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Senior Biomedical Scientist

On-site in Bristol·Added today (last checked 11 Nov)

UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA)

14 open roles

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Our summary

Salary
£49,387 - £56,515 a year

About £3,260 - £3,610 a month after tax.

Work mode
On-site, Bristol
Experience
Senior level
Closing date
Apply by Tuesday 24 November

Skills

Requirements

What we're looking for

  • Biomedical Sciences degree or equivalent
  • State registration with HCPC
  • MSc in Biomedical Science/Microbiology/Biological Sciences or similar or equivalent qualification or equivalent laboratory experience
  • Strong working knowledge of lab procedures
  • Experience of staff training / Able to organise less qualified staff
  • Working knowledge of Health & Safety issues within a laboratory
  • Ability to work as a team

Pay & benefits

What you'll get

£49,387 - £56,515

per annum, pro rata

  • Learning and development tailored to your role
  • An environment with flexible working options
  • A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity
  • 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.

Visa & relocation

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)

The role

Under the guidance of the Lead BMS, on a rotational basis to be responsible for and participate in the day-to-day running of a laboratory section which provides routine and specialist diagnostic laboratory services in Microbiology in accordance with national and professional standards. To take responsibility for the technical performance of the section, ensuring the production of reliable, relevant and timely results and reports.

With other senior staff, participate in the supervision, training and development of staff in the department. With the Laboratory Manager, contribute to the development of the services provided to meet the users' requirements.

What you'll do

Interpersonal and communication skills

  • Communicate complex, sensitive and potentially distressing information to laboratory staff, clinicians and healthcare professionals.
  • Telephone and communicate urgent or significant results to appropriate clinical staff.
  • Liaise with patients, clinicians, nursing staff, laboratory colleagues and external organisations regarding sample requirements, testing requirements and results.
  • Maintain effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
  • Participate in departmental, senior staff and Trust meetings.
  • Produce written reports on service performance and service improvements.
  • Deliver presentations at internal and external meetings.
  • Provide training, instruction and guidance to Biomedical Scientists, trainees, Medical Laboratory Assistants and junior medical staff.
  • Ensure accurate exchange of information through verbal and written communication.

Problem-solving and decision-making

  • Assess sample suitability and determine appropriate testing pathways.
  • Interpret complex microbiological findings and validate diagnostic results.
  • Apply specialist knowledge to initiate further investigations where required.
  • Troubleshoot laboratory equipment, analysers and technical processes.
  • Investigate incidents, undertake root cause analysis and implement corrective actions.
  • Make judgements on complex diagnostic and operational problems.
  • Escalate issues affecting service delivery to the Lead BMS or Laboratory Manager.
  • Prioritise workload and resources to maintain service continuity.

Planning and coordination

  • Organise and supervise day-to-day activities within a laboratory section.
  • Coordinate staffing and workload allocation within the section.
  • Plan and deliver induction and training programmes.
  • Ensure adequate supplies of reagents, consumables and equipment.
  • Participate in workforce planning and service provision arrangements.
  • Coordinate quality assurance, audits and validation activities.
  • Provide operational cover for Senior Biomedical Scientists and Lead BMS staff as required.

Practical and technical skills

  • Examine and report on microscopy preparations and microbiological cultures.
  • Perform routine and specialist diagnostic testing.
  • Demonstrate highly developed manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination.
  • Undertake complex analytical and technical procedures with accuracy.
  • Operate, maintain and troubleshoot laboratory instrumentation and equipment.
  • Use scalpels and other laboratory tools safely.
  • Maintain competence in specimen processing and specialised laboratory techniques.

Patient care and support

  • Indirect contribution to patient care through accurate processing, analysis, interpretation and reporting of microbiological investigations.

Service development and improvement

  • Contribute to discussions on workflow, methodology and service improvements.
  • Assist in the development, review and implementation of laboratory procedures and SOPs.
  • Participate in audits, quality improvement initiatives and accreditation requirements.
  • Evaluate new equipment, technologies and diagnostic techniques.
  • Contribute to research, service development projects and implementation of new systems of work.

Finance and resource management

  • Ensure efficient and safe use of laboratory consumables and equipment.
  • Reorder equipment, reagents and consumables as required.
  • Manage resources within the section to maintain uninterrupted service delivery.
  • Support cost-effective working practices and minimisation of waste.

Leadership and team management

  • Day-to-day supervision of Biomedical Scientists, Trainees, Medical Laboratory Assistants and Clerical Staff.
  • Monitor staff performance and provide ongoing support and guidance.
  • Conduct appraisals and contribute to performance management processes.
  • Participate in recruitment activities.
  • Organise, deliver and assess staff training and competency programmes.
  • Lead and coordinate activities within a laboratory section.

