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.

Main duties of the job

• 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.

About us
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 responsibilities
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.

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.
• Ability to work independently and prioritise workload.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to supervise and support other staff.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills.

Desirable criteria:

• Experience working in a Containment Level 3 laboratory.
• Experience working with Mycobacterium species.
• Experience of workforce development and training.
• Experience within a public health or reference laboratory environment.
• Knowledge of the wider health and social care system.

Selection Process Details
This vacancy will be assessed using a competency-based framework which will assess your qualifications,knowledgeand experience and / or skills and abilities outlined in the essential criteria.

Stage 1: Application & Sift
You willbe requiredto complete an application form. You will be assessed on the listed(13)essential criteria, and this will be in the form of a:

• Application form (Employer/ Activity history section on the application)
• 1,000 word supporting statement.

This should outline how you consider your skills, experienceand knowledge provide evidence of your suitability for the role, with reference to the essential criteria.

You will receive a joint score for your application form and statement. (The application form is the kind of information you would put into your C.V please beadvisedyou will not be able to upload your CV. Please complete the application form in as much detail as possible). Please do not email us your CV.

HealthjobsUK has a word limit of 1500, but your supporting statement must be no more than1,000 words. We will not consider any words over1,000 words.

Longlisting: In the event ofa large number ofapplications,we will longlist into 3 piles of:

• Meets all essential criteria
• Meets some essential criteria
• Meets no essential criteria

If used, the pile(s) Meets all essential criteria willproceedto shortlisting.

Shortlisting: In the event ofa large number ofapplications we will conductan initialsift, on the lead criteria of:

• HCPC registration as a Biomedical Scientist.

Desirable criteria may be usedin the event ofa large number ofapplications/largeamountof successful candidates.

If you are successful at this stage, you will progress to interview & assessment.

Feedback will not be provided at this stage.

Stage 2: Interview
You will be invited to a single face to face at Colindale. _I_ _n exceptional circumstances, we may be able to offer a remote interview._

Knowledge, experience, skills & abilities will be tested at interview.

Interviews dates to be confirmed.

Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.

Location
This role is being offered as office/lab based at our Scientific Campus in Colindale.

Based at our scientific campus, you will be required to have a Counter Terrorism Check security vetting check as a minimum. For meaningful National Security Vetting checks to be carried out individuals need to have lived in the UK for a sufficient period of time. You should normally have been resident in the United Kingdom for the last 3 years as the role requires Counter Terrorism Check (CTC) clearance. In exceptional circumstances UK residency less than the outlined periods may not necessarily bar you from gaining national security vetting and applicants should contact the Vacancy Holder/Recruiting Manager listed in the advert for further advice.

Security Clearance Level Requirement
Successful candidates must pass a basicdisclosure and barring security check before they can be appointed.

Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed isCounter-Terrorist Check.

Eligibility Criteria External
Open to all external applicants (anyone) from outside the Civil Service (including internal applicants).

Salary Information
If you are successful at interview, and are moving from another government department, NHS, or Local Authority, the relevant starting salary principles for level transfers or promotions will apply. Otherwise, roles are offered at the pay scale minimum for the grade, but in exceptional circumstances there may be flexibility if you are able to demonstrate you are already in receipt of an existing, higher salary. Pay increases are through the relevant annual pay award for the role and terms.

Person Specification
application form andsupportingstatement
Essential

• application form andsupportingstatement

Essential Criteria
Essential

• Questions on experience, knowledge and skills

Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Certificate of Sponsorship
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Employer details
Employer name
UK Health Security Agency

Address
Colindale
Colindale
NW9 5EQ
United Kingdom

Employer's website
https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/uk-health-security-agency (Opens in a new tab)

Employer contact details
For questions about the job, contact:
Resourcing Support
Gurkamal Bhambra
gurkamal.bhambra@ukhsa.gov.uk

Details
Date posted
25 August 2026

Pay scheme
Agenda for change

Band
Band 6

Salary
£39,959 to £48,117 a year
Per annum pro rata

Contract
Permanent

Working pattern
Full-time,
Part-time,
Job share,
Flexible working

Reference number
919-GB-301478-EXT

Job locations
Colindale
Colindale
NW9 5EQ
United Kingdom

Privacy notice
UK Health Security Agency's privacy notice (opens in a new tab)

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).