Job summary This is a laboratory-based role within the Gastrointestinal Bacteria Reference Unit (GBRU), primarily focused on providing key support to the Gastrointestinal Health Protection Research Unit (GI HPRU) integrated with service delivery, staff training, and maintaining an excellent Safety and Quality Management System to ensure compliance with accreditation standards. The successful candidate will: Conduct microbiological testing within GBRU to support reference services and surveillance activities. Perform data analysis for the GI HPRU, working with genomic and epidemiological datasets to investigate public health threats and research objectives. Contribute to research activities, including manuscript preparation for publication and presentation of findings at national and international conferences. Collaborate with multi-disciplinary teams, supporting the translation of research into public health impact. This role provides an exciting opportunity to work at the intersection of reference microbiology, genomic surveillance, and public health research, making a direct impact on the detection and control of gastrointestinal pathogens. If you are passionate about laboratory science, public health microbiology, and research, we encourage you to apply Main duties of the job The Gastrointestinal Bacteria Reference Unit (GBRU) is a National Reference Laboratory providing specialist and reference services for a range of hazard group 2 and 3 gastrointestinal and foodborne bacterial pathogens, including Bacillus cereus, Clostridium perfringens, C. botulinum, Escherichia coli, Listeria, Campylobacter, Helicobacter, Salmonella, Shigella, Yersinia, and Vibrio species. GBRU operates at local, regional, national, and international levels to reduce the impact of food, water, and environmentally borne illnesses on public health. Our activities include bacterial typing services to support national surveillance, outbreak detection and investigation, and specialist microbiological testing of clinical, food, water, and environmental samples. We employ both phenotypic and genotypic methods, increasingly utilising whole genome sequencing (WGS), while streamlining workflows across the unit to implement new technologies alongside standard reference methods. GBRU prioritizes laboratory safety, service excellence, and adherence to accreditation standards to maintain high-quality reference services. About us We pride ourselves as being an employer of choice, where Everyone Matters promoting equality of opportunity to actively encourage applications from everyone, including groups currently underrepresented in our workforce. UKHSA ethos is to be an inclusive organisation for all our staff and stakeholders. To create, nurture and sustain an inclusive culture, where differences drive innovative solutions to meet the needs of our workforce and wider communities. We do this through celebrating and protecting differences by removing barriers and promoting equity and equality of opportunity for all. Please visit our careers site for more information https://gov.uk/ukhsa/careers Outer London HCAS of up to 15% payable if appointed on NHS AfC Band 6. Date posted 27 February 2025 Pay scheme Agenda for change Band Band 6 Salary £31,997 to £44,962 a year per annum, pro rata Contract Fixed term Duration 4 years Working pattern Full-time, Part-time, Job share, Flexible working Reference number 919-JP-61994992-EXT Job locations UKHSA Colindale London NW9 5EQ Job description Job responsibilities The post holder will work within the Foodborne Pathogens Reference Section (FPRS) which provides the National Reference services for Clostridium botulinum, Clostridium perfringens, Clostridium tetani, Bacillus cereus and Listeria species. Post holder will assist the sections senior scientists and the pathogen leads in supporting the GI HPRU and ensuring that GBRU provides a national and international service in all aspects of the work of the unit. The post holder will work with senior staff to ensure that both the service and non-service work of the unit is carried out in a safe, effective, timely manner and operates to a quality system: this includes molecular assays, conventional microbiological as well as genomic and proteomic analysis on a range of gastrointestinal bacterial isolates and clinical specimens. We are seeking a Specialist Healthcare Scientist (HEO) or a Biomedical/Clinical Scientist who is HCPC registered. Applicants must have several years experience in a microbiological laboratory, who can provide evidence of Technical, Quality and Safety experience and ideally who is able to analyse data and write reports/manuscripts. The key responsibilities will include: Service Delivery To assist in the provision and organisation of safe, timely, high quality and economical reference services by GBRU. To validate reference and clinical results technically and medically (latter undertaken by HCPC registered BMS only) To undertake DNA-based detection, typing and genotypic analysis of data for a range of pathogens with assays and techniques such as real-time polymerase chain reaction and whole genome sequencing. Assist in providing a flexible laboratory response to emergency public health needs including investigation of incidents of deliberate release of pathogenic organisms, outbreaks of gastrointestinal disease and to general investigations of illness as appropriate. Dealing with customer queries in relation to bacterial isolates and clinical specimens. To assist the senior staff in ensuring the section is run and maintained in an effective and economical manner and provide cover in the absence of the senior scientist. Assist with evaluation and implementation of new techniques / methods to the unit that enhance effectiveness of the laboratory work. Writing and updating SOPs, COSHHs and risk assessments, writing reports, manuscripts, presentations and posters. Health and Safety In collaboration with the GBRU Safety Officer and complying with UKHSA safety policies and procedures to: Ensure that health, safety, and welfare is an afforded priority over other issues and to demonstrate a commitment to health, safety, and welfare regarding self, all staff, and visitors in the unit. Your attention is drawn to the Health and Safety at Work Act of 1974 which requires you to take reasonable care for the health and safety of yourself and others who may be affected by your acts and