Healthcare Scientist Practitioner

Job summary

The post holder will act as a Healthcare Scientist Practitioner within NMRSS, contributing to the delivery of a high-quality diagnostic and reference microbiology service. The role involves performing routine and more complex laboratory investigations on clinical samples, using a range of microbiological and molecular techniques.

The post holder will organise and prioritise their own workload and contribute to the supervision of Healthcare Scientist Support Workers and other junior staff. They will ensure that testing is carried out in accordance with standard operating procedures, quality standards and safety requirements, and that accurate and timely results are produced.

The role also includes contributing to service development, implementation of new methodologies and supporting audit and quality management systems.

Working for your 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.

Job description

• Perform routine and complex microbiology and molecular investigations on clinical and reference samples
  
• Select appropriate tests and ensure accurate processing and analysis of results
  
• Assist in the supervision and training of junior staff and support workers
  
• Ensure compliance with SOPs, quality standards and ISO 15189 requirements
  
• Monitor equipment performance and report faults or discrepancies
  
• Escalate unusual or non-routine results to senior staff promptly
  
• Contribute to quality assurance, audit and service improvement activities
  
• Communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders including NHS laboratories
  
• Use LIMS systems for sample tracking and data entry
  
• Maintain safe working practices in accordance with health and safety policies

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Service Delivery

• Participate in the provision of a diagnostic and reference microbiology service, producing accurate, timely and clinically relevant results. Undertake a range of laboratory investigations, including routine and more specialised techniques, ensuring compliance with laboratory protocols and service requirements.
• Select appropriate investigations based on sample type and clinical information, ensuring all necessary steps in the diagnostic pathway are followed. Identify and escalate unusual or non-routine results, complaints or anomalies to senior staff. Contribute to managing workload during routine service and periods of increased demand

Technical and Laboratory Responsibilities

• Carry out microbiological and molecular testing relevant to mycobacteriology, including culture and nucleic acid-based techniques.
• Maintain a high level of technical competence and adhere to all standard operating procedures, professional standards and good laboratory practice. Ensure equipment is operated correctly, maintained and monitored, reporting faults or performance issues promptly.

Supervision and Team Working

• Assist in the day-to-day supervision and organisation of laboratory work areas. Allocate tasks to Healthcare Scientist Support Workers and provide guidance on technical procedures.
  Support training, competency assessment and development of junior staff. Promote effective team working and contribute to a flexible workforce capable of meeting service needs.

Customer and Stakeholder Engagement

• Communicate effectively with a range of internal and external stakeholders, including NHS laboratories and clinicians. Respond to queries in a clear and professional manner.
• Develop and maintain positive working relationships to support service delivery.

Quality Systems and Governance

• Contribute to the maintenance and continuous improvement of the Quality Management System. Participate in internal quality control, external quality assessment schemes and audit activities.
• Ensure compliance with ISO 15189 standards and UKAS accreditation requirements. Support implementation of corrective and preventive actions arising from audits or incidents.

Asset and Resource Management

• Ensure appropriate use and care of laboratory equipment and contribute to routine maintenance and calibration activities. Assist in monitoring and maintaining stock levels of reagents and consumables.
• Maintain a clean, safe and efficient laboratory environment, ensuring compliance with organisational policies

IT and Data Management

• Use Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) to track samples, enter results and maintain accurate records. Ensure data quality, integrity and confidentiality in line with UKHSA policies.

Health, Safety and Compliance

• Work in accordance with UKHSA health and safety policies, risk assessments and containment requirements. Report incidents, hazards and near misses promptly.
• Ensure compliance with data protection and confidentiality requirements.

Other Duties

• Undertake any other duties appropriate to the grade as required by the Laboratory Manager. Work flexibly across the service to meet operational requirements.

Person specification

Essential criteria

• Degree (BSc or equivalent) in a relevant biological or biomedical science OR equivalent experience
• Experience working in a microbiology or clinical laboratory
• Knowledge of laboratory safety procedures and quality systems (e.g., ISO 15189)
• Experience of laboratory IT systems (e.g., LIMS)
• Ability to perform routine and some complex laboratory techniques
• Ability to organise workload and work to deadlines
• Good communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Commitment to quality, safety and continuous improvement

Desirable criteria:

• Experience in mycobacteriology or containment level 3 laboratories
• Experience of molecular techniques (e.g., PCR, sequencing)
• Experience of supervising or training staff
• Experience in audit, research or service development

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £32,624, UK Health Security Agency contributes £9,451 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%

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