Job summary
- Main area
- Biomedical Science
- Grade
- NHS AfC: Band 6
- Contract
- Permanent
- Hours
- Full time
- Part time
- Job share
- Flexible working
- Job ref
- 919-CG-301019-EXT
- Employer
- UK Health Security Agency
- Employer type
- Public (Non NHS)
- Site
- Southmead Hospital
- Town
- Bristol
- Salary
- £38,682 - £46,580 per annum pro rata
- Salary period
- Yearly
- Closing
- 09/02/2026 23:59
Employer heading
Specialist Biomedical Scientist - Infection Sciences IT support
NHS AfC: Band 6
Job overview
The laboratory in Bristol is situated within the Severn Pathology suite of laboratories at North Bristol NHS Trust Southmead site. The service is delivered by collaboration between North Bristol NHS Trust and UKHSA. The laboratory also has management input into a hot lab and near patient testing initiatives in University Hospitals Bristol. The laboratory receives more than 1 million specimens a year from a large number of clinical specialties across the Bristol and Bath hospital trusts, primary care, as well as referred specimens from the wider Southwest region and beyond, which contribute to an interesting and varied workload with a continuous assay review and development program.
This role offers NHS AfC Terms & Conditions.
Main duties of the job
To provide IT support for the Infection Sciences laboratories incorporating Bacteriology, Virology, Antimicrobial reference and Mycology reference. To provide support and direction to IT project work within Infection Sciences and assist with IT activities arising from either collaborating partner.
To 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. To be responsible for the efficient day-to-day running of an area in a section of the laboratory, to be able to rotate through a different section in the laboratory and to supervise, and train other less experienced and qualified staff. The post holder would be expected to assist in any UKHSA coordinated response or activity of a national/ International nature e.g. a Bioterrorism incident or a major disease outbreak e.g. SARS.
To participate in on call services as necessary.
This list of duties is not exhaustive.
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 assist with the maintenance and improvement of current LIMS-Winpath Enterprise for the Bacteriology section of the Infection sciences laboratory and provide support to other areas of IS as required including hardware troubleshooting/deployment.
- To assist with the maintenance/development/configuration of upstream/downstream systems (OCS etc) in conjunction with service users.
- Troubleshoot and triage problems with WPE, report problems, that cannot be solved in house to clinisys and any changes needed.
- To support client-side liaison with and between Clinisys and BD to interface Kiestra
- To support and undertake IT project work as required (e.g. LIMS alterations/Interface development and deployment. Third party software role out within Infection Sciences.
- To ensure compliance with IT policies and Procedures within Infection sciences and users as required.
- To assist with the maintenance and improvement of key interfaces (Kiestra)
- To support external customer projects requiring IT support/reconfiguration/deployment e.g. EPR upgrade/maintenance.
- To assist with the training of laboratory staff on relevant system
- To assist with LIMS queries from external companies- e.g. Laboratory equipment provider.
Staff
- To assist the senior staff in the monitoring of the performance of less qualified staff. This could be through training, auditing and deputising for SEO grade staff on occasion.
- To be aware of the wellbeing of less qualified staff (AO and EO).
Laboratory
- To read and interpret cultures and determine the antibiotic susceptibility and identification of microorganisms
- To be aware of anomalous results, recognising these when they occur and reporting them appropriately
- To adhere to laboratory SOPs
- To organise the work of the allocated area in the laboratory and to keep up to date with SOP changes.
- To maintain a high standard of professional competence in the performance of all tests and investigations carried out in the Laboratory.
- To maintain a high standard of technical skill.
- 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 more senior staff (SEO grade) as required.
- To ensure that consumable supplies within the area of responsibility are maintained and to record batch numbers and QC data as required.
- To ensure a sound knowledge of the laboratory IT system, and to perform data entry, specimen and result enquiry and entry of results.
- To be competent to work, in rotation, in Bacteriology sections and to be flexible in regularly covering vacancies in other sections.
- To demonstrate a good understanding of basic microbiology, and to maintain and develop scientific knowledge. Also to undergo further training as may be necessary and available.
