Job summary
- Main area
- Biomedical Scientist Virology
- Grade
- NHS AfC: Band 7
- Contract
- Permanent
- Hours
- Full time
- Part time
- Job share
- Flexible working
- Job ref
- 919-TM-300993-EXT
- Employer
- UK Health Security Agency
- Employer type
- Public (Non NHS)
- Site
- Lab
- Town
- Bristol
- Salary
- £47,810 - £54,710 per annum, pro rata
- Salary period
- Yearly
- Closing
- 20/01/2026 23:59
Employer heading
Senior Biomedical Scientist
NHS AfC: Band 7
Job overview
To work as part of the laboratory team, providing a high level of virological, molecular and serological analysis in order to provide patients with the highest level of diagnosis and treatment.
To be responsible for the efficient day-to-day running of areas of the laboratory, to be able to rotate through different areas of the laboratory and to supervise and train inexperienced Biomedical Scientists (BMS’s), trainee BMS’s, Associate Practitioners (AP’s) and Healthcare Scientist Support Workers (HSSW’s).
The post holder will take responsibility for the technical performance of the areas involved, ensuring the production of reliable, relevant and timely results and reports.
The post holder would be expected to assist in any UKHSA co-ordinated response or activity of a national/international nature, e.g. a major disease outbreak, e.g. SARS or ‘Swine flu’.
To participate in the provision on out-of-hours services.
Main duties of the job
Under the guidance of the Laboratory Manager and/or deputy, to be responsible for and participate in the day-to-day running of a laboratory section providing routine and specialist diagnostic laboratory services in Virology in accordance with national and professional standards.
To take responsibility for the technical performance of the section, ensuring the production of reliable, relevant, and timely results and reports.
With the Laboratory Manager and/or deputy, contribute to the development of the services provided to meet the users’ requirements.
With other senior staff, participate in the supervision, training and development of staff in the department
Working for our 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
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Staff
- To lead in the day-to-day supervision and organisation of the less qualified staff in the allocated areas.
- To monitor the performance and ensure competence of less qualified staff.
- To lead in the training in less qualified staff, paying particular attention to the implementation of training policies and procedures and to lead in the individual performance reviews/personal development planning of AP and HSSW staff and Specialists BMS’s/trainees, in accordance with their training competency.
- To be aware of the “wellbeing” of staff in the allocated area.
- Where appropriate and necessary, to act as the first line of management in the relevant areas. This includes the minor discipline of less qualified staff, allocation and co-ordination of leave etc.
- To undertake appraisals as per UKHSA Policy.
Laboratory
- To lead and organise the processing of the clinical specimens received and the undertaking of the related tasks in the various sections of the laboratory, leading to the reporting and interpretation of results in accordance with agreed policies and standard operating procedures (SOPs).
- Based upon sound knowledge and experience, on receipt of samples, to lead the designation, of the range of tests to be performed on the various samples.
- To assist in the scrutiny of results produced, including the authorisation of reports according to laboratory protocols.
- Utilising virological/molecular and serological techniques, to lead the work in areas of the Laboratory.
- To perform and monitor quality control tests, to record these results and bring any anomalies to the attention of Quality Manager and Biomedical Lead as soon as is practicable.
- Where appropriate, to assist and/or initiate research & development and audit projects. To co-ordinate surveillance programs where appropriate, and to evaluate new methods and technology. The latter may lead to income generation.
- To assist in the production and dissemination of laboratory reports, data and statistics, including the issuing of results by phone or computer, and being aware of priorities of reports.
- Together with other senior BMS staff, to regularly organise the staffing of the various areas of the laboratory and to participate in the Senior BMS staff meetings.
- To contribute to the Laboratory and other relevant Action Plans.
- To contribute to decisions with regards to the purchase of capital equipment.
- To perform and monitor quality control tests, to record these results and bring any anomalies to the attention of Quality Manager and Biomedical Lead as soon as is practicable.
- Where appropriate, to assist and/or initiate research & development and audit projects. To co-ordinate surveillance programs where appropriate, and to evaluate new methods and technology. The latter may lead to income generation.
- To assist in the production and dissemination of laboratory reports, data and statistics, including the issuing of results by phone or computer, and being aware of priorities of reports.
- Together with other senior BMS staff, to regularly organise the staffing of the various areas of the laboratory and to participate in the Senior BMS staff meetings.
- To contribute to the Laboratory and other relevant Action Plans.
- To contribute to decisions with regards to the purchase of capital equipment.
