UK Health Security Agency
Biomedical Scientist Specialist
The closing date is 26 November 2026

Job summary
The Microbiology laboratory at Cambridge current provides services to Addenbrooke's, Royal Papworth, and the E&N Herts Hospitals, the surrounding district, and other NHS Laboratories. It has active research and epidemiological interests.

The laboratory undergoes assessment against UKAS ISO 15189 standards and has strong teaching interests. Set on the outskirts of the university city of Cambridge, Addenbrooke's Hospital is one of the top hospitals in the UK and a thriving NHS Foundation Trust. Addenbrooke's is closely associated with leading educational providers including the University of Cambridge and is a major centre for biomedical research and education.

The department undertakes a wide range of routine and specialist microbiological and molecular investigations. It makes extensive use of automation including Qiagen platforms, Biofire, BacTec, Sedimax, MGIT, Vitek, Centaur XP, Panther, Liaison and Vidas analysers and Kiestra.

Main duties of the job

• Work as part of the laboratory team, providing a high level of microbiological analysis in order to provide patients with the highest level of diagnosis and treatment.
• Use the appropriate testing, in a timely manner, to assist the Consultant Microbiologists, and thus ensure the correct clinical diagnosis.
• Perform a range of specialist technical and scientific activities, including testing samples referred from other NHS and UKHSA laboratories.
• Follow appropriate training and orientation, and in rotation with other BMS staff, to work as the sole BMS in extended hours and weekends, undertaking urgent or other high priority work.
• Be responsible for the efficient day-to-day running of an area in a section of the laboratory, to be able to rotate through all the different sections in the laboratory and to supervise and train inexperienced BMSs, trainee BMSs or HCSSWs.
• Be expected to assist in any UKHSA co-ordinated response or activity of a national/international nature, eg. a Bioterrorism incident or a major disease outbreak, eg. SARS., H5N1 influenza etc.
• Supervise the HCSSW(s) and less experienced BMS staff in the area of responsibility and to assist in the day-to-day supervision of all other HCSSWs, trainee BMS(s) and inexperienced BMS(s) in the department.
• Deputise for Senior BMS staff where appropriate and when necessary.
• 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

Details
Date posted: 12 November 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-SH-300764-EXT
Job locations: Lab based at Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, CB2 0QQ, United Kingdom

Job description
Job responsibilities

• To process the specimens received and to undertake the related tasks in the various sections of the laboratory, leading to the reporting and interpretation of results in accordance with agreed policies and standard operating procedures (SOPs), including specialist reference tests as required of UKHSA Regional Laboratories.
• To be responsible for maintenance of consumables and equipment in immediate area of work. Also, to use and maintain automated equipment following manufacturer's guidelines and training.
• Based upon sound knowledge and experience, to designate, on receipt, the range of tests to be performed on various samples. This involves making judgments about which automated platform to use, whether confirmation is necessary by other methods etc. and requires an understanding of both disease and the manner in which the laboratory addresses the diagnostic process.
• Using microbiological techniques, to work competently in all sections of the Laboratory, including Bacteriology, Containment Level 3, Serology, Chlamydia and Molecular Diagnostics.
• To adhere to Laboratory bench SOPs and the Laboratory policies and procedures and to work autonomously within the guidelines provided. Also to assist the Quality Manager and other Senior Staff in the preparation and ongoing review of SOPs.
• To plan and organise the work of the allocated area in the laboratory.
• To maintain a high standard of professional competence in the performance of all tests and investigations carried out in the Laboratory.
• To ensure important or unusual results are drawn to the attention of senior staff and/or medical staff, and to report complaints and anomalies as soon as possible.
• To deputise for senior staff as required.
• To ensure a sound knowledge of the laboratory IT system, to look up and enter results, book in patient data, request tests and other similar tasks.
• To be responsible for equipment and automated processors in the area of responsibility, identifying any problems. To act as first-line trouble-shooter when and where appropriate, and to bring problems to the attention of senior staff.
• To communicate effectively with all members of the team and other health care professionals.
• To liaise with senior BMS staff, medical and scientific staff in all matters relating to the diagnosis of infection.
• To monitor quality control results and bring any anomalies to the attention of Senior BMS staff as soon as is practicable.
• Where appropriate, to assist or lead in research and audit projects.
• To assist in the production and dissemination of laboratory reports, data and statistics, and to maintain relevant records appropriately.

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 (Hons) Biomedical Science degree or equivalent academic achievement ratified by the IBMS.
• State registration with Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) as a Biomedical Scientist.
• Works well with others, is professional and calm, positive and helpful, listens, involves, respects and learns from the contribution of others.
• Consistently looks to improve what they do, looks for successful tried and tested ways of working, and also seeks out innovation.
• Actively develops themselves with commitment to continuing professional development and supports others to do the same.
• Demonstrates extensive post-registration experience and speciality training, in accordance with IBMS guidelines or equivalent. This experience will not normally be gained until at least two years of working on rotate on in the various sections as a BMS Practitioner with the completion of a training portfolio.
• Have extensive working knowledge of laboratory areas, including both practical and theoretical knowledge of the various methods employed. Also to demonstrate a sound understanding of the basic physiology, pathology and scientific principles relevant to Microbiology.

Selection Process
This vacancy will be assessed using a competency-based framework which will assess your qualifications, knowledge, experience, skills and abilities outlined in the 7 Essential Criteria in this job advert.

Application & Sift
You will be required to complete an application form and a 1250 word supporting statement. Do not exceed 1250 words as we will not consider any words over this amount. As CVs cannot be uploaded or emailed to us, the Application Form and Supporting Statement are your CV and cover letter.

Longlisting
In the event of a large number of applications we will longlist into 3 piles: Meets all essential criteria, Meets some essential criteria, Meets no essential criteria. Only 'Meets all Essential Criteria' will progress to Shortlisting.

Interview
Competency based. You will be invited to a single face to face interview at Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge. In exceptional circumstances, we may be able to offer a remote interview.

Salary Information
NHS AfC Band 6: £39,959 - £48,117 per annum, pro-rata.

Location
This role is being offered as lab based at Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge CB2 0QQ. Hybrid working is not available for this role.

Security Clearance Level Requirement
Successful candidates must pass a basic disclosure and barring security check before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is Counter-terrorist Check, and you should normally have been resident in the United Kingdom for the last 3 years.

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.

UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see the NHS Careers website.

Employer details
Employer name: UK Health Security Agency
Address: Lab based at Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, CB2 0QQ, United Kingdom
Employer's website: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/uk-health-security-agency

Employer contact details
For questions about the job, contact: Resourcing Support Officer, Sarah Handy, sarah.handy@ukhsa.gov.uk

Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records. Please note that UKHSA is exploring options for the future of the Clinical Network Laboratories service and that further information will be shared as the review progresses.