Senior Assistant Healthcare Scientist (Placement)

Job summary

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 note that this post is only available for students currently studying an undergraduate degree and wish to take a placement year commencing 2026/27.

The post-holder will act as a Senior Assistant Healthcare Scientist providing scientific services to patients and clients as an aid in the evaluation of immunological responses to vaccines and microbiological disease. Accuracy and attention to detail is essential.

Job description

• To participate in Quality Assurance and Quality Control activities and assist the department in maintaining CPA (Clinical Pathology Accreditation), UKAS ISO 15189, Good Clinical Laboratory Practice (GCLP), Good Clinical Practice (GCP) and Medicines for Health Regulatory Authority (MHRA).
• To use specialist immunoassays for the analysis of biological samples to quantify different antibody isotypes and/or avidity to various microbial antigens.
• To use, maintain and calibrate manual and complex automated equipment for the performance of specialist assays e.g. Bioplex and centrifuges.
• To prepare reagents for use in specialist in-house immunoassays.
• To work in a safe manner in accordance with Laboratory Health and Safety policies and procedures
• To 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.
• To participate in audit processes, clinical trials, and research projects, as required.
• To attend regular departmental meetings and contribute to effective communication within the unit.
• To assist in the development of laboratory protocols, and where possible suggest improvements to, laboratory policies and procedures.
• To ensure that personal work activity is managed to make effective use of time and maintain an adequate supply of laboratory consumables.
• To undertake on-going training and development and update Professional Development Plan, as required by the Unit Head.
• To ensure data integrity when entering demographics and results into the laboratory information system.
• To prepare samples and process bodily fluids and materials, including high-risk specimens and reagent preparation following protocols
• To analyse biological samples including more complex/ specialist investigations requiring a high level of skill.
• To process clinical trial samples received according to unit standard operating procedures.
• To provide a specialist diagnostic service for measuring the immune response to disease or vaccination.
• To work in the containment level 2 laboratories according to local code of practice.
• To use advanced specialist computer software for the capture and processing of laboratory data.
• To carry out research in vaccines against different pathogens.
• To exercise judgement and interpretation to validate results and generate laboratory reports in accordance with unit policies and procedures. The validation process includes analytical and scientific validity.
• To assist with, and where appropriate be responsible for, the development of new methods and implementation of new technology.
• To dispose of patient samples in accordance with relevant guidelines.
• To monitor and maintain appropriate stock levels and facilitate deliveries.

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 the directorate.

The job description and person specification may be reviewed on an ongoing basis in accordance with the changing needs of the organisation.

To participate in all mandatory training as required, i.e. fire safety, information governance and all other mandatory training.

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 e.g. Scientific, biomedical, support and clerical staff in the MMMP, Hospital and Directorate staff, UKHSA Science group
• External e.g. Customers (including Pharmaceutical companies, International bodies, Academia and Clinical Service Users), External suppliers, Accreditation bodies and other NHS hospitals.

Person specification

Role Criteria and Other Requirements

Please note that this post is only available for students currently studying an undergraduate degree and wish to take a placement year commencing 2026/27.

Essential Criteria

• Appropriate qualifications for University entry, to complete a Life Science based degree
• Basic scientific mathematics
• Keyboard skills
• Good communication skills
• Evidence of working effectively as part of a team
• Good hand to eye co-ordination
• Able to work on own initiative, organising and prioritising own workload to set deadlines.
• An ability to maintain confidentiality and trust
• Good time keeping
• Flexible approach to work
• An understanding of and commitment to equality of opportunity and good working relationships

Desirable criteria

• Knowledge of immunoassays
• Experience with Microsoft Office

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £25,651, UK Health Security Agency contributes £7,431 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides (opens in a new window).

• Learning and development tailored to your role
• An environment with flexible working options
• A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity
• A Civil Service pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%

Things you need to know

Artificial intelligence

Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance (opens in a new window) for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.

Selection process details

Stage 1: Application & Sift

Competency Based

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