Specialist Biomedical Scientist / Specialist Healthcare Scientist

We are looking for a highly motivated and enthusiastic scientist for a permanent post in the (GBRU) unit. The post holder will work within the Foodborne Pathogens Reference Section (FPRS) which provides the National Reference services for Clostridium botulinum, Clostridium perfringens, Clostridium tetani, Bacillus cereus and Listeria species. The post holder will assist the sections senior scientists and the pathogen leads in ensuring that GBRU provides a national and international service in all aspects of the work of the unit. You will work with senior staff to ensure that both the service and non-service work of the unit is carried out in a safe, effective, timely manner and operates to a quality system: this includes molecular assays, conventional microbiological as well as genomic and proteomic analysis on a range of gastrointestinal bacterial isolates and clinical specimens.,

• To assist in the provision and organisation of safe, timely, high quality and economical reference services by GBRU.
• To validate reference and clinical results technically and medically (latter undertaken by HCPC registered BMS only)
• To undertake DNA-based detection, typing and genotypic analysis of data for a range of pathogens with assays and techniques such as real-time polymerase chain reaction and whole genome sequencing.
• Assist in providing a flexible laboratory response to emergency public health needs.
• Dealing with customer queries in relation to bacterial isolates and clinical specimens.
• To assist the senior staff in ensuring the section is run and maintained in an effective and economical manner and provide cover in the absence of the senior scientist.
• Assist with evaluation and implementation of new techniques / methods to the unit that enhance effectiveness of the laboratory work.
• Writing and updating SOPs, COSHHs and risk assessments.
• Ensure that health, safety, and welfare is an afforded priority over other issues and to demonstrate a commitment to health, safety, and welfare
• Assist in ensuring the IT systems are appropriately managed in support the needs of the laboratory.
• Maintain a high standard of work and contribute to developing the service of the laboratory & follow best practice according to ISO15189 and 17025 standards.
  
  We are seeking a Specialist Biomedical Scientist (BMS) who is HCPC registered, OR a Specialist Healthcare Scientist (HEO) with a demonstrable plan to achieve HCPC registration within 12-months of being appointed. Applicants must have a minimum of 3 years' experience in a microbiological laboratory, who can provide evidence of Quality and UKAS accreditation experience as well as staff supervision and training.
  
  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.