Job Description

We are seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Biomedical Scientist to join the Sexually Transmitted Infections Reference Laboratory (STIRL), part of the Specialised Microbiology and Laboratories Directorate within the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA). STIRL plays a vital role in delivering high-quality specialist and reference services and contributing to national surveillance programmes that support the public health response to sexually transmitted infections.



As a Biomedical Scientist, you will perform complex microbiology and molecular laboratory duties under supervision, following established standard operating procedures and protocols. You will be part of a dynamic and expert laboratory team undertaking a range of high-level scientific activities, from antimicrobial susceptibility testing and outbreak investigations to supporting national surveillance initiatives. STIRL's work is pivotal in shaping national responses to STI threats, monitoring emerging antimicrobial resistance, and developing innovative diagnostic methods, including the application of whole genome sequencing technologies.



This is a stimulating and rewarding opportunity for individuals who are passionate about public health microbiology, laboratory excellence, and scientific innovation. If you are motivated to advance your technical expertise, contribute to national and global health protection efforts, and work alongside leading experts in the field, we encourage you to apply.



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



As a Biomedical Scientist within STIRL, you will play a key role in delivering high-quality specialist services and supporting national surveillance programmes that inform the public health response to sexually transmitted infections. Working within the Specialised Microbiology and Laboratories Directorate at UKHSA, you will contribute to the laboratory's day-to-day operations by performing a range of complex microbiological and molecular techniques, while ensuring the smooth and efficient delivery of services.



In this role, you will be involved in both routine and advanced testing procedures, including antimicrobial susceptibility testing, molecular typing, and the application of whole genome sequencing technologies to characterise bacterial sexually transmitted infections. You will contribute to surveillance programmes such the Gonococcal Resistance to Antimicrobials Surveillance Programme (GRASP) and the Mycoplasma genitalium Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance Programme (MARS), providing vital data to support the monitoring of antimicrobial resistance and the investigation of outbreaks. Working closely with senior scientific and technical staff, you will assist in developing and validating new laboratory methods to enhance service delivery and scientific innovation.



You will be responsible for the interpretation, recording, and validation of laboratory results in accordance with established protocols, while maintaining the highest standards of quality and compliance with accreditation requirements such as ISO15189. Your responsibilities will also include supporting the maintenance and development of laboratory information management systems (LIMS), assisting with the preparation and review of standard operating procedures, and ensuring health and safety guidelines are consistently followed.



Alongside your technical work, you will play an active role in staff development within the laboratory, assisting with the training, supervision, and competency assessment of junior staff, postgraduate students, and visitors. You will contribute to the effective management of laboratory resources, including stock control and equipment maintenance, ensuring operational continuity.



This role offers opportunities to engage with a range of internal and external stakeholders, including NHS laboratories, academic partners, and international organisations. You will participate in national and international projects relating to the surveillance and investigation of STI pathogens and may be involved in responding to public health incidents both within the UK and globally.



This is an exciting opportunity for a motivated and detail-oriented Biomedical Scientist who thrives in a dynamic and multidisciplinary environment. With access to excellent professional development opportunities, including training in advanced microbiological and molecular techniques, this role offers the chance to make a significant contribution to the national effort to understand, control, and prevent sexually transmitted infections.

Main duties and responsibilities:

Support the delivery of specialist reference services, surveillance activities, and diagnostic investigations for bacterial sexually transmitted infections (STIs)



Perform complex microbiology and molecular laboratory testing, including the application of whole genome sequencing methods, in line with established procedures



Assist in the development, validation, and implementation of new laboratory methods and surveillance programmes such (GRASP) and (MARS)



Interpret, validate, and record laboratory results, ensuring compliance with quality and safety standards, including ISO15189 accreditation



Collaborate with internal, external, and international partners on projects and outbreak investigations relevant to STI pathogens



Support the supervision, training, and competency assessment of staff and visitors; contribute to staff appraisals and the management of laboratory workloads



Maintain and develop laboratory documentation, including SOPs, COSHH/risk assessments, and records related to laboratory quality management



Assist with the management of laboratory resources, stock control, equipment maintenance, and data input into LIMS



Contribute to quality improvement initiatives, external quality assessments, and internal/external audits to maintain high standards of service delivery



Undertake professional development activities and mandatory training to maintain expertise and support service innovation



Please see the job spec for the full list of duties and responsibilities.



Essential Criteria



HCPC registration



BSc (Hons) in Biomedical science or related subject, 2:1 or above



Maintains professional competence in biomedical sciences by attending lectures and seminars



Proven experience of working in a microbiology laboratory



Good in-depth knowledge and experience in the development and validation of molecular and phenotypic methods in the analysis of microbial pathogens.



Knows and understands quality assurance and laboratory safety requirements and procedures



Experience in managing surveillance and/or research-based activities and projects.



Experience in communication and collaboration at national and international level with a track record of peer-reviewed publications and oral presentations.



Experience in training others



Excellent written and communication skills



Use of bioinformatics tools for data analysis, as well as familiarity with database software and preparation of queries



Skills in dealing with difficult situations in managing staff and customers service delivery.



Organised, flexible and innovative approach to work, self-motivating and pro-active.



Ability to analyse data based on evidence and present it in a meaningful way.



Ability to deliver high quality work to tight deadlines



An understanding of and commitment to equality of opportunity and good working relationships, both in terms of day-to-day working practices, but also in relation to management systems



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 & Sift



You will be required to complete an application form. You will be assessed on the listed essential criteria that have been selected from the job description, and this will be in the form of a:



Application form ('Employer/ Activity history' section on the application)



1500 word Statement of Suitability.



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



The Application form and Statement of Suitability will be marked together.

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



Only those meeting all essential criteria will be taken through to shortlisting.

Shortlisting:

In the event of a large number of applications we will shortlist on:



BSc (Hons) in Biomedical science or related subject, 2:1 or above



Good in-depth knowledge and experience in the development and validation of molecular and phenotypic methods in the analysis of microbial pathogens.



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



Please do not exceed 1500 words. We will not consider any words over and above this number.



Please note you will not be able to upload your CV. You must complete the application form in as much detail as possible. Please do not email us your CV.



Feedback will not be provided at this stage.

Stage 2:

Interview



You will be invited to a face to face interview. In exceptional circumstances, we may be able to offer a remote interview.



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



You will be asked to prepare and present a 5-10 minute presentation. The subject of this will be sent to you prior to interview.



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 lab based at our Scientific Campus in Colindale, London. Please note that hybrid working is not available for this role.



Eligibility Criteria



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



Security Clearance Level Requirement



Successful candidates must pass a disclosure and barring security check.



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



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.



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.