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Laboratory Services Manager

On-site in Cambridge·Added today (last checked 21 Oct)

UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA)

21 open roles

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Overview

Salary: £66,582 - £77,368 a year
About £4,100 - £4,620 a month after tax.
Closing date: Apply by Tuesday 3 November
Pension: 28.97% employer pension

Skills

The role

Apply before 11:55 pm on Tuesday 3rd November 2026

Details

Reference number

486321

Salary

£66,582 - £77,368

Outer HCAS 15% (min £4,870 and a max £6,137)

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

This role is offered under Agenda for Change (AFC) Terms and Conditions.
• If you are already on AFC T&Cs or accept the role on a fixed-term contract,
you will be enrolled in the NHS Pension Scheme or keep your current AFC
Pension.
• If you take the role on a loan or temporary promotion, you will retain your
existing, substantive T&Cs.
• If the role is available under either AFC or Civil Service T&Cs depending on
your registration, your pension scheme will align accordingly.

GBP

Job grade

Other

NHS AfC: Band 8b

Contract type

Permanent

Type of role

Science

Working pattern

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

Number of jobs available

Location

Cambridge Lab - Addenbrooke's Hospital Pathology Block

About the job

Job summary

The Clinical Microbiology and Public Health Laboratory (CMPHL) at Cambridge is part of the UKHSA Clinical Network Laboratory division and provides services to Cambridge University Hospital (Addenbrooke's) and Royal Papworth Hospital NHS Trusts, 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, within the Cambridge Biomedical Campus, 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.

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

CMPHL undertakes a wide range of manual and automated routine and specialist microbiological and molecular investigations, for clinical and public health service delivery.

The Laboratory Services Manager will contribute to planning, leading, organising and controlling the operation of the laboratory service in line with the operational direction of the Regional Head of Laboratory Operations and clinical direction of Clinical Services Lead. They will be responsible for ensuring and improving the performance, quality, efficiency and safety of laboratory operations through the implementation of effective methods and strategies.

The post holder is expected to act independently and is accountable for his / her own actions and those of others, line managed by the UKHSA Regional Head of Laboratory Operations and clinically accountable to the relevant Lead Consultants, through the Clinical Services Director.

To lead, coordinate and monitor the work of the provision of clinical and public health microbiology laboratory services, managing workflows and staffing to maximise service quality and timeliness
Deputise for the Regional Head of Laboratory Operations
Contribute to the development of and manage effective business continuity and resilience arrangements.
Management of employee productivity, coordinating workforce availability, including rostering, training planning, skills development and succession planning.
Oversee laboratory equipment and consumables, including supplier liaison regarding equipment maintenance, performance and fault resolution.
Support the relevant Lead Consultants to develop and integrate diagnostic and analytical techniques into appropriate patient pathways.
Contribute to the planning and implementation of integrated multi sectional service developments.

Management and Organisation

Within the framework laid down by the Regional Head of Laboratory Operations and under the clinical leadership of the Clinical Services Director/Lead undertake the management and organisation of the laboratory service.
Ensure the development and maintenance of Standard Operating Procedures, policies and working practices in accordance with a programme agreed by the Regional Head of Laboratory Operations, Clinical Services Director and other members of the Management Team.
Analyse and interpret any new guidance from relevant sources and to then provide advice for the development of departmental and service-wide policies and procedures.

Finance and Resources

Ensure an adequate and economic local supply of reagents and non-capital equipment
Review consumables and non-capital equipment used by the laboratory and identify opportunities for development and improvement in quality and cost effectiveness.
Manage departmental budgets and delegated finances
Contribute to costing of services, ensuring that service change control includes full financial review

Asset and Buildings Management

Work with UKHSA leads to manage procurement process of the capital equipment programmes and asset management
Ensure maintenance and service contracts are in place and local asset management is documented and current within the Quality Management system
Liaise with the Estates Departments for maintenance of building and services
Take a lead role in the future planning of new accommodation and alterations to existing premises.
Be responsible for facilities and environmental aspects within the laboratory.

Service Development

Lead in the review, development and implementation of business and strategic plans
Facilitate the introduction and development of new technologies, methodologies and systems of work for service improvement and in compliance with quality standards
Review practices through policies, audits, benchmarking, LEAN working and continuous improvement.

Scientific and Clinical

Be actively involved in scientific and technical duties within the department which may include delivering specialist technical advice to service users.
Accountable for the direct service delivery of a high standard of professional competence in the performance of tests and investigations across the Clinical Microbiology and Public Health service
Analyse, interpret, technically validate and report on routine complex and specialist tests.

Health and Safety

Ensure compliance with local and national Health and Safety legislation and recommendations and implement required changes.
Ensure the notification of all dangerous occurrences within the department/site to appropriate bodies and reporting on UKHSA systems
Ensure staff receive training in Health and Safety practices

Quality Assurance

In collaboration with the Quality manager, develop a clear accountability framework for the service in respect of quality assurance.
Ensure that the laboratory complies with ISO 15189, IDPS and HTA standards and HCPC/IBMS requirements and adheres to the principles and requirements of sound Clinical Governance
Ensure participation in appropriate External Quality Assurance schemes, monitor departmental performance in such schemes and implement corrective actions

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.

