Biomedical Scientist Practitioner / Healthcare Scientist Practitioner

Job summary
We are seeking an HCPC registered Biomedical Scientist Practitioner (AfC Band 5) or a Healthcare Scientist Practitioner (Executive Officer).

Salary bands:

• AfC Band 5: £32,073 - £39,043 (plus Outer HCAS payment) per annum, pro rata
• EO (Inner London): £32,624 - £37,737 per annum, pro rata

Candidates holding HCPC registration will be appointed on NHS Terms & Conditions at NHS AfC Band 5. Candidates without HCPC registration will be appointed on Civil Service Terms and Conditions at EO grade.

The Gastrointestinal Bacteria Reference Unit (GBRU) is a National Reference Laboratory and provides specialist and reference services for a specific range of hazard group 2 and 3 gastrointestinal and foodborne bacterial pathogens notably Bacillus cereus, Clostridium perfringens, C. botulinum, E. coli, Listeria, Campylobacter, Helicobacter, Salmonella, Shigella, Yersinia and Vibrio species.

Main duties of the job
GBRU works at local, regional, national and international levels to reduce the impact of food, water and environmentally borne illnesses on people's health. Activities include provision of bacterial typing services to assist national surveillance, the detection and investigation of outbreaks and specialist microbiological services for the examination of clinical, food, water and environmental samples. Currently, a combination of phenotypic and genotypic methods is used to detect, identify and type bacterial isolates and this increasingly involves the use of whole genome sequencing.

We are streamlining workflows for different pathogens across the unit to facilitate implementation of new technology whilst maintaining the capability to perform standard reference methods. GBRU has a high propriety in ensuring the safe running of laboratory services and the safety of all staff.

• To provide technical support within the Unit in ensuring that GBRU provides a national and international service in all aspects of the work of the Section; this includes molecular and conventional microbiological analysis on a range of foodborne bacterial isolates and clinical and environment specimens.
• To work with senior staff to ensure that both the service and non-service work of the unit is carried out in a safe, effective, timely manner and operates to a quality system.
• To participate in research and development activities within GBRU.

About us
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.

Job responsibilities
The day to day duties will include:

• Service delivery
• To receive, sort, unpack, label and process specimens in the laboratory.
• To assist in the provision and organisation of safe, timely, high quality and economical CL2 and CL3 microbiological, serological, and molecular laboratory duties, guided by standard operating procedures (SOPs) within GBRU
• To undertake DNA-based detection and typing for a range of pathogens with assays and techniques such as real-time polymerase chain reaction and whole genome sequencing (WGS)
• To analyse and validate clinical and reference-based results, support the senior scientists in dealing with laboratory queries and maintain professional registration.
• Assist in providing a flexible laboratory response to emergency public health needs including investigation of incidents, of deliberate release of pathogenic organisms and to general investigations of illness as appropriate.
• Assist with evaluation and implementation of new techniques / methods to the unit that enhance effectiveness of the laboratory work.
• Writing and updating SOPs and controlled documentation.
• To provide technical support to GBRU Reference Services as appropriate including adjusting day-to-day work priorities to meet changing demands or emergency requirements.
• Writing and updating SOPs and controlled documentation.
• Assist senior staff in the management of supporting staff across GBRU and deputise for the HEO when required.
• Health and Safety
• In collaboration with the GBRU Safety Officer and complying with UKHSA safety policies and procedures to:
• Ensure that health, safety and welfare is an afforded priority over other issues and to demonstrate a commitment to health, safety and welfare regarding self, all staff and visitors in the unit
• Assist in maintaining a safe working environment within the unit ensuring risk assessments and COSHH are carried out as and when required and safety policy is adhered to
• Report all accidents and incidents or near misses, dangerous situations or shortcomings in health and safety training instructions and assist in taking remedial action
• Participate in the internal and external safety audits as required and implement any arising corrective actions
• Your attention is drawn to the Health and Safety at Work Act of 1974 which requires you to take reasonable care for the health and safety of yourself and others who may be affected by your acts and omissions at work; and co-operate with the UKHSA on any matters of health and safety.
• Information Technology
• Entry of results into LIMS system and liaison with senior staff in sending laboratory reports.
• Answering telephone queries.
• Quality
• Maintain a high standard of work and contribute to developing the service of the laboratory so that service delivery is safe effective and economical and follows best practice according to ISO15189 and 17025 standards.
• Staff Management and Training
• Train and supervise other staff, visitors and students.
• Support Services & Equipment
• Oversee the service and maintenance of equipment
• Ensure performance checks on equipment are performed and to take appropriate corrective action if equipment fails to meet specification.
• Strategy, Policy and Service Development
• Contribute to GBRU strategic policies and encourage innovations and develop practices that enhance the effectiveness of the sections work

