Job summary
- Main area
- Public Health
- Grade
- Civil Service: Administrative Officer (AO)
- Contract
- Loan/Secondment. This is a permanent position
- Hours
- Full time
- Part time
- Job share
- Flexible working
- Job ref
- 919-NP-300943-EXT
- Employer
- UK Health Security Agency
- Employer type
- Public (Non NHS)
- Site
- Southmead Hospital
- Town
- Bristol
- Salary
- £25,651 - £27,220 +MPS to bring min to £28,164 per annum, pro rata (review 31/3/27)
- Salary period
- Yearly
- Closing
- 04/11/2026 23:59
Employer heading
Associate Practitioner
Civil Service: Administrative Officer (AO)
Job overview
Contributes to providing a professional clinical laboratory service, working effectively as a team member as part of the overall department.
- Performs a number of healthcare science clinical technical activities under supervision, including testing patient samples/audit samples and research work, as appropriate to the training and qualifications of a Healthcare Scientist Associate Practitioner.
- Maintains records in relation to laboratory activities.
- Will be required to supervise, organise and allocate work and/or train less experienced staff in own area.
- Develop and improve professional expertise.
The post holder would be expected to assist in any UKHSA co-ordinated response or activity of a national/international nature, e.g. a Bioterrorism incident or major disease outbreak, e.g. SARS, Swine flu.
Main duties of the job
RESPONSIBILITY FOR FINANCIAL AND PHYSICAL RESOURCES:
- Replace stocks of consumables and reagents when required and inform the section leader if back-up stocks are low.
- To assist in the use and maintenance of automated equipment, following manufacturer’s guidelines and training. Also to assist in troubleshooting when equipment problems occur.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:
- HSSW and other support staff.
Communication and key working relationships
Internal
- To always communicate effectively with all members of the Microbiology team.
- To attend training meetings and updates with senior staff on an ad hoc basis
External
- To liaise with users of the laboratory and to handle general telephone enquiries.
OTHER DUTIES
- To undertake any reasonable task delegated by a senior member of staff.
- To use equipment in a safe and responsible manner
Working for our 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
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
- To participate in the provision of a diagnostic service including the production of reliable, relevant and reproducible results.
- To undertake analysis of patient samples in accordance with laboratory protocols and procedures such as testing under supervision routine laboratory specimens and ensuring the validity of test runs according to the test parameters.
- Follow the routine procedures for the calibration and maintenance of laboratory equipment and to be responsible for the completion of checklists for the relevant equipment and areas.
- To maintain records for all virological analysis and supporting procedures including records for all reagents prepared in-house as part of Quality Control procedures
- To assist BMS’s where appropriate by planning the day’s work for themselves and those they supervise and proposing relevant changes to work areas as required.
- To prepare and dispatch items for transport and posting recording data as appropriate.
- To perform clerical duties and computer entry of laboratory data.
- To participate in research and/or development work in collaboration with senior staff of the Virology Laboratory as required.
- Assist with the provision of samples for all projects undertaken by the laboratory including maintenance of inventories of stored specimens and recording of the specimens used in projects.
- Where appropriate, to be responsible for instructing and training HSSW staff within the Virology Department.
- Process and test antenatal samples in line with IDPS
- To maintain personal development through further study and attendance at appropriate courses and meetings as required, and to participate in the internal and external teaching and training programmes.
- Undertake a structured training programme to successfully acquire core competencies outlined in the competency training manual and thereafter maintain the required standards of competence when undertaking duties.
- Assist in the maintenance of safety checks and working to Control of Substances Hazardous to Health regulations.
- To undertake other duties and assume other responsibilities commensurate with this grade.
WORKING ENVIRONMENT:
- Able to concentrate for long periods of time at technically demanding procedures.
- Strenuous physical effort rarely required.
- To work within the UKHSA and laboratory policies, codes of practice and professional guidelines.
Other
- The above is only an outline of the tasks, responsibilities, and outcomes required for 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 division and UKHSA.
- It should be noted that the work of the division is of a confidential nature and must not be communicated to other persons except where required for authorised purposes.
Professional development
You should pursue a programme of continuous professional development in accordance with any relevant professional registration or statutory requirements, whilst maintaining appropriate awareness of service provider requirements
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.
Essential Criteria:
- A-levels in science and maths or equivalent to NVQ4 level, or relevant laboratory experience.
- Experience of a Laboratory Information System (LIMS)
- Technically adept at relevant laboratory procedures
- Able to organise less qualified staff and Able to train less qualified or experienced staff
- Skills for communication on complex information, requiring developed interpersonal and oral/ written communication skills
- Problem solving skills and ability to respond to sudden unexpected demands
- Ability to work on own initiative and organise own workload with minimal supervision working to tight and often changing timescales
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
Competency Based
You will be required to complete an application form. You will be assessed on the listed 7 essential criteria, and this will be in the form of a:
- Application form (Employer/ Activity history’ section on the application)
- 1250 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 1250 words. We will not consider any words over 1250 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(s) ‘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:
- A-levels in science and maths or equivalent to NVQ4 level, or relevant laboratory experience
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 single face to face interview at Bristol Southmead Hospital.
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.
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 lab based at our site in Southmead Hospital, Bristol. BN10 5NB.
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.
Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is Counter-terrorist Check (CTC)
Eligibility Criteria
External: This vacancy is open to all external applicants (anyone) from outside the Civil Service as well as internal applicants.
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.
Civil Service Grade Administrative Officer (AO)
£25,651 - £27,220
Please Note:
This role attracts a Market Pay Supplement (MPS) to bring minimum salary to £28,164 per annum, pro rata (to be reviewed 31/3/27)
Person specification
Application Form & Statement of Suitablity
Essential criteria
- Application Form & Statement of Suitablity
Essential Criteria
Essential criteria
- Questions on experience, knowledge and skills
Employer certification / accreditation badges
Documents to download
Further details / informal visits contact
- Name
- Nigel Poole
- Job title
- Resourcing support
- Email address
- [email protected]
- Additional information
For information regarding the role please contact:
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