UK Health Security Agency
Biomedical Scientist

The closing date is 23 November 2026

Job summary
At Public Health Microbiology, laboratory teams undertake services of complex and highly skilled techniques which often require nationally or internationally unique capabilities or facilities. Reference laboratories are required to provide authoritative, final and validated analysis for complex clinical or food microbiological/virological problems and be innovative in driving microbiological/virological methodology developments and standards.

The work of microbiology reference units includes clinical microbiological advice and diagnosis, complex reference, service delivery, methodology development, microbial epidemiology, investigation of national and uncommon outbreaks, response to international health alerts and advice on the risks posed by various infections.

In response to threats to business-as-usual (BAU) service delivery and enhanced incidents, it is the role of the Operational Response Team (ORT) to be deployed to support reference service units and the operations team. The Biomedical Scientist will provide resilience to the bacteriology reference departments (BRD) or virology reference departments (VRD) in times of need.

When not deployed during an incident, they will concentrate on training, maintaining competency and development of skills required to assist in future incidents.

Main duties of the job
The Biomedical Scientist will work as part of the host laboratory team to deliver the reference laboratory services.

They will be responsible for the efficient processing of specimens and performing additional laboratory duties to ensure the efficient day to day performance of the laboratory, under the supervision of more senior Biomedical Scientist and Clinical Scientist staff.

They will undertake booking of specimens, inputting of data, filing, answering the telephone, reception work and perform other additional clerical and office duties appropriate to grade.

The Biomedical Scientist would be expected to assist in any UKHSA co-ordinated response or activity of a national/international nature.

Other main duties will include:

• Undertaking microbiological, serological and molecular laboratory duties under supervision guided by standard operating procedures (SOPs) including containment level 2 and 3.
• Be responsible for the reading and analysis of test results generated and entry of results onto the LIMS system.
• Collating and presenting data for discussion.
• Adhering to external and internal quality control practices.
• Attending meetings, plan and implement project plans.
• Monitoring safety cabinets and carrying out routine quality control procedures to maintain set standards.
• Participating in and supporting the research and development (R&D) activities within BRD & VRD and the organisation.

The above is not an exhaustive list.

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

Location: London, NW9 5HT
Band: Band 5 (Agenda for Change)
Working pattern: Full-time, Part-time, Job share, Flexible working
Reference number: 919-SH-301335-EXT

Job responsibilities

• Be responsible for health, safety and welfare of self, staff and visitors in your own area ensuring that health and safety are afforded priority over other issues.
• Ensure a safe and healthy working environment by maintaining adequate safety levels.
• Notify any accidents, incidents or near misses, dangerous situations or shortcomings in health and safety training instructions via the appropriate management structure.
• Ensure compliance of work with UKAS ISO15189.
• Participate in internal and external audits and implementing corrective actions.
• Take responsibility for maintenance and acquisition of stock in order to ensure adequate service provision and continuity.
• Use databases and software packages as appropriate.
• Apply computer technology to the management of biological information.
• Data entry, spreadsheet analysis and managing the flow of paperwork.
• Ensure that routine services are maintained/designed to a satisfactory standard.
• Monitor the performance and maintenance of laboratory equipment.
• Ensure confidentiality and conformity to the requirements of the Data Protection Act in collaboration with the designated Caldicott Guardian, Data Protection Officer and Security of Information Officer.
• Actively participate and maintain a continuing professional development programme and be aware of relevant developments in microbiology and other biomedical science.
• Develop professional expertise by undertaking further appropriate training as required.

It should be noted that the work of the laboratory is of a confidential nature and must not be communicated to other persons except where required for authorised purposes.
The above is only an outline of the tasks, responsibilities and outcomes required of the role. You will carry out any other duties as may reasonably be required by your line manager.
The job description and person specification may be reviewed on an ongoing basis in accordance with the changing needs of the organisation.

Essential Criteria

• BSc in a Biological Science
• State registration with HCPC as a Biomedical Scientist and maintains professional competence
• Post-qualification laboratory experience in microbiology
• Knowledge of laboratory safety requirements and quality assurance procedures
• Experience in use of LIMS, and a range of common software (Microsoft Office, Excel)
• Confident in presentation of ideas and information with excellent analytical skills, and good organisation skills with particular attention to detail
• Self-motivating, organised and meticulous, and able to problem solve in a calm and efficient manner

Desirable Criteria

• Experience and/or understanding of scientific principles of molecular assays including Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) and sequencing technologies, and serological assays

Salary Information
Grade: AfC Band 5
£32,073 - £39,043 per annum, pro-rata
This role attracts HCAS Outer: 15% of annual salary, subject to a minimum payment of £4,870 and a maximum payment of £6,137.

Location
This role is being offered as laboratory based at UKHSA Colindale, 61 Colindale Avenue, London NW9 5EQ.
Please note hybrid working is not available for this role.

Security Clearance Level Requirement
The level of security needed is Counter-Terrorist Check (CTC). Successful candidates must pass a basic disclosure and barring security check.

Selection Process
This vacancy will assess your Behaviours, Experience and Technical skills. Shortlisting is based on the Essential Criteria; interviews will be face-to-face at UKHSA Colindale.

Employer details
Employer name: UK Health Security Agency
Contact: Sarah Handy, Resourcing Support Officer (sarah.handy@ukhsa.gov.uk)

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.