omissions at work; and co-operate with UKHSA on any matters of health and safety. Information Technology Assist in ensuring the GBRU information technology systems are appropriately managed in support the needs of the laboratory and use of LIMS computer system to enter results and compile data. Quality In collaboration with the Laboratory Quality Team to: Maintain a high standard of work and contribute to developing the service of the laboratory so that service delivery is safe effective and economical and follows best practice according to ISO15189 and 17025 standards. Please see the job description for the full list of duties and responsibilities. Essential Criteria Degree in microbiology/biological science or in a relevant subject Several years experience of working in a routine microbiology laboratory at containment level 2 including good knowledge of molecular and microbiology techniques and principles. Knows and understands laboratory safety requirements and procedures and has practiced laboratory safety requirements. Good understanding of quality assurance principles and procedures Clear communicator with excellent writing, report writing and presentation skills; capable of constructing and delivering clear ideas and concepts concisely and accurately for diverse audiences. Skills for communication on complex matters and difficult situations, requiring persuasion and influence. Attention to detail combined with the ability to extract key messages from complex analysis. Desirable Criteria: HCPC registration as a Biomedical Scientist. Candidates holding HCPC registration will be appointed on NHS Terms & Conditions at NHS AfC Band 6. Candidates without HCPC registration will be appointed on Civil Service Terms and Conditions at HEO (Higher Executive Officer) grade. Selection Process Stage 1: Application & Sift You will be required to complete an application form. You will be assessed on the listed 7 essential criteria which have been selected from the job description, and this will be in the form of a: Application form (Employer/ Activity history section on the application) 1000 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. Please note you will not be able to upload your CV. You must complete the application form in as much detail as possible. Please do not email us your CV. The Application form and Statement of Suitability will be marked separately, and you must pass both to move forward to interview. Longlisting: In the event of a large number of applications we will longlist into 3 piles of: Meets all essential criteria Meets some essential criteria Meets no essential criteria Please note that only those applications that meet all essential criteria will be put through to shortlisting. Shortlisting: In the event of a large number of applications we will shortlist on: Several years experience of working in a routine microbiology laboratory at containment level 2 including good knowledge of molecular and microbiology techniques and principles. Degree in Microbiology or relevant science subject or equivalent If you are successful at this stage, you will progress to interview and assessment. Please do not exceed 1000 words. We will not consider any words over and above this number. Feedback will not be provided at this stage. Stage 2: Interview You will be invited to a face-to-face interview. In exceptional circumstances, we may be able to offer a remote interview. There will be a presentation. Behaviours, technical, experience, ability and strengths will be tested at interview. The Behaviours tested during the interview stage will be: Changing and improving Managing a quality service Delivering at pace Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records. Eligibility Criteria Open to all external applicants (anyone) from outside the Civil Service (including by definition internal applicants). Location This role is being offered as lab based in Colindale, NW9 5EQ. Please note that hybrid working is not available for this role. Security Clearance Level Requirement Successful candidates must pass a disclosure and barring security check. Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is Counter-terrorist Checks. 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. 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. Job description Job responsibilities The post holder will work within the Foodborne Pathogens Reference Section (FPRS) which provides the National Reference services for Clostridium botulinum, Clostridium perfringens, Clostridium tetani, Bacillus cereus and Listeria species. Post holder will assist the sections senior scientists and the pathogen leads in supporting the GI HPRU and ensuring that GBRU provides a national and international service in all aspects of the work of the unit. The post holder will work with senior staff to ensure that both the service and non-service work of the unit is carried out in a safe, effective, timely manner and operates to a quality system: this includes molecular assays, conventional microbiological as well as genomic and proteomic analysis on a range of gastrointestinal bacterial isolates and clinical specimens. We are seeking a Specialist Healthcare Scientist (HEO) or a Biomedical/Clinical Scientist who is HCPC registered. Applicants must have several years experience in a microbiological laboratory, who can provide evidence of Technical, Quality and Safety experience and ideally who is able to analyse data and write reports/manuscripts. The key responsibilities will include: Service Delivery To assist in the provision and organisation of safe, timely, high quality and economical reference services by GBRU. To validate reference and clinical results technically and medically (latter undertaken by HCPC registered BMS only) To undertake DNA-based detection, typing and genotypic analysis of data for a range of pathogens with assays and techniques such as real-time polymerase chain reaction and whole genome sequencing. Assist in providing a flexible laboratory response to emergency public health needs including investigation of incidents of deliberate release of pathogenic organisms, outbreaks of gastrointestinal disease and to general investigations of illness as appropriate. Dealing with customer queries in relation to bacterial isolates and clinical specimens. To assist the senior staff in ensuring the section is run and maintained in an effective and economical manner