- To take responsibility for equipment and automated processors in the area of work, identifying any problems, troubleshooting and bringing them to the attention of senior staff.
- To communicate effectively with all members of the Infection Sciences team and other health care professionals as appropriate
- To ensure the agreed quality standards of service are maintained.
- To respond accordingly to changes in laboratory protocols.
- To be able to interpret and report on routine and specialist Bacteriology laboratory tests, in accordance with laboratory protocols and commensurate with grade.
- To liaise with medical, scientific and senior BMS staff in all matters relating to the diagnosis of infection.
- To perform and monitor quality control tests, to record results and bring any anomalies to the attention of Senior BMS staff as soon as is practicable.
- Where appropriate, to assist with research and/or audit projects.
- To assist in the production and dissemination of laboratory reports, data and statistics, including the issuing of preliminary results by phone or computer, and being aware of priorities of reports
- To process, report and interpret NEQAS samples in accordance with SOPs.
Safety
- To attend mandatory fire, manual handling training etc.
- To observe the immunisation policy of the laboratory
- To report any accidents to a senior member of staff
- To ensure that work on all samples and cultures is performed at the appropriate containment level
- To update knowledge by attending relevant courses and reading current textbooks and journals.
- To use equipment in a safe and responsible manner.
Essential Criteria
- Biomedical Scientist (BMS) Degree or equivalent academic achievement ratified by the IBMS
- State registration with Health Professions Council (HCPC) and evidence of continuing professional development (CPD)
- IBMS Specialist Portfolio or equivalent relevant experience
- Strong working knowledge and competency in Bacteriology and a high level of theoretical and practical microbiological knowledge
- Knowledge of common IT programmes and good keyboard skills together with excellent understanding of the IT security policies and procedures of both collaborating partners
- Good accuracy and interpretative skills at bench level
- Able to communicate well with staff at all levels and able to provide judgement on a range of complex problems
- Able to plan day to day organisation of relevant areas
- Able to organise less qualified staff and demonstrate skills in leadership
- Communicate complex and sensitive information with peers and senior staff
- An understanding of an commitment to equality of opportunity and good working relationships
Desirable criteria
- Knowledge and experience of Infection Sciences LIMS implementation, training delivery and client side interface development
- Able to initiate changes in procedures or policies to induce service development
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 12 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 your skills, experience, and knowledge, provide evidence of your suitability for the role, with reference to the essential criteria.
The Application form and supporting statement will be marked together.
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:
- Meets all essential criteria
- Meets some essential criteria
- Meets no essential criteria
Those falling into the ‘Meets all essential criteria’ pile will progress to shortlisting.
Shortlisting
In the event of a large number of applications we may conduct an initial sift on the lead criteria of:
- State registration with Health Professions Council (HCPC) and evidence of continuing professional development (CPD)
Desirable criteria may be used in the event of a large number of applications/large amount of successful candidates.
If you are successful at this stage, you will progress to interview.
Please do not exceed 1250words. We will not consider any words over and above this number.
Feedback will not be provided at this stage. 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.
Stage 2: Interview
Competency Based
You will be invited to a face to face interview at our lab in Bristol. In exceptional circumstances, we may be able to offer a remote interview.
Knowledge, experience, skills & abilities will be tested at interview.
Interviews 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 Southmead Hospital, Bristol. Please note that hybrid working is not available for this role.
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 .
If based at one of our labs, 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.
Eligibility Criteria
External: Open to all external applicants (anyone) from outside the Civil Service (including 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.
Person specification
Application form and supporting statement
Essential criteria
- Application form and supporting statement
Interview
Essential criteria
- Questions on knowledge, experience, skills and abilities
Employer certification / accreditation badges
Applicant requirements
You must have appropriate UK professional registration.
Documents to download
Further details / informal visits contact
- Name
- Charlene Gwekwerere
- Job title
- Resourcing Support Officer
- Email address
- [email protected]
- Additional information
For information relating to the role please contact [email protected]
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