Biomedical Scientist – Specialist at UK Health Security Agency

Job summary

The Microbiology laboratory at Cambridge current provides services to Addenbrooke's, Royal Papworth, and the E&N Herts Hospitals, the surroundingdistrict, and other NHS Laboratories. It has active research and epidemiological interests. The laboratory undergoes assessment against UKAS ISO 15189standards and has strong teaching interests. Set on the outskirts of the university city of Cambridge, Addenbrooke's Hospital is one of the top hospitals in theUK and a thriving NHS Foundation Trust. Addenbrooke's is closely associated with leading educational providers including the University of Cambridge and isa major centre for biomedical research and education.

The department undertakes a wide range of routine and specialist microbiological and molecular investigations. It makes extensive use of automationincluding Qiagen platforms, Biofire, BacTec, Sedimax, MGIT, Vitek, Centaur XP, Panther, Liaison and Vidas analysers and Kiestra.

Main duties of the job

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.
Use the appropriate testing, in a timely manner, to assist the Consultant Microbiologists, and thus ensure the correct clinical diagnosis.
Perform a range of specialist technical and scientific activities, including testing samples referred from other NHS and UKHSA laboratories.
Follow appropriate training and orientation, and in rotation with other BMS staff, to work as the sole BMS in extended hours and weekends, undertaking urgent or other high priority work.
Be responsible for the efficient day-to-day running of an area in a section of the laboratory, to be able to rotate through all the different sections in the laboratory and to supervise and train inexperienced BMSs, trainee BMSs or HCSSWs.
Be expected to assist in any UKHSA co-ordinated response or activity of a national/international nature, eg. a Bioterrorism incident or a major disease outbreak, eg. SARS., H5N1 influenza etc.
Supervise the HCSSW(s) and less experienced BMS staff in the area of responsibility and to assist in the day-to-day supervision of all other HCSSWs, trainee BMS(s) and inexperienced BMS(s) in the department.
Deputise for Senior BMS staff where appropriate and when necessary.

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.

Please visit our careers site for more information https://gov.uk/ukhsa/careers

Details

Date posted

22 April 2026

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 6

Salary

£39,959 to £48,117 a year per annum, pro rata

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time, Part-time, Job share, Flexible working

Reference number

919-NP-300764-EXT

Job locations

Addenbrooke’s Hospital (Lab)

Cambridge

CB2 0QQ

Job description

Job responsibilities

To process the specimens received and to undertake the related tasks in the various sections of the laboratory, leading to the reporting and interpretation of results in accordance with agreed policies and standard operating procedures (SOPs), including specialist reference tests as required of UKHSA Regional Laboratories.
To be responsible for maintenance of consumables and equipment in immediate area of work. Also, to use and maintain automated equipment following manufacturer`s guidelines and training.
Based upon sound knowledge and experience, to designate, on receipt, the range of tests to be performed on various samples. This involves making judgments about which automated platform to use, whether confirmation is necessary by other methods etc. and requires an understanding of both disease and the manner in which the laboratory addresses the diagnostic process.
Using microbiological techniques, to work competently in all sections of the Laboratory, including Bacteriology, Containment Level 3, Serology, Chlamydia and Molecular Diagnostics.
To adhere to Laboratory bench SOPs and the Laboratory policies and procedures and to work autonomously within the guidelines provided. Also to assist the Quality Manager and other Senior Staff in the preparation and ongoing review of SOPs.
To plan and organise the work of the allocated area in the laboratory.
To maintain a high standard of professional competence in the performance of all tests and investigations carried out in the Laboratory.
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 senior staff as required
To ensure a sound knowledge of the laboratory IT system, to look up and enter results, book in patient data, request tests and other similar tasks.
To be responsible for equipment and automated processors in the area of responsibility, identifying any problems. To act as first-line trouble-shooter when and where appropriate, and to bring problems to the attention of senior staff.
To communicate effectively with all members of the team and other health care professionals.
To liaise with senior BMS staff, medical and scientific staff in all matters relating to the diagnosis of infection.
To monitor quality control results and bring any anomalies to the attention of Senior BMS staff as soon as is practicable.
Where appropriate, to assist or lead in research and audit projects.
To assist in the production and dissemination of laboratory reports, data and statistics, and to maintain relevant records appropriately.

