Job summary
- Main area
- Healthcare Science
- Grade
- Civil Service: Higher Executive Officer (HEO)
- Contract
- 7 months (Fixed term appointment for 7 months from start date)
- Hours
- Full time
- Part time
- Job share
- Flexible working
- Job ref
- 919-NP-62410378-EXT
- Employer
- UK Health Security Agency
- Employer type
- Public (Non NHS)
- Site
- Scientific Campus
- Town
- London
- Salary
- £37,749 - £45,353 Per annum, Pro rata
- Salary period
- Yearly
- Closing
- 17/04/2026 23:59
Employer heading
Healthcare Scientist
Civil Service: Higher Executive Officer (HEO)
Job overview
The Respiratory and Vaccine Preventable Bacteria Reference Unit (RVPBRU)
RVPBRU is an ISO 15189 accredited laboratory, and part of the Bacteriology Reference Department (BRD), UKHSA in Colindale, London. The RVPBRU comprises two sections: the Vaccine Preventable Bacteria Section (VPBS) provides national reference services for Streptococcus pneumoniae, Bordetellapertussis, toxigenic corynebacteria and Haemophilus influenzae; the Zoonotic and Acute Respiratory Section (ZARS) provides national reference services forLegionella, Mycoplasma, Ureaplasma, and respiratory Chlamydia species. We use established and novel phenotypic and genotypic methods for pathogendetection, confirmation and typing, and analysing host responses, in support of UKHSA’s activities, including disease surveillance and outbreak analyses
Main duties of the job
The post holder will work within the laboratory team in VPBS to assist with a 7-month research project designed to improve a diagnostic test that detects Streptococcus pneumoniae capsular antigen in urine using specific antibodies. By detecting different variants of polysaccharide using monoclonal antibodies, this S. pneumoniae serotyping urine antigen detection (ssUAD) test is designed to detect and (in some cases) determine the serotype of the bacteria infecting the patient. The current assay uses the Bioplex immunoassay platform to detect 24 different serotypes. This project will test whether additional monoclonal antibodies that have recently become available can be used to broaden the range of serotypes that can be detected or improve the specificity of the assay for some of the existing serotypes.
The successful candidate will have prior experience working with immunoassays or other molecular tests and work under the supervision of a senior scientist to test the performance of new monoclonal antibodies in the assay. This will include ordering and preparing bespoke reagents, helping to design experiments, running the assay, analysing results and discussing the interpretation of results. All necessary training will be given.
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
This is a laboratory-based job working to improve a test that uses the Bioplex platform to detect soluble antigen using monoclonal antibodies bound to fluorescent beads. Your role will be to incorporate new monoclonal antibodies into the test and assess their sensitivity and specificity to detect the antigens they are designed to bind to. You will be supervised by a senior scientist, but once familiar with the methodology, you will be expected to prepare reagents, design experiments to test them, analyse the results and plan follow up experiments (with guidance). You will also have to contribute to the general running of the laboratory.
General duties
- To undertake training, including mandatory training as requisite for your role.
- To adhere to laboratory SOPs, risk assessments and other Quality Management and Health and Safety requirements.
- To assist with the preparation of SOPs, risk assessments and other documentation where required.
- To perform laboratory immunoassay tests required for the project, read and interpret their results.
- To plan experiments under the supervision of senior staff.
- To maintain a high standard of professional competence and technical skill in the performance of all tests and investigations carried out in the laboratory.
- To assist in the maintenance of equipment.
- To use equipment in a safe and responsible manner.
- To perform general laboratory duties e.g. checking and cleaning instruments/equipment, recording temperatures, preparing reagents and assistance with stock control.
- Assist in the training of other staff where appropriate.
- To ensure the correct disposal of laboratory waste.
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.
- The job description and person specification may be reviewed on an ongoing basis in accordance with the changing needs of the laboratory and UKHSA.
- It should be noted that the work of the laboratory is of a confidential nature and must not be communicated to other persons except where required for authorised purposes
Professional development
- Identify, discuss and action own professional performance and training / development needs with your line manager through appraisal / individual development plan. Attending internal / external training events
- Participate in all mandatory training as required, i.e. fire safety, information governance and all other mandatory training.
Key working relationships
- The post holder will develop working relationships and communicate regularly with a wide range of individuals, clinical and non-clinical, internal and external to UKHSA. This will include;
Internal
- Medical, scientific and biomedical staff across the Public Health Microbiology - Reference Microbiology Division.
- Attend and participate in relevant meetings and updates on an ad hoc basis.
External
- Hospital and Trust staff serviced by the laboratory, other clinical and primary care staff.
- Staff from external bodies including accreditation bodies, NHS, local authority, university, MHRA and other users/collaborators, national and enforcement bodies, commercial companies and professional groups as required.
This list is not exhaustive.
Essential criteria:
- BSc in Biomedical Sciences or Microbiology or equivalent qualification
- Experience of working in a microbiology laboratory at containment level 2
- Experience of routine bacteriology techniques and immunoassays
- Significant postgraduate experience in a relevant field
- Able to work on own initiative, organising and prioritising own workload to set deadlines
- Ability to work effectively as part of a team
- Good computer skills and sound knowledge of common IT programmes (e.g. Microsoft Office)
- Able to analyse experiment results and provide judgement on next steps
- Able to communicate complex information with peers and senior staff
- An understanding of and commitment to equality of opportunity and good working relationships.
Desirable criteria:
- A good level of theoretical and practical microbiological, serological and molecular testing knowledge
- Evidence of continuing professional development (CPD)
- Experience of working in a healthcare environment
- Evidence of ability to train others
- Knowledge of health and safety and safe working practices
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
Competency Based
You will be required to complete an application form. You will be assessed on the listed 10 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:
- BSc in Biomedical Sciences or Microbiology or equivalent qualification
- Experience of working in a microbiology laboratory at containment level 2
- Experience of routine bacteriology techniques and immunoassays
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
Competency Based
You will be invited to a single remote interview.
Knowledge, experience, skills & abilities will be tested at interview
Successful candidates must pass standard 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.
Service (including internal applicants).
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.
• £37,749- £45,353 (Inner London)
Person specification
Application form and supporting statement
Essential criteria
- Application form and supporting statement
Interview
Essential criteria
- Questions on knowledge, experiences, skills and abilities
Employer certification / accreditation badges
Applicant requirements
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
- Nigel Poole
- Job title
- Resourcing support
- Email address
- [email protected]
- Additional information
For further information relating to the role please contact :
David Litt [email protected]
or
Seyi Eletu [email protected]
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