Assistant Healthcare Scientist

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

• To work as part of a multidisciplinary team within the Department and contribute to the provision of a reference service for microbiological samples
• Work independently or as part of a team to undertake routine preparation and examination of a variety of samples
• Able to work on own initiative, prioritising work, within defined policies and procedures to set timescales
• Have a flexible/adaptable approach to their work in order to meet various deadlines
• Demonstrate office systems and department requirements to new starters
• Inputting into, monitoring and printing reports from computerised systems
• To carry out other appropriate delegated duties as required
• To assist in the general running and maintenance of the laboratory. This is to be done in accordance with UKHSA and MS policies and procedures.

Laboratory

• To monitor equipment, notifying senior staff where there are discrepancies 
• To perform laboratory testing, including molecular techniques (such as NA extraction and PCR), serological techniques and microbiological techniques following appropriate training and competency assessment.

Technical/Scientific/Reference Services & Research and Development

• AOs will need to use their initiative to find solutions in relevant guidelines AOs will refer to senior grades any problems which are outside established practice and precedent
• To organise and maintain an inventory for maintenance of stocks and solutions
• General preparation work including the ordering of consumables
• To be responsible for the reading of less complex test results and entry of results onto the LIMS, live system  where no interpretation of results is required
• Ensure rooms are kept clean, tidy and well stocked and that equipment is monitored and maintained
• Ensure discard waste is managed in a timely manner and stored & disposed of safely in accordance with SOPs, and agreed safety standards
• To answer the telephone and deal with enquiries as appropriate
• Use of various manual and automated nucleic acid extraction protocols  Use of techniques such as real-time PCR, DNA visualisation, DNA purification, DNA sequencing and quantification methods
• To process specimens, run controls and IQC samples according to given protocols as required following training
• To support the implementation of new methods and technologies into the laboratory, in order to maximise quality and efficiency of testing.

Reception and clerical duties

• Take responsibility for maintenance/acquisition of stock in order to ensure adequate service provision and continuity
• To receive specimens, unpack sample track and process requests in a timely manner, and in accordance with health and safety procedures
• Enter details on LIMS / computer 
• To receive deliveries and move them to appropriate location for storage

Archiving duties

• To create and maintain physical and electronic archives
• To dispose of samples safely as necessary, and in accordance with documented procedure

Quality and Safety
In collaboration with the Laboratory Quality and Safety Team, to:

• Contribute to the care, maintenance and security of laboratory premises and equipment in order to ensure efficient and safe operation
• In collaboration with the technical manager to: Ensure efficient running and contribute to routine maintenance of all equipment, which will include high cost, complex equipment requiring calibration; ensuring regular maintenance is carried out following adequate training and competency assessment.
• Take every opportunity to suggest quality and safety improvement

In collaboration with the Quality Assurance Manager and Technical Manager:

• Maintain a high standard of work, and to contribute to developing the service of the laboratory so that service delivery is safe, effective and economical and follows best practice
• Follow standard operating procedures and protocols
• Contribute to internal and external quality assurance programmes
• Ensure compliance with CPA, ISO 15189  and other accreditation and certification standards as appropriat

In collaboration with the Technical Lead and Laboratory Safety Officer and complying with safety policies and procedures:

• Ensure that health and safety are afforded priority and to demonstrate commitment to health, safety and welfare of self, staff and visitors
• Ensure attendance of self and managed staff on safety training courses as required in the UKHSA Health and Safety Training Policy and other safety policies as appropriate. 
• Report risks that cannot be controlled to the Technical Lead Laboratory Manager
• Notify accidents, near misses, dangerous situations and shortcomings in health and safety via the appropriate management structure
• Ensure all quality procedures are followed and adhered to within the laboratory, and highlight to the senior staff or Lead Quality Manager any non-compliances as required

IT Infrastructure

• Use databases and software packages including Excel, Word and PowerPoint.
• Enter results onto the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS)

Training and personal development

• You should pursue a program of continuous professional development in accordance with any relevant professional registration or statutory requirements, while maintaining appropriate awareness of service provider requirements.
• Undertake Mandatory Training relevant and within the scope of the UKHSA Policies and Training requirement.

Essential Criteria

• Good standard of general education including GCSE (or equivalent qualification) in English, Maths and Science or significant equivalent previous proven experience
• Experience of working in a laboratory including using Pre-Analytical techniques applicable to Bacterial, Serological or Molecular methods
• Knowledge and understanding of laboratory safety requirements and procedures
• Previous experience of working in a laboratory environment using computerised data systems
• Clear communicator with good writing, data entry and telephone skills ensuring accuracy
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team
• Able to work on own initiative, organising and prioritising own workload to set deadlines
• Able to follow standard operating procedures
• Understanding of and commitment to equality of opportunity and good working relationships
• Able to deal with problems in a calm and efficient manner
• An ability to maintain confidentiality and trust
• Able to lift and move racks, push trolleys and be able to use step stools or step ladders safely
• Good time keeping
• Able to follow instructions – written and oral
• Well-developed physical skills, especially in the manipulation of pipettes and other laboratory equipment. Also must be adept and precise when handling samples
• Adaptable and willing to have a flexible approach to work

Desirable Criteria

• Experience or Knowledge of antimicrobial resistance
• Experience of working in a health care environment
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office including Word and Excel
• Knowledge of NHS issues
• Understanding of Data Protection legislation

Selection Process Details

This vacancy will be assessed using a competency-based framework.

Stage 1: Application & Sift 

Competency-based

You will be required to complete an application form. You will be assessed on the listed 16 essential criteria, and this will be in the form of a: 

• Application form (‘Employer/ Activity history’ section on the application)
•  500 word supporting statement. 

This should outline how your skills, experience and knowledge provide evidence of your suitability for the role, with reference to the essential criteria. 

The Application form and supporting statement will be marked together.

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 

The pile 'meets all essential criteria' will proceed to shortlisting.

Shortlisting: In the event of a large number of applications we may conduct an initial sift on first two criteria (in bold above).

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.

Healthjobs UK has a word limit of 1500, but your supporting statement must be no more than 500 words. Feedback will not be provided at this stage. 

Stage 2: Interview

Competency based

You will be invited to a single face to face interview.

Knowledge, experience, skills & abilities will be tested at interview.

Interview 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.

Selection Process

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. 

Location

This role is based at Colindale. Please note hybrid working is not available for this role.

Security Clearance Level Requirement 

Successful candidates must pass a disclosure and barring security check.  

This role is being offered as office/lab based at our Scientific Campus in Colindale. 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.

Eligibility Criteria 
 
External: Open to all external applicants (anyone) from outside the Civil Service (including internal applicants).  

Face to Face Interviews 

In exceptional circumstances, we may be able to offer a remote interview.
 
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.