and provide cover in the absence of the senior scientist. Assist with evaluation and implementation of new techniques / methods to the unit that enhance effectiveness of the laboratory work. Writing and updating SOPs, COSHHs and risk assessments, writing reports, manuscripts, presentations and posters. Health and Safety In collaboration with the GBRU Safety Officer and complying with UKHSA safety policies and procedures to: Ensure that health, safety, and welfare is an afforded priority over other issues and to demonstrate a commitment to health, safety, and welfare regarding self, all staff, and visitors in the unit. Your attention is drawn to the Health and Safety at Work Act of 1974 which requires you to take reasonable care for the health and safety of yourself and others who may be affected by your acts and omissions at work; and co-operate with UKHSA on any matters of health and safety. Information Technology Assist in ensuring the GBRU information technology systems are appropriately managed in support the needs of the laboratory and use of LIMS computer system to enter results and compile data. Quality In collaboration with the Laboratory Quality Team to: Maintain a high standard of work and contribute to developing the service of the laboratory so that service delivery is safe effective and economical and follows best practice according to ISO15189 and 17025 standards. Please see the job description for the full list of duties and responsibilities. Essential Criteria Degree in microbiology/biological science or in a relevant subject Several years experience of working in a routine microbiology laboratory at containment level 2 including good knowledge of molecular and microbiology techniques and principles. Knows and understands laboratory safety requirements and procedures and has practiced laboratory safety requirements. Good understanding of quality assurance principles and procedures Clear communicator with excellent writing, report writing and presentation skills; capable of constructing and delivering clear ideas and concepts concisely and accurately for diverse audiences. Skills for communication on complex matters and difficult situations, requiring persuasion and influence. Attention to detail combined with the ability to extract key messages from complex analysis. Desirable Criteria: HCPC registration as a Biomedical Scientist. Candidates holding HCPC registration will be appointed on NHS Terms & Conditions at NHS AfC Band 6. Candidates without HCPC registration will be appointed on Civil Service Terms and Conditions at HEO (Higher Executive Officer) grade. Selection Process Stage 1: Application & Sift You will be required to complete an application form. You will be assessed on the listed 7 essential criteria which have been selected from the job description, and this will be in the form of a: Application form (Employer/ Activity history section on the application) 1000 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. Please note you will not be able to upload your CV. You must complete the application form in as much detail as possible. Please do not email us your CV. The Application form and Statement of Suitability will be marked separately, and you must pass both to move forward to interview. Longlisting: In the event of a large number of applications we will longlist into 3 piles of: Meets all essential criteria Meets some essential criteria Meets no essential criteria Please note that only those applications that meet all essential criteria will be put through to shortlisting. Shortlisting: In the event of a large number of applications we will shortlist on: Several years experience of working in a routine microbiology laboratory at containment level 2 including good knowledge of molecular and microbiology techniques and principles. Degree in Microbiology or relevant science subject or equivalent If you are successful at this stage, you will progress to interview and assessment. Please do not exceed 1000 words. We will not consider any words over and above this number. Feedback will not be provided at this stage. Stage 2: Interview You will be invited to a face-to-face interview. In exceptional circumstances, we may be able to offer a remote interview. There will be a presentation. Behaviours, technical, experience, ability and strengths will be tested at interview. The Behaviours tested during the interview stage will be: Changing and improving Managing a quality service Delivering at pace Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records. Eligibility Criteria Open to all external applicants (anyone) from outside the Civil Service (including by definition internal applicants). Location This role is being offered as lab based in Colindale, NW9 5EQ. Please note that hybrid working is not available for this role. Security Clearance Level Requirement Successful candidates must pass a disclosure and barring security check. Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is Counter-terrorist Checks. 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. 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. Person Specification Statement of Suitability Essential Statement of Suitability Application form Essential Application Form Behaviour Essential Changing and improving Managing a quality service Delivering at pace Person Specification Statement of Suitability Essential Statement of Suitability Application form Essential Application Form Behaviour Essential Changing and improving Managing a quality service Delivering at pace Disclosure and Barring Service Check This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions. Certificate of Sponsorship Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab). From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab). UK Registration Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window). Additional information Disclosure and Barring Service Check This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions. Certificate of Sponsorship Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab). From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab). UK Registration Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window). Employer details Employer name UK Health Security Agency Address UKHSA Colindale London NW9 5EQ Employer's website https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/uk-health-security-agency (Opens in a new tab)