reading test results and entering them into the Laboratory Information Management System, ensuring that data is accurately recorded and managed. You will also assist in maintaining the laboratorys equipment and stock, ensuring that consumables are available, and equipment is properly maintained and calibrated. Your role will also involve contributing to the laboratorys quality and safety systems, ensuring compliance with accreditation standards such as CPA and ISO 15189. You will work closely with the Quality and Safety Team to maintain high standards of laboratory practice, participating in internal and external quality assurance programs, and helping to implement new methods and technologies to improve the labs efficiency and effectiveness.

You will also be responsible for clerical duties, such as receiving and processing samples, managing archives, and responding to enquiries from both internal and external stakeholders, including NHS laboratories and private companies. As part of the team, you will have the opportunity to engage in ongoing training and development, gaining experience in advanced laboratory techniques and contributing to the continuous improvement of laboratory services. This role is key to supporting the efficient operation of the laboratory, and you will be expected to work flexibly across the department as needed. With opportunities for professional growth and the chance to contribute to important public health initiatives, this position offers a rewarding career path in healthcare science.

Selection Process Stage 1: Application & Sift You will be required to complete an application form. You will be assessed on the 7 listed essential criteria, which have been selected from the job description and this will be in the form of an Application form (Employer/ Activity history section on the application) a 750 word Statement of Suitability. This should outline how your skills, experience and knowledge provide evidence of your suitability for the role, with reference to the essential criteria. The Application form and Statement of Suitability will be marked together.

In the event of a large number of applications we will shortlist on GCSE or equivalent in English, Maths and Science. Good time keeping. Unfortunately, late applications will not be considered If you are successful at this stage, you will progress to interview & assessment Please do not exceed 750 words. We will not consider any words over and above this number.

Feedback will not be provided at this stage. Stage 2: Interview (competency based) You will be invited to a single face to face interview. Knowledge, experience, skills & abilities will be tested at interview. Interviews dates to be confirmed.

Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records. This role is based at Colindale . Please note hybrid working is not available for this role.

Eligibility Criteria External: Open to all external applicants (anyone) from outside the Civil Service (including by definition internal applicants). Security Clearance Level Requirement Successful candidates must pass a disclosure and barring security check. This role is based at Colindale.If based at one of our scientific locations you will be required to have a Counter Terrorism Check security vetting check as a minimum. For meaningful National Security Vetting checks to be carried out individuals need to have lived in the UK for a sufficient period of time.

You should normally have been resident in the United Kingdom for the last 3 years as the role requires Counter Terrorism Check (CTC) clearance. In exceptional circumstances UK residency less than the outlined periods may not necessarily bar you from gaining national security vetting and applicants should contact the Vacancy Holder/Recruiting Manager listed in the advert for further advice. Face to Face interviews If face to face interviews are planned, in exceptional circumstances, we may be able to offer a remote interview.