Clinical Scientist

Job summary

The Rare and Imported Pathogens Laboratory (RIPL) is an ISO:15189 accredited laboratory which provides a clinical diagnostic service for rare, high consequence and difficult to diagnose pathogens, including arboviruses, rickettsiae, leptospirosis, viral haemorrhagic fevers, Lyme disease, and a range of ACDP hazard group 3 bacteria including Bacillus anthracis and Francisella tularensis.

In 2025, RIPL introduced a diagnostic Bartonella service providing PCR and serological testing. RIPL works closely with other UKHSA departments covering a wide range of infectious disease services and associated epidemiology services. RIPL is also home to the national Imported Fever Service, a partnership between RIPL clinicians and clinicians from the Hospital for Tropical Diseases (University College Hospitals, London) and the Liverpool Tropical Infectious Disease Unit.

We are seeking a HCPC registered Clinical Scientist who will be based at RIPL, UKHSA Porton Down. They will have experience in providing clinical diagnostic services in microbiology/virology, with a particular interest in diagnostics.

Job description

The Clinical Scientist will work as a member of a multi-disciplinary clinical team and provide clinical and scientific advice to clinicians on testing and the interpretation of results. They will be required to:

• Interpret and report results from RIPL and liaise with clinicians and other healthcare professionals on relevant aspects of patient management (e.g. additional testing and investigations)
• Act as a link between the laboratory and front-line medical professionals
• Support the development and provision of specialist services
• Work with other members of the clinical, laboratory and research teams to introduce a routine containment level 3 bacterial culture capability into RIPL
• Contribute to the development and establishment of methodologies for investigating relevant viral and bacterial infections
• Contribute to the introduction of new diagnostic methodologies into the unit to ensure that a comprehensive service is provided for imported diseases
• Contribute to outbreak investigations including participation in relevant UKHSA enhanced incident responses
• Through example, discussion and daily working practice, educate and encourage junior members of staff in the interpretation and significance of laboratory work for patient management
• Establish collaborations with other UKHSA laboratories, academic institutions and laboratories in the UK and abroad
• Participate in scientific research activities as part of a formal research programme, they will be encouraged to develop and lead projects relevant to the unit and to apply for grant funding support as needed
• Present research findings at relevant internal, national and international meetings
• Prepare and write scientific papers for publication
• Facilitate joint working on novel and dangerous diseases across UKHSA and in collaboration with the NHS
• Contribute to training for visiting scientists, clinical scientists, resident doctors, Biomedical Scientists and Healthcare Scientists, and supervise research/PhD students
• Work with Laboratory Quality Lead to ensure compliance with ISO:15189 and other relevant standards
• Maintain a high standard of work, appraising and developing the service of the laboratory so that service delivery is safe, effective and economical, and follows best practice
• Maintain quality systems and keep abreast of changing regulations and directives to meet appropriate accreditation and safety standards
• Maintain high professional standards by continuous professional development keeping up to date with advances in medical microbiology
• Ensure health, safety and welfare are afforded priority, and demonstrate commitment to health, safety and welfare of self, staff and visitors by complying with relevant UKHSA health and safety
  policies at all times
• Escalate risks that cannot be controlled to the senior management team
• Notify accidents, near misses, dangerous situations and shortcomings in health and safety via the appropriate management structure
• Report any personal sickness (during and after such an event) that may have potentially been caused by or may impact upon work, in line with the UKHSA Sickness Absence management policy

The above is only an outline of the tasks, responsibilities and outcomes required of these roles.

They will carry out any other duties as may reasonably be required. The job descriptions and person specifications may be reviewed on an ongoing basis in accordance with the changing needs of the organisation.

Person specification

Essential Criteria

• HCPC registration as a Clinical Scientist in Microbiology
• Experience in practical bacteriology/virology
• Experience in molecular and serological diagnostics
• Awareness of biosafety/biosecurity relevant to the post
• Experience in clinical microbiology/virology
• Ability to scope new ideas and concepts on your own initiative and work outside your previous experience, including responding to sudden unexpected demands whilst maintaining a professional calm and efficient manner
• Ability to (a) assess complex/novel situations and topics by applying fundamental scientific principles, and (b) gather, analyse, interpret and critically assess complex information

Desirable Criteria

• Knowledge of disease characteristics and management of pathogens relevant to the post
• Experience of working at containment level 3
• Evidence of engagement with quality improvement activity
• Evidence of peer-reviewed research

Benefits

• 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%

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: UKHSA Hub , Civil Service Careers

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

Application & Sift (Competency-based)

At sift stage you will be assessed again