Biomedical Scientist

Job summary

The National Mycobacterium Reference Service South (NMRS-S) is the UKHSA National Reference Centre for Tuberculosis and Mycobacteriology, providing specialist reference, diagnostic and advisory services to healthcare providers across London, Southern England and internationally. The laboratory is based in Colindale and is recognised as a WHO Supranational Reference Laboratory.

The post holder will be a HCPC-registered Biomedical Scientist responsible for delivering high-quality specialist diagnostic and reference laboratory services. Working within a Containment Level 3 laboratory, the role involves performing a wide range of microbiological and molecular investigations on clinical specimens for the diagnosis and management of mycobacterial infections. The post holder will contribute to service delivery, quality assurance, staff supervision, training, service development and continuous improvement while ensuring compliance with UKHSA quality, safety and governance requirements.

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.

Please visit our careers site for more information https://gov.uk/ukhsa/careers

Job description

• Perform manual, semi-automated and automated microbiological and molecular investigations in accordance with standard operating procedures.
• Interpret, validate and record laboratory results accurately and within agreed turnaround times.
• Assess the clinical relevance of diagnostic requests and laboratory findings.
• Provide technical advice and laboratory results to healthcare professionals and service users.
• Supervise and support laboratory staff, trainees and visiting personnel.
• Ensure reagents, equipment and laboratory resources are prepared, maintained and used appropriately.
• Contribute to quality assurance, quality control and accreditation activities.
• Participate in the development, validation and implementation of new methodologies and technologies.
• Maintain professional competence through continuing professional development.
• Work safely within Containment Level 3 laboratory facilities and comply with all health and safety requirements.
• Support research, service improvement and performance monitoring activities as required.

Service Delivery
The post holder will help deliver a specialist reference and medical laboratory service to achieve the objectives of efficient and effective patient care and resource management for users of the National Mycobacterium Reference Service South (NMRS-S). The role involves working exclusively with Mycobacterium species, including Hazard Group 3 organisms, within Containment Level 3 facilities. The post holder will perform a range of diagnostic and reference laboratory tests offered by the service. The post holder will assess the clinical relevance of diagnostic requests, work in progress and laboratory results, using scientific judgement and established procedures to determine the pathogenic and clinical significance of findings.

Technical and Laboratory Responsibilities
The post holder will perform laboratory investigations in accordance with established Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). This will include undertaking complex technical procedures such as culture, microscopy and genotypic (molecular) testing used in the diagnosis and characterisation of mycobacterial infections. They will be responsible for the accurate interpretation, documentation and reporting of results, ensuring that all testing is undertaken to the required standards. The post holder will ensure that reagents, consumables and laboratory materials are prepared, stored and used appropriately for patient investigations and will contribute to the evaluation, validation and introduction of new methodologies and technologies to support service development.

Staff Supervision and Training
The post holder will supervise and check the work of non-state registered staff in line with established procedures. This responsibility may extend to staff and visitors undertaking technical training within the laboratory, including individuals seconded to the NMRS-S. The post holder will provide technical guidance, support and training to colleagues, helping to develop competence, maintain professional standards and ensure that laboratory procedures are followed consistently.

Quality, Governance and Safety
The post holder will be responsible for maintaining compliance with all quality assurance, quality control and laboratory governance requirements. The role includes participation in audits, investigations, incident management processes and the implementation of corrective and preventative actions where appropriate. Working in a high-containment laboratory environment, the post holder will ensure strict adherence to health and safety requirements, risk assessments and safe systems of work when handling Hazard Group 3 organisms and other potentially infectious materials.

Communication and Stakeholder Engagement
The post holder will provide technical advice, specialist scientific information and laboratory results to service users and healthcare professionals as required. They will communicate effectively with colleagues across UKHSA as well as with external organisations. The role requires the ability to communicate complex scientific and technical information accurately, clearly and professionally, supporting the delivery of an effective diagnostic and reference service while maintaining productive working relationships with laboratory users and partners.

Service Development and Research
The post holder will contribute to the development, evaluation and implementation of new laboratory methodologies, technologies and service improvements. They will support activities that enhance the effectiveness, efficiency and quality of the service, including participation in validation projects, quality improvement initiatives and laboratory performance monitoring.

Professional Development
The post holder will maintain HCPC registration and professional competence through participation in continuing professional development activities. They will maintain an up-to-date knowledge of microbiology, mycobacteriology and current laboratory practice, ensuring that their professional knowledge and skills remain aligned with developments in the field.

Person specification

Essential Criteria

• Degree or equivalent qualification acceptable for HCPC registration as a Biomedical Scientist
• HCPC registration as a Biomedical Scientist.
• Evidence of continuing professional development.
• Comprehensive knowledge of microbiology and laboratory diagnostic practice.
• Understanding of health and safety requirements within laboratory environments.
• Knowledge of quality assurance and quality control systems.
• Experience of performing complex laboratory investigations.
• Ability to analyse and interpret laboratory data and results.
• Excellent organisational skills and attention to detail.