Health & Safety

To observe safety regulations and 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 assist the Safety Officer, especially with providing risk assessments for new techniques or when reviewing SOPs.

Quality

To contribute to audit and QMS activity as required
To work within the UKHSA and Laboratory policies, codes of practice and professional guidelines.

This list is not exhaustive.

Essentia criteria:

BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science degree or equivalent academic achievement ratified by the IBMS
State registration with Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) as a Biomedical Scientist.
Works well with others, is professional and calm, positive and helpful, listens, involves, respects and learns from the contribution of others
Consistently looks to improve what they do, looks for successful tried and tested ways of working, and also seeks out innovation
Actively develops themselves with commitment to continuing professional development and supports others to do the same
Demonstrate extensive post-registration experience and speciality training, in accordance with IBMS guidelines or equivalent. This experience will not normally be gained until at least two years of working on rotate on in the various sections as a BMS Practitioner with the completion of a training portfolio
Have extensive working knowledge of laboratory areas, including both practical and theoretical knowledge of the various methods employed. Also to demonstrate a sound understanding of the basic physiology, pathology and scientific principles relevant to Microbiology
Demonstrate a sound knowledge and application of quality and Health and Safety systems, with particular reference to UKAS standards and HSE regulations
Clear communicator with excellent writing, report writing and presentation skills; capable of constructing and delivering clear ideas and concepts concisely and accurately for diverse audiences
Ability to analyse and interpret complex information, pre-empt and evaluate issues, and recommend and appropriate course of action to address the issues
Problem solving skills and ability to respond to sudden unexpected demands
Skills for project management to improve performance and make a difference by focusing on goals
Ability to engender trust and confidence and demonstrate integrity in the provision of advice and support and ability to maintain confidentiality
Advanced keyboard skills, use of a range of software
Ability to work on own initiative and effectively organise own workload without supervision, working to tight and often changing timescales
An understanding of and commitment to equality of opportunity, valuing diversity and good working relationships, both in terms of day-to-day working practices, but also in relation to management systems.

Stage 1: Application & Sift

Competency-based

You will be required to complete an application form. You will be assessed on the listed 16 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.

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 beadvisedyou 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 1250words. 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

If longlisting is used, the pile meetingallessential criteria will be proceed to shortlisting.

Feedback will not be provided at this stage.

Shortlisting:

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

State registration with Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) as a Biomedical Scientist.

If you are successful at this stage, you will progress to interview.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 our Cambridge lab. 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 office/lab based at Addenbrookes Hospital, Cambridge CB2 0QQ.

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 before they can be appointed.

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

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

NHS Pension

This role is offered under Agenda for Change (AFC) Terms and Conditions.

If you are already on AFC T&Cs or accept the role on a fixed-term contract, you will be enrolled in the NHS Pension Scheme or keep your current AFC Pension.
If you take the role on a loan or temporary promotion, you will retain yourexisting, substantive T&Cs.
If the role is available under either AFC or Civil Service T&Cs depending on your registration, your pension scheme will align accordingly.

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.

NHS AfC: Band 6

£39,959.00 - £48,117.00

Job description

Job responsibilities

To process the specimens received and to undertake the related tasks in the various sections of the laboratory, leading to the reporting and interpretation of results in accordance with agreed policies and standard operating procedures (SOPs), including specialist reference tests as required of UKHSA Regional Laboratories.
To be responsible for maintenance of consumables and equipment in immediate area of work. Also, to use and maintain automated equipment following manufacturer`s guidelines and training.
Based upon sound knowledge and experience, to designate, on receipt, the range of tests to be performed on various samples. This involves making judgments about which automated platform to use, whether confirmation is necessary by other methods etc. and requires an understanding of both disease and the manner in which the laboratory addresses the diagnostic process.
Using microbiological techniques, to work competently in all sections of the Laboratory, including Bacteriology, Containment Level 3, Serology, Chlamydia and Molecular Diagnostics.
To adhere to Laboratory bench SOPs and the Laboratory policies and procedures and to work autonomously within the guidelines provided. Also to assist the Quality Manager and other Senior Staff in the preparation and ongoing review of SOPs.
To plan and organise the work of the allocated area in the laboratory.
To maintain a high standard of professional competence in the performance of all tests and investigations carried out in the Laboratory.
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 senior staff as required
To ensure a sound knowledge of the laboratory IT system, to look up and enter results, book in patient data, request tests and other similar tasks.
To be responsible for equipment and automated processors in the area of responsibility, identifying any problems. To act as first-line trouble-shooter when and where appropriate, and to bring problems to the attention of senior staff.
To communicate effectively with all members of the team and other health care professionals.
To liaise with senior BMS staff, medical and scientific staff in all matters relating to the diagnosis of infection.
To monitor quality control results and bring any anomalies to the attention of Senior BMS staff as soon as is practicable.
Where appropriate, to assist or lead in research and audit projects.
To assist in the production and dissemination of laboratory reports, data and statistics, and to maintain relevant records appropriately.

