Biomedical Scientist Practitioner / Healthcare Scientist Practitioner

Job summary

We are seeking an HCPC registered Biomedical Scientist Practitioner (AfC Band 5) or a Healthcare Scientist Practitioner (Executive Officer).

Salary bands:

• AfC Band 5: £32,073 - £39,043 (plus Outer HCAS payment) per annum, pro rata
• EO (Inner London): £32,624 - £37,737 per annum, pro rata

Candidates holding HCPC registration will be appointed on NHS Terms & Conditions at NHS AfC Band 5. Candidates without HCPC registration will be appointed on Civil Service Terms and Conditions at EO grade.

The Gastrointestinal Bacteria Reference Unit (GBRU) is a National Reference Laboratory and provides specialist and reference services for a specific range of hazard group 2 and 3 gastrointestinal and foodborne bacterial pathogens notably Bacillus cereus, Clostridium perfringens, C. botulinum, E. coli, Listeria, Campylobacter, Helicobacter, Salmonella, Shigella, Yersinia and Vibrio species.

GBRU works at local, regional, national and international levels to reduce the impact of food, water and environmentally borne illnesses on people’s health. Activities include provision of bacterial typing services to assist national surveillance, the detection and investigation of outbreaks and specialist microbiological services for the examination of clinical, food, water and environmental samples. Currently, a combination of phenotypic and genotypic methods is used to detect, identify and type bacterial isolates and this increasingly involves the use of whole genome sequencing.

We are streamlining workflows for different pathogens across the unit to facilitate implementation of new technology whilst maintaining the capability to perform standard reference methods. GBRU has a high propriety in ensuring the safe running of laboratory services and the safety of all staff.

Working for your organisation

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

Job description

Your main duties will include:

• To provide technical support within the Unit in ensuring that GBRU provides a national and international service in all aspects of the work of the Section; this includes molecular and conventional microbiological analysis on a range of foodborne bacterial isolates and clinical and environment specimens.
• To 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.
• To participate in research and development activities within GBRU.

• Service delivery
  
  • To receive, sort, unpack, label and process specimens in the laboratory.
  • To assist in the provision and organisation of safe, timely, high quality and economical CL2 and CL3 microbiological, serological, and molecular laboratory duties, guided by standard operating procedures (SOPs) within GBRU
  • To undertake DNA-based detection and typing for a range of pathogens with assays and techniques such as real-time polymerase chain reaction and whole genome sequencing (WGS)
  • To analyse and validate clinical and reference-based results, support the senior scientists in dealing with laboratory queries and maintain professional registration.
  • Assist in providing a flexible laboratory response to emergency public health needs including investigation of incidents, of deliberate release of pathogenic organisms and to general investigations of illness as appropriate.
  • Assist with evaluation and implementation of new techniques / methods to the unit that enhance effectiveness of the laboratory work.
  • Writing and updating SOPs and controlled documentation.
  • To provide technical support to GBRU Reference Services as appropriate including adjusting day-to-day work priorities to meet changing demands or emergency requirements.
  • Writing and updating SOPs and controlled documentation.
  • Assist senior staff in the management of supporting staff across GBRU and deputise for the HEO when required.

• 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
  • Assist in maintaining a safe working environment within the unit ensuring risk assessments and COSHH are carried out as and when required and safety policy is adhered to
  • Report all accidents and incidents or near misses, dangerous situations or shortcomings in health and safety training instructions and assist in taking remedial action
  • Participate in the internal and external safety audits as required and implement any arising corrective actions
  • 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 the UKHSA on any matters of health and safety.

• Information Technology
  
  • Entry of results into LIMS system and liaison with senior staff in sending laboratory reports.
  • Answering telephone queries.
    
    
• Quality
  • 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.
    
    
• Staff Management and Training
  
  • Train and supervise other staff, visitors and students.
    Support Services & Equipment
  • Oversee the service and maintenance of equipment
  • Ensure performance checks on equipment are performed and to take appropriate corrective action if equipment fails to meet specification.
    
    
• Strategy, Policy and Service Development
  
  • Contribute to GBRU strategic policies and encourage innovations and develop practices that enhance the effectiveness of the section’s work

This is not an exhaustive list.

Person specification

Essential criteria

• BSc in Microbiology or relevant biological science or equivalent level of qualification and experience
• Experience and knowledge of working in a microbiology laboratory at containment level 2
• Good experience and knowledge of multiple laboratory techniques including phenotypic and molecular methods
• Good understanding of quality assurance principles and procedures
• Independent thinker with demonstrated good judgement, problem-solving and analytical skills
• Use of micropipettes, sub-culturing organisms - good manual dexterity - work by paying attention to detail
• Able to work without supervision - ability to prioritise work in a timely manner - good organisational skills

Desirable criteria

• HCPC registration
• Experience and knowledge of working in a microbiology laboratory at containment level 3
• Expe