Assistant Healthcare Scientist

Job Description

Assistant Healthcare ScientistGrade AO (Inner) - £26,392 to £26,994UKHSA Colindale - On-sitePermanent ContractThe Respiratory and Vaccine Preventable Bacteria Reference Unity (RVPBRU) based at UKHSA, Colindale comprises two sections, the Vaccine Preventable Bacteria Section (VPBS) and the Zoonotic and Acute Respiratory Sections (ZARS). The VPBS provides nationalreference services for Streptococcus pneumoniae, Bordetella pertussis, toxigenic corynebacteria and Haemophilus influenzae and also hosts the WHO Collaborating Centre for Haemophilus influenzae and Streptococcus pneumoniae. The WHO Global Collaborating Centrefor Diphtheria & Streptococcal infections is also hosted by the Bacteriology Reference Department and the associated diphtheria laboratory activities are performed by, or in collaboration with, the VPBS. ZARS provides national reference services for Legionella,Mycoplasma, Urea plasma, and respiratory Chlamydia species. RVPBRU assists in pathogen detection, confirmation, and epidemiology, defining outbreaks and identifying transmission pathways and uses established phenotypic and genotypic methods to identify andtype isolates based on key genetic targets. RVPBRU undertakes surveillance, advises on outbreak investigation and on any public health risk.As an Assistant Healthcare Scientist, you will perform basic microbiology and molecular laboratory tasks under supervision, following the standard procedures and protocols. The role also involves providing and supporting reference and surveillance functionsfor various respiratory pathogens, using the LIMS and other laboratory systems. You will be working as part of a multidisciplinary team within the Department and contribute to the provision of a reference service for microbiological samples and will assistwith maintaining quality and safety systems. You will develop professional expertise by undertaking further appropriate training and competencies as required.UKHSA Colindale - On-Site*Please be aware that this role can only be worked from within the UK and not overseas. Relocation expenses are not available.*Working Pattern - Full TimeResponsibilities section: The job holder will be required to carry out the following responsibilities, activities and duties:

• Work independently or as part of a team to undertake routine preparation and examination of variety of samples.
• To assist in the general running and maintenance of the laboratory. This is to be done in accordance with UKHSA and MS policies and procedures for the following:
• To monitor equipment, notifying senior staff where there are discrepancies.
• To perform laboratory testing, including molecular techniques (such as DNA extraction and PCR), serological techniques and microbiological techniques following appropriate training and competency assessment.
• To organise and maintain an inventory for maintenance of stocks and solutions.
• General preparation work including the ordering of consumables.
• To be responsible for the reading of less complex test results and entry of results onto the LIMS, live system where no interpretation of results is required.
• Ensure discard waste is managed in a timely manner and stored & disposed of safely in accordance with SOPs, and agreed safety standards.
• Perform, interpret and record test results according to given protocols.
• To process specimens, run controls and IQC samples according to given protocols as required following training.

The duties/responsibilities listed above describe the post as it is at present and is not intended to be exhaustive. The Job holder is expected to accept reasonable alterations and additional tasks of a similar level that may be necessary.Please see full duties and responsibilities by pressing apply