Assistant Healthcare Scientist

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.

The Assistant Healthcare Scientist/Healthcare Scientist Support Worker will work within the Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIRL) Reference Unit, supporting the delivery of UKHSA's national reference laboratory service for bacterial sexually transmitted infections. Working under supervision and following appropriate training and competency assessment, the post holder will undertake routine laboratory support activities in accordance with standard operating procedures, contributing to the safe, efficient and timely delivery of microbiology and molecular diagnostic services.

The role includes receiving, preparing and processing clinical specimens, undertaking routine laboratory procedures, maintaining laboratory equipment and consumables, recording laboratory information using the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS), and supporting specimen storage and archiving. The post holder will assist in maintaining laboratory quality, health and safety standards, participate in routine quality assurance activities, and contribute to the day-to-day running of the laboratory.

Working as part of a multidisciplinary team, the successful candidate will develop their technical knowledge and practical skills through structured training while supporting the delivery of a high-quality national reference and surveillance service for bacterial sexually transmitted infections.

Job description

• Assist in the delivery of UKHSA's national reference and surveillance services for bacterial sexually transmitted infections by undertaking routine laboratory support activities in accordance with standard operating procedures.
• Receive, prepare, process and track clinical specimens, maintaining accurate laboratory records using the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS).
• Perform routine microbiological, molecular and serological laboratory procedures following appropriate training, competency assessment and supervision.
• Support the day-to-day operation of the laboratory, including stock management, preparation of reagents and consumables, equipment monitoring, specimen archiving and waste disposal.
• Contribute to maintaining laboratory quality, health and safety standards by following UKHSA policies, quality management procedures and accreditation requirements.
• Work collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary team, responding to routine enquiries and providing support to colleagues to ensure an efficient laboratory service.
• Participate in mandatory training, competency assessments and continuous development to enhance technical knowledge and laboratory skills.
• Undertake other duties appropriate to the grade to support service delivery, business continuity and the effective operation of the laboratory

This list is not exhaustive.

The Assistant Healthcare Scientist/Healthcare Scientist Support Worker will support the delivery of UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) national reference laboratory services for bacterial sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Working under the supervision of senior scientific staff, the post holder will undertake routine laboratory support activities that contribute to the efficient, safe and timely operation of the Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIRL) Reference Unit.

Laboratory Support

• Receive, label, prepare and process clinical specimens in accordance with standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Perform routine laboratory procedures following appropriate training, competency assessment and supervision.
• Assist with the preparation of laboratory media, reagents and consumables required for diagnostic and reference testing.
• Accurately enter and maintain laboratory records using the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) and other laboratory databases.
• Support specimen receipt, storage, archiving and disposal, including maintaining paper and electronic archive systems.
• Record routine laboratory findings and enter results onto LIMS where no scientific interpretation is required, following established procedures.
• Respond to routine laboratory enquiries and assist with the receipt of visitors, deliveries and service engineers as required.

Laboratory Operations

• Assist with the day-to-day running of the laboratory to ensure an efficient and effective service.
• Monitor laboratory stock levels and assist with ordering, receiving and storing consumables and equipment.
• Carry out routine equipment checks and basic maintenance following training, reporting faults or discrepancies to senior staff.
• Ensure work areas are maintained in a clean, safe and organised condition.
• Participate in internal and external quality assurance activities where appropriate.

Quality, Health and Safety

• Work in accordance with UKHSA policies, laboratory SOPs and quality management procedures.
• Comply with Health and Safety legislation, COSHH requirements and infection prevention and control procedures.
• Participate in routine quality assurance activities and maintain accurate laboratory documentation.
• Report equipment faults, incidents or health and safety concerns to an appropriate member of staff.

Team Working and Communication

• Work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary laboratory team to support the delivery of national reference and surveillance services.
• Communicate effectively with colleagues and respond appropriately to routine operational requests.
• Develop and maintain positive working relationships with colleagues across the department.

Training and Development

• Participate in induction, mandatory training and competency assessments appropriate to the role.
• Maintain and develop technical knowledge and practical laboratory skills through continuous learning and development.
• Participate in team meetings and contribute positively to service improvement activities where appropriate.

General Responsibilities

• Maintain confidentiality and comply with UKHSA Information Governance requirements.
• Demonstrate UKHSA values and behaviours in all aspects of work.
• Work flexibly to support service delivery and business continuity.
• Undertake any other duties commensurate with the grade and responsibilities of the post.

Person specification

Essential Criteria

• GCSEs (or equivalent qualification) including English, Mathematics and Science at Grade C/4 or above, or equivalent experience in a lab based role.
• Ability to follow standard operating procedures accurately and work to a high standard of attention to detail.
• Good organisational and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Basic IT skills, with the ability to accurately record information using computer systems.
• Ability to work safely and follow laboratory health and safety procedures.
• Willingness to undertake training, competency assessments and