Person specification

Essential role criteria

Registration with Healthcare Professions Council (Biomedical Scientist)
Postgraduate level qualification in Infection Sciences subjects equivalent to Fellowship of the Institute of Biomedical Sciences or MSc
Recent technical and managerial experience in an Infection Sciences diagnostic laboratory In depth post graduate technical experience and scientific knowledge of Microbiology gained including within a service management role
High level knowledge of laboratory policies, regulatory standards, Standard Operating Procedures, codes of practice, legislation and professional guidelines including those relating to Health and Safety
Knowledge and experience of staff management techniques (e.g. recruitment, training, supervision, organisational, appraisal, performance management, grievance and disciplinary)
High level of theoretical and practical knowledge of microbiological techniques and procedures and their clinical applications, and be technically competent at specimen processing and interpretation
Robust understanding of the Public Health requirements of a clinical microbiology laboratory

Benefits

Learning and development tailored to your role
An environment with flexible working options
A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity
A Civil Service pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%

Things you need to know

Artificial intelligence

Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance (opens in a new window) for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.

Selection process details

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

Stage 1 : Application

You will be required to complete an application form. You will be assessed on the listed essential criteria, and this will be in the form of a :

Application form ('Employer/ Activity history' section on the application)
1,500 word Supporting Statement

This should outline how you consider your skills, experience and 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 CV. Please be advised you 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

Longlisting

In the event of a large number of applications 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' and will proceed to shortlisting.

Shortlisting

In the event of a large number of applications we may conduct an initial sift, on the lead criteria of :

Registration with Healthcare Professions Council (Biomedical Scientist)

If you are successful at this stage, you will progress to interview. Feedback will not be provided at this stage

Stage 2: Interview

You will be invited to a (single ) face to face interview at Addenbrooke's Hospital Pathology Block, Microbiology Department

If face to face interviews are planned, in exceptional circumstances, we may be able to offer a remote interview

Knowledge, Experience Skills & abilities will be tested at interview

Eligibility Criteria - External

Open to all external applicants (anyone) from outside the Civil Service (including internal applicants)

Location - Lab Only Cambridge

This role is being offered as lab based at our site in Cambridge. 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

Future location

UKHSA is investing in a new state-of-the-art National Biosecurity Centre in Harlow, Essex, which will eventually bring together teams currently based at Canary Wharf, Colindale and Porton Down. For more details, please see: Huge biosecurity centre investment to boost pandemic protection - GOV.UK.

The new facilities will start becoming operational in the mid-2030s, with full completion by 2038. Staff will move in phases as facilities become available. If you're appointed to a role currently based at Canary Wharf, Colindale or Porton Down, please note that we'll continue investing in these sites for the next decade. As we get closer to the transition, we'll provide full information about relocation support available to staff.

Reasonable Adjustments

The Civil Service is committed to making sure that our selection methods are fair to everyone. To help you during the recruitment process, we will consider any reasonable adjustments that could help you. An adjustment is a change to the recruitment process or an adjustment at work. This is separate to the Disability Confident Scheme. If you need an adjustment to be made at any point during the recruitment process you should contact the recruitment team in confidence as soon as possible to discuss your needs.

You can find out more information about reasonable adjustments across the Civil Service here: https://www.civil-service-careers.gov.uk/reasonable-adjustments/

International Police check

If you have spent more than 6 months abroad over the last 3 years you may need an International Police Check. This would not necessarily have to be in a single block, and it could be time accrued over that period.

Internal Fraud check

If successful for this role as one aspect of pre-employment screening, applicant's personal details - name, national insurance number and date of birth - will be checked against the Cabinet Office Internal Fraud Hub and anyone included on the database will be refused employment unless they can show exceptional circumstances. Currently this is only for External candidates to the Civil Service.

Careers website

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

Security Clearance Level Requirement - Basic DBS + CTC

Successful candidates must pass a basic disclosure 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 is Baseline Personnel Security Standard and Counter Terrorist Check.

Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.

Security

Successful candidates must undergo a basic (or equivalent) criminal record check.

Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is counter-terrorist check (opens in a new window).

See our vetting charter (opens in a new window).

People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.

Nationality requirements

This job is broadly open to the following groups:

UK nationals
nationals of the Republic of Ireland
nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window)
nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service

Further information on nationality requirements (opens in a new window)

Working for the Civil Service

The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.

We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window).

The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.

Diversity and Inclusion

The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see the Civil Service People Plan (opens in a new window) and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy (opens in a new window).

Apply and further information

This vacancy is part of the Great Place to Work for Veterans (opens in a new window) initiative.

The Civil Service welcomes applications from people who have recently left prison or have an unspent conviction. Read more about prison leaver recruitment (opens in new window).

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

Contact point for applicants

Job contact :

Name : Lab Recruitment
Email : laboratory.recruitment@ukhsa.gov.uk

Recruitment team

Email : recruitment@ukhsa.gov.uk

Further information

The law requires that selection for appointment to the Civil Service is on merit on the basis of fair and open competition as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's Recruitment Principles.

If you feel your application has not been treated in accordance with the Recruitment Principles, and you wish to make a complaint, in the first instance, you should contact UKHSA Public Accountability Unit via email: Complaints@ukhsa.gov.uk

If you are not satisfied with the response you receive from the Department, you can contact the Civil Service Commission: Visit the Civil Service Commission website: https://civilservicecommission.independent.gov.uk

http://www.healthjobsuk.com/vacancy/8338509