Information and data management

  • Competent user of Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS).
  • Input, validate and retrieve patient and laboratory data.
  • Produce reports, performance information and service improvement documentation.
  • Maintain accurate laboratory records and documentation.
  • Use Microsoft Office and other software packages for data analysis and reporting.
  • Ensure confidentiality, accuracy and security of information.

Autonomy and decision authority

  • Work independently within professional, departmental and regulatory frameworks.
  • Authorise and technically validate routine and specialist laboratory results.
  • Make decisions regarding testing protocols and referral of complex cases.
  • Exercise professional judgement in problem solving and service delivery.
  • Escalate issues beyond own authority to senior management when necessary.
  • Participate in out-of-hours and on-call working with independent decision-making responsibilities.

Please note, this list is not exhaustive

How you'll work

This is a permanent role.

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

Bristol

Apply before

Apply before 11:55 pm on Tuesday 24th November 2026

Reference number

489932

Job grade

Other

NHS AfC Band 7

Contract type

Permanent
Loan
Secondment

Type of role

Science
Other

Number of jobs available

1

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.

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.

Job contact

  • Name : Vanessa Otoo
  • Email : Vanessa.Otto@ukhsa.gov.uk

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Hiring process

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 & Sift

Competency Based

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

  • Application form (Employer/ Activity history' section on the application)
  • 1000 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 C.V -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.

Healthjobs UK has a word limit of 1500, but your supporting statement must be no more than 1000 words. We will not consider any words over 1000 words.

Longlisting:

In the event of a large number of applications, we will longlist into 3 piles of:

1. Meets all essential criteria
2. Meets some essential criteria
3. Meets no essential criteria

If used, the pile 'Meets all essential criteria' will proceed to shortlisting.

Shortlisting:

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

  • State registration with HCPC

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

Feedback will not be provided at this stage.

Stage 2: Interview

Competency Based

You will be invited to a face-to-face interview at the Pathology Building, Southmead Hospital, Southmead Road, Westbury-On-Trym, Bristol BS10 5NB

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.

There will be a Presentation.

You will be asked to prepare and present a 5-10 minute presentation at the start of your interview. The subject of this will be: 'The role of a senior BMS in supporting and developing others'

Interview dates are yet 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 laboratory based at our site in Bristol.

When based at a lab, 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.

Please note, 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.

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

Eligibility Criteria

This vacancy is open to all external applicants (anyone) from outside the Civil Service as well as internal applicants.

If this role is fixed term and you are not currently a Civil Servant, you will take up the post on a Fixed Term appointment; you may be able to take this role up as a Secondment. If you are an existing Civil Servant, based outside of UKHSA, you will take up the post as a loan which you will need your department to agree. Loans are normally agreed for a period of two years. However, this may be extended where required, subject to agreement between UKHSA and your home department. You cannot take the post up as a fixed term. If you are an existing UKHSA member of staff, you will take up the post as either a level transfer or a temporary promotion as per the UKHSA's Pay policy. If this role is permanent, it may also be available as a loan (for existing Civil Servants only) or secondment arrangement, subject to business need and agreement from the hiring manager and, where applicable, the employee's home organisation.

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.

Reserve List

If more than the required number of suitable candidates pass the interview criteria, you may be kept on a reserve list for 12 months subject to your agreement. You may be contacted, in merit-order, if similar roles with closely matching essential criteria become available and the department choose to appoint from a reserve list.

The panel will assess if candidates meet the requirement of the role first, using a specific benchmark system. If you are interviewed for the post and do not meet the required threshold for the specified grade, your application may be assessed against a similar, lower grade role and you may be offered the post should one be available.

Incident Response Activity

From time to time, the role holder may be required to support UKHSA's incident response activity by contributing their appropriate expertise within an Incident Cell; during such periods, supported by the line manager, this work will take priority over normal day-to-day responsibilities, commensurate with their grade, skills and experience.

Qualifications and Registrations

For roles where specific qualifications or registrations are required, successful applicants will be asked to provide appropriate evidence. Employment cannot commence until satisfactory documentation has been received and verified.

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.

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

About UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA)

Industry
Government Administration

In their own words

About the company & team

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

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.

  • Email : recruitment@ukhsa.gov.uk

Additional information

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).

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.

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 the UKHSA Complaints team via email at: 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 for further information: https://civilservicecommission.independent.gov.uk

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