Job summary
- Main area
- Science
- Grade
- Civil Service: Executive Officer (EO)
- Contract
- Permanent
- Hours
- Full time
- Part time
- Job share
- Flexible working
- Job ref
- 919-GB-61649742-EXT
- Employer
- UK Health Security Agency
- Employer type
- Public (Non NHS)
- Site
- Bristol
- Town
- Bristol
- Salary
- £28,547 - £37,796 per annum, pro rata
- Salary period
- Yearly
- Closing
- 11/01/2026 23:59
Employer heading
Healthcare Scientist/Biomedical Scientist - Civil Service: Executive Officer (EO)/AfC Band 5
Civil Service: Executive Officer (EO)
Job overview
The Infection Sciences department at North Bristol NHS Trust is formed from a collaboration between the UK Health Security Agency and North Bristol NHS Trust (Severn Pathology). This is a busy and forward-looking laboratory that receives in excess of 1.3 million specimens a year from a large number of clinical specialties located within Bristol and Bath hospital trusts, and beyond, which contribute to an interesting and varied workload. The laboratory is located within North Bristol NHS Trust and is a new, modern and fully automated laboratory incorporating state of the art equipment. It lies within easy reach of the city of Bath and surrounding villages. We have close links with our host Trusts as well as both Universities in Bristol and the proximity of the motorway network makes an ideal base for travel to London, the Midlands, Wales and the coastal resorts of the Southwest. The UKHSA/NBT collaboration employs approximately 200 staff performing a range of diagnostic, public health and research activities, including high containment level work.
We are seeking a Biomedical Scientist AfC Band 5 OR Healthcare Scientist Civil Service EO grade.
Salary bands:
- AfC Band 5: £31,049 - £37,796, per annum, pro Rata
- EO (National): £28,547 - £33,196 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.
Main duties of the job
To work as part of the recently established Bristol laboratory sequencing team, supporting whole genome sequencing service developments and ensuring laboratory outputs are efficient and to the highest standard.
This role will include routine laboratory work, laboratory housekeeping and maintenance, recording and reporting of results and ensuring the work is carried out to high scientific, safety and quality standard. This job will also involve manipulating electronic data to provide information in the correct formats.
- Perform routine genomic workflow processes: nucleic acid extraction, amplicon generation, sequencing library preparation, and loading.
- Process specimens and undertake related laboratory tasks following SOPs and policies.
- Maintain consumables and equipment in your area, including automated equipment per manufacturer guidelines.
- Designate tests for samples based on knowledge and experience.
- Adhere to UKHSA and laboratory policies, SOPs, and professional guidelines.
- Organise and maintain high standards in laboratory work, technical skills, and professional competence.
- Highlight important or unusual results to senior/medical staff and report complaints or anomalies.
- Demonstrate understanding of sequencing processes and develop scientific knowledge through ongoing training.
- Communicate effectively with team members and healthcare professionals.
- To report finalised sequencing results to service users (State registered staff only)
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
Main duties continued:
- Monitor and respond to quality control results and protocol changes.
- Perform manual and automated techniques in WGS workflows, following SOPs.
- Supervise lower-grade AO staff and support their development.
- Ensure data confidentiality in line with the Data Protection Act.
- Support income generation activities and contribute to SOP writing, review, and compliance.
- Review and analyse data for customer release.
- Take action to prevent service delivery delays or failures.
- Collaborate with other departments and support staff secondments or rotations
- Assist in staff performance monitoring, daily supervision, and organisation.
- Support staff training and be mindful of staff wellbeing.
Financial management
- Contribute to maintaining and developing laboratory services within available resources.
Technical Services
- Maintain professional competence and stay updated on relevant technologies.
- Support and develop WGS services per UKHSA policy.
- Ensure accurate, timely lab results and maintain high work standards.
- Troubleshoot WGS-related issues and maintain workflow documentation.
- To be responsible for the reporting of sequencing results to service users (State registered staff only)
Support Services and Equipment
- Assist in equipment maintenance and LIMS support.
- Ensure timely and effective delivery of assigned activities.
Teaching
- Ensure staff and trainees are competent in assigned tasks.
- Participate in training programs.
- Train staff in WGS methods to ensure service resilience.
Quality
- Support compliance with UKAS and other accreditation standards.
- Participate in internal and external quality assurance programs.
- Address housekeeping queries and share relevant updates.
Information Technology
- Use LIMS systems for sample and result tracking.
- Operate software for sequencing workflows, data analysis, and documentation.
Support workflow changes for new tests and service improvements.
Safety
- Promote a strong safety culture and adhere to UKHSA health and safety policies.
- Implement remedial actions from safety audits and inspections.
Essential criteria
- Undergraduate degree in an appropriate medical/microbiology/biological science discipline (or equivalent experience)
- For Biomedical Scientist post only - Relevant professional qualification i.e. registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) as a Biomedical Scientist.
- Some experience working in a diagnostic microbiology, virology or genomics laboratory. Understanding of:
a) UKAS standards.
b) Supporting R&D activities.
c) Health & Safety
d) Data Protection and Information Governance legislation
e) National Standards. - Experience of using computerized systems
- Experience of working in a health care environment.
- Clear communicator and effective interpersonal skills. Articulate and clear thinking
- Able to respond positively to change
- Ability to work effectively as part of a team
- Ability to solve problems in a calm and efficient manner
- Enthusiastic and self-motivated
- Working knowledge of Microsoft office with intermediate keyboard skills
Desirable criteria:
- Experience of working in whole genome sequencing and/or sanger services, and automation in relevant areas
- Experience of training staff
- Experience of evaluating new techniques/equipment
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 (11) essential criteria, and this will be in the form of a:
- Application form (‘Employer/ Activity history’ section on the application)
- up to 1,200 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 1,200 words. We will not consider any words over 1,200 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 following pile will proceed to shortlisting.
- Meets all essential criteria
Shortlisting:
In the event of a large number of applications we may conduct an initial sift, on the lead criteria of:
- Undergraduate degree in an appropriate medical/microbiology/biological science discipline (or equivalent experience)
- Some experience working in a diagnostic microbiology, virology or genomics laboratory. Understanding of:
a) UKAS standards.
b) Supporting R&D activities.
c) Health & Safety
d) Data Protection and Information Governance legislation
e) National Standards.
Desirable criteria may be used in the event of a large number of applications/large amount of successful candidates.
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 at the Bristol laboratory. In exceptional circumstances, we may be able to offer a remote interview.
Knowledge, experience, skills & abilities will be tested at 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 based in Bristol. Please note hybrid working is not available for this role.
If based at one of our scientific campuses, 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.
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.
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 and abilities
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
- Gurkamal Bhambra
- Job title
- Resourcing
- Email address
- [email protected]
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