Job summary
- Main area
- Science
- Grade
- NHS AfC: Band 5
- Contract
- Permanent
- Hours
- Full time
- Part time
- Job share
- Flexible working
- Job ref
- 919-CG-301041-EXT
- Employer
- UK Health Security Agency
- Employer type
- Public (Non NHS)
- Site
- UKHSA Bristol, Severn Pathology
- Town
- Bristol
- Salary
- £31,049 - £37,796 per annum, pro rata
- Salary period
- Yearly
- Closing
- 15/11/2025 23:59
Employer heading
Biomedical Scientist
NHS AfC: Band 5
Job overview
The laboratory in Bristol is situated within the Severn Pathology suite of laboratories at North Bristol NHS Trust Southmead site. The laboratory receives in excess of 1 million specimens a year from a large number of clinical specialties across the Bristol and Bath hospital trusts which contribute to an interesting and varied workload.
The post holder will:
- Work as part of the laboratory team, providing a high level of microbiological analysis in order to provide patients with the highest level of diagnosis and treatment.
- Be responsible for the efficient day-to-day running of an area in a section of the laboratory, to be able to rotate through all the different sections in the laboratory and to supervise and train other less experienced and qualified staff.
- Assist in any UKHSA co-ordinated response or activity of a national/international nature, e.g. a Bioterrorism incident or a major disease outbreak, e.g. SARS.
You will be required to participate in the provision on out-of-hours services.
Applications will be considered from candidates working towards HCPC registration.
Main duties of the job
- To assist in the day-to-day supervision and organisation of the less qualified staff in the allocated area.
- To assist in the training of less qualified staff.
- To process the clinical specimens received and to undertake the related tasks in the various sections of the laboratory, undertaking reading, reporting and the interpretation of results in accordance with agreed policies and standard operating procedures (SOPs).
- To adhere and contribute to the delivery of the Laboratory Quality Management System (QMS).
- To observe safety regulations of the laboratory and UKHSA.
This list is not exhaustive.
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 assist the senior staff in the monitoring of the performance of less qualified staff.
- To be aware of the “wellbeing” of less qualified staff in the allocated area.
Laboratory
- To read and interpret cultures and determine the antibiotic susceptibility and identification of microorganisms
- Utilising Bacteriology techniques, to work competently in all sections of the Bacteriology Laboratory
- To be aware of anomalous results, recognising these when they occur and reporting them appropriately.
- To adhere to laboratory SOPs
- To organise the work of the allocated area in the laboratory and to keep up to date with SOP changes.
- To maintain a high standard of professional competence in the performance of all tests and investigations carried out in the Laboratory.
- To maintain a high standard of technical skill.
- To ensure important or unusual results are drawn to the attention of senior staff and/or Medical staff, and to report complaints and anomalies as soon as possible.
- To deputise for more senior staff as required.
- To ensure that consumable supplies within the area of responsibility are maintained and to record batch numbers and QC data as required.
- To ensure a sound knowledge of the laboratory IT system, and to perform data entry, specimen and result enquiry and entry of results.
- To be competent to work, in rotation, in Bacteriology sections and to be flexible in regularly covering vacancies in other sections.
- To demonstrate a good understanding of basic microbiology, and to maintain and develop scientific knowledge. Also to undergo further training as may be necessary and available.
- To take responsibility for equipment and automated processors in the area of work, identifying any problems, troubleshooting and bringing them to the attention of senior staff.
- To take responsibility for equipment and automated processors in the area of work, identifying any problems, troubleshooting and bringing them to the attention of senior staff.
- To communicate effectively with all members of the Infection Sciences team and other health care professionals as appropriate.
- To ensure the agreed quality standards of service are maintained.
- To respond accordingly to changes in laboratory protocols.
- To be able to interpret and report on routine and specialist Bacteriology laboratory tests, in accordance with laboratory protocols and commensurate with grade.
- To liaise with medical, scientific and senior BMS staff in all matters relating to the diagnosis of infection.
- To perform and monitor quality control tests, to record results and bring any anomalies to the attention of Senior BMS staff as soon as is practicable.
- Where appropriate, to assist with research and/or audit projects.
- To assist in the production and dissemination of laboratory reports, data and statistics, including the issuing of preliminary results by phone or computer, and being aware of priorities of reports.
- To process, report and interpret NEQAS samples in accordance with SOPs
Safety
- To attend mandatory fire, manual handling training, etc.
- To observe the immunisation policy of the laboratory.
- To report any accidents to a senior member of staff
- To ensure that work on all samples and cultures is performed at the appropriate Containment level.
- To update knowledge by attending relevant courses and reading current textbooks and journals.
- To use equipment in a safe and responsible manner
Other
- The above is only an outline of the tasks, responsibilities and outcomes required of the role. You will carry out any other duties as may reasonably be required by your line manager.
- To undertake any reasonable task delegated by a senior member of staff, commensurate with the grade.
- The job description and person specification may be reviewed on an ongoing basis in accordance with the changing needs of the division and UKHSA.
- It should be noted that the work of the division is of a confidential nature and must not be communicated to other persons except where required for authorised purposes.
Professional development
- You should pursue a programme of continuous professional development in accordance with any relevant professional registration or statutory requirements, whilst maintaining appropriate awareness of service provider requirements.
- Completion of an IBMS Specialist Portfolio or equivalent experience is required for employment at Band 6.
Essential criteria:
- Biomedical Science (BMS) degree or equivalent academic achievement ratified by the IBMS
- State registration with The Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC)
- Evidence of continuing professional development (CPD) in accordance with HCPC guidelines
- Experience of using a Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS)
- Technically adept at relevant laboratory procedures
- Able to organise less qualified staff
- Skills for communication on complex information, requiring developed interpersonal and oral/ written communication skills
- Problem solving skills and ability to respond to sudden unexpected demands
- Ability to work on own initiative and organise own workload with minimal supervision working to tight and often changing timescale
Selection Process Detail
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. Please be aware that you will be assessed on the listed 9 essential criteria.
- An application form (‘Employer/ Activity history’ section on the application)
- A 750 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.
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 supporting statement will be marked together.
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
Only applications meeting all the essential criteria will proceed through to the shortlisting stage.
Shortlisting:
In the event of a large number of applications we will shortlist on the following essential criteria:
- Biomedical Science (BMS) degree or equivalent academic achievement ratified by the IBMS.
If you are successful at this stage, you will progress to interview and 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
You will be invited to a face to face interview.
Knowledge, experience, skills & abilities will be tested at interview.
There will be a test as part of the interview.
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 being offered as lab based at Severn Pathology, Southmead Hospital, Bristol.
Please note that hybrid working is not available for this role.
The successful candidate will be required to work on Saturdays, Sundays and Public Holidays on a rotational basis.
Eligibility Criteria
Open to all external applicants (anyone) from outside the Civil Service (including by definition internal applicants).
Salary
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.
Security Clearance Level Requirement
Successful candidates for this role must pass an enhanced disclosure and barring security check before they can be appointed.
Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is Counter-terrorist Check clearance.
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
Application form and Supporting Statement
Essential criteria
- Application form and Supporting Statement
Essential Criteria
Essential criteria
- Questions on experience, knowledge and skills
Ability
Essential criteria
- Test
Employer certification / accreditation badges
Applicant requirements
You must have appropriate UK professional registration.
Documents to download
Further details / informal visits contact
- Name
- Carmelita Goodwin
- Job title
- Resourcing Support
- Email address
- [email protected]
- Additional information
Alternatively, you may wish to contact the Hiring Manager, Paula Smith, via [email protected] to find out more about the role, ask any questions or to arrange an informal discussion.
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