Health & Safety

To observe safety regulations and 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 assist the Safety Officer, especially with providing risk assessments for new techniques or when reviewing SOPs.

Quality

To contribute to audit and QMS activity as required
To work within the UKHSA and Laboratory policies, codes of practice and professional guidelines.

This list is not exhaustive.

Essentia criteria:

BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science degree or equivalent academic achievement ratified by the IBMS
State registration with Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) as a Biomedical Scientist.
Works well with others, is professional and calm, positive and helpful, listens, involves, respects and learns from the contribution of others
Consistently looks to improve what they do, looks for successful tried and tested ways of working, and also seeks out innovation
Actively develops themselves with commitment to continuing professional development and supports others to do the same
Demonstrate extensive post-registration experience and speciality training, in accordance with IBMS guidelines or equivalent. This experience will not normally be gained until at least two years of working on rotate on in the various sections as a BMS Practitioner with the completion of a training portfolio
Have extensive working knowledge of laboratory areas, including both practical and theoretical knowledge of the various methods employed. Also to demonstrate a sound understanding of the basic physiology, pathology and scientific principles relevant to Microbiology
Demonstrate a sound knowledge and application of quality and Health and Safety systems, with particular reference to UKAS standards and HSE regulations
Clear communicator with excellent writing, report writing and presentation skills; capable of constructing and delivering clear ideas and concepts concisely and accurately for diverse audiences
Ability to analyse and interpret complex information, pre-empt and evaluate issues, and recommend and appropriate course of action to address the issues
Problem solving skills and ability to respond to sudden unexpected demands
Skills for project management to improve performance and make a difference by focusing on goals
Ability to engender trust and confidence and demonstrate integrity in the provision of advice and support and ability to maintain confidentiality
Advanced keyboard skills, use of a range of software
Ability to work on own initiative and effectively organise own workload without supervision, working to tight and often changing timescales
An understanding of and commitment to equality of opportunity, valuing diversity and good working relationships, both in terms of day-to-day working practices, but also in relation to management systems.

Stage 1: Application & Sift

Competency-based

You will be required to complete an application form. You will be assessed on the listed 16 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.

Healthjobs UK has a word limit of 1500, but your supporting statement must be no more than 1250words. 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

If longlisting is used, the pile meetingallessential criteria will be proceed to shortlisting.

Feedback will not be provided at this stage.

Shortlisting:

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

State registration with Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) as a Biomedical Scientist.

If you are successful at this stage, you will progress to interview.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 our Cambridge lab. 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 office/lab based at Addenbrookes Hospital, Cambridge CB2 0QQ.

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 before they can be appointed.

Eligibility Criteria

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

NHS Pension

This role is offered under Agenda for Change (AFC) Terms and Conditions.

If you are already on AFC T&Cs or accept the role on a fixed-term contract, you will be enrolled in the NHS Pension Scheme or keep your current AFC Pension.
If you take the role on a loan or temporary promotion, you will retain yourexisting, substantive T&Cs.
If the role is available under either AFC or Civil Service T&Cs depending on your registration, your pension scheme will align accordingly.

Salary Information

NHS AfC: Band 6

£39,959.00 - £48,117.00

Person Specification

Application form & Supporting statement

Essential

Application form & Supporting statement

Essential Criteria

Essential

Questions on knowledge/experience/skills & abilities

Person Specification

Application form & Supporting statement

Essential

Application form & Supporting statement

Essential Criteria

Essential

Questions on knowledge/experience/skills & abilities

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).

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Additional information

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

Certificate of Sponsorship

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Employer details

Employer name

UK Health