- To ensure all staff undertake their duties in a safe and responsible manner.
Essential criteria
- State registration with Health Professions Council (HCPC) including continuous professional development.
- Further study – e.g. MSc or professional qualification (completed or underway) or extensive experience in a Virology laboratory.
- Good knowledge of health and safety and safe working practices.
- Clear communicator with good writing, data entry and telephone skills ensuring accuracy and attention to detail through the use of computerised data systems and Microsoft Office including Word and Excel.
- Ability to work effectively as part of a team.
- Able to work on own initiative, organising and prioritising own workload to set deadlines.
- An understanding of and commitment to equality of opportunity and good working relationships, both in terms of day-to-day working practices, but also in relation to management systems.
- Previous experience of responsibility for the day-to-day organisation and supervision of staff and work in a section of the laboratory requiring skills such as problem-solving.
- Ability to process the clinical specimens received and to undertake the related tasks in the various sections of the laboratory i.e. reading, reporting, interpretation and validation of results in accordance with agreed polices and SOPs.
- Able to adhere and contribute to the delivery of the Quality Management System.
- Ability to work in accordance with the regulations and Codes of Practice governing H&S within the department.
- Previous experience of participation in staff appraisal according to Trust policies and procedures.
- Ability to assist the Lead BMS and Laboratory Manager and/or deputy as required in the recruitment of staff.
- Previous experience of participation in competency assessment of BMSs and support staff. Monitor and manage performance of technical staff.
- Previous experience of participation in the evaluation of new methods and equipment and contribute to discussions on workflow and methodology.
Selection Process Details (Competency based)
This vacancy will be assessed using a competency-based framework which will assess your qualifications, knowledge and experience and / or skills and abilities outlined in the essential criteria.
Stage 1: Application & Sift
You will be required to complete an application form. You will be assessed on the listed 15 essential criteria, and this will be in the form of a:
-
Application form (‘Employer/ Activity history’ section on the application)
-
1250 word supporting statement.
This should outline how you consider your skills, experience and knowledge provide evidence of your suitability for the role, with reference to the essential criteria.
You will receive a joint score for your application form and statement. (The application form is the kind of information you would put into your C.V –please be advised you will not be able to upload your CV. Please complete the application form in as much detail as possible). Please do not email us your CV.
Healthjobs UK has a word limit of 1500, but your supporting statement must be no more than 1250 words. We will not consider any words over 1250 words.
Longlisting: In the event of a large number of applications we may longlist into 3 piles of:
- Meets all essential criteria
- Meets some essential criteria
- Meets no essential criteria
If used, the piles ‘Meets all essential criteria’ and ‘Meets some essential criteria’ will proceed to shortlisting.
Shortlisting: In the event of a large number of applications we may conduct an initial sift, on the lead criteria of:
- State registration with Health Professions Council (HCPC) including continuous professional development.
If you are successful at this stage, you will progress to interview & assessment.
Feedback will not be provided at this stage.
Stage 2: Interview
You will be invited to a single face to face interview. If face to face interviews are planned, in exceptional circumstances, we may be able to offer a remote interview.
Knowledge, experience, skills & abilities will be tested at interview
You will be asked to prepare and present a 5–10 minute presentation on the following subject:
“How do you maintain quality during periods of staffing constraints in the laboratory?”
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.
Location
This role is based at Southmead Hospital, Southmead road, Bristol, BS10 5NB.
Please note 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 Check
If based at one of our labs, 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.
Eligibility Criteria
External: Open to all external applicants (anyone) from outside the Civil Service (including internal applicants).
Salary Information
If you are successful at interview, and are moving from another government department, NHS, or Local Authority, the relevant starting salary principles for level transfers or promotions will apply. Otherwise, roles are offered at the pay scale minimum for the grade, but in exceptional circumstances there may be flexibility if you are able to demonstrate you are already in receipt of an existing, higher salary. Pay increases are through the relevant annual pay award for the role and terms.
Person specification
Application form and supporting statement
Essential criteria
- Application form and supporting statement
Interview
Essential criteria
- Questions on knowledge, experience, skills & abilities
- Presentation
Employer certification / accreditation badges
Applicant requirements
You must have appropriate UK professional registration.
The postholder will have access to vulnerable people in the course of their normal duties and as such this post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Documents to download
Further details / informal visits contact
- Name
- Timor Miakhel
- Job title
- Resourcing Support
- Email address
- [email protected]
- Additional information
For information relating to the role, please contact Paula Smith [email protected]
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