This is not an exhaustive list.

Essential criteria

• BSc in Microbiology or relevant biological science or equivalent level of qualification and experience
• Experience and knowledge of working in a microbiology laboratory at containment level 2
• Good experience and knowledge of multiple laboratory techniques including phenotypic and molecular methods
• Good understanding of quality assurance principles and procedures
• Independent thinker with demonstrated good judgement, problem-solving and analytical skills
• Use of micropipettes, sub-culturing organisms - good manual dexterity - work by paying attention to detail
• Able to work without supervision - ability to prioritise work in a timely manner - good organisational skills

Desirable criteria

• HCPC registration
• Experience and knowledge of working in a microbiology laboratory at containment level 3
• Experience of writing SOPs
• Ability to analyse and interpret information, pre-empt and evaluate issues, and recommend an appropriate course of action to address the issues
• Attention to detail combined with the ability to extract key messages from complex analysis

Selection process
This vacancy is using Success Profiles and will assess your behaviours and experience.

Stage 1: Application & Sift
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:

• an application form (Employer/ Activity history section on the application)
• a 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.

HealthjobsUK 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:

• 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 in Microbiology or relevant biological science or equivalent level of qualification and experience
• Experience and knowledge of working in a microbiology laboratory at containment level 2

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 and assessment.

Feedback will not be provided at this stage.

Stage 2: Interview
You will be invited to a face to face interview in Colindale, London.

Behaviours and experience will be tested at interview.

The Behaviours tested during the interview stage will be:

• Working together (Lead behaviour)
• Making effective decisions
• Managing a quality service

Interviews will be held week commencing 12th October 2026. Please note, these dates are subject to change.

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 lab based in Colindale, London. Please note that hybrid working is not available with this role.

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

Security clearance level requirement
Part 1
Successful candidates must pass a basic Disclosure and Barring Security (DBS) check before they can be appointed.

Part 2
Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is Counter-Terrorism Check clearance.

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 to obtain Counter Terrorism Check (CTC) clearance. UK residency less than the outlined periods may not necessarily bar you from gaining national security vetting at this higher level and applicants should contact the Vacancy Holder / Recruiting Manager listed in the advert for further advice.

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

• Application form and supporting statement

Behaviours
Essential

• Working together
• Making effective decisions
• Managing a quality service

Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Certificate of Sponsorship
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

Employer details
Employer name
UK Health Security Agency

Address
Scientific Campus
Colindale, London
NW9 5EQ
United Kingdom

Employer's website
(Opens in a new tab)

Employer contact details
For questions about the job, contact:
Recruitment Officer
Jon Payne
[email protected]

Details
Date posted
18 September 2026

Pay scheme
Agenda for change

Band
Band 5

Salary
£32,073 to £39,043 a year
per annum, pro rata (plus HCAS outer rates)

Contract
Permanent

Working pattern
Full-time

Reference number
919-JP-62282352-EXT

Job locations
Scientific Campus
Colindale, London
NW9 5EQ
United Kingdom

Privacy notice
UK Health Security Agency's privacy notice (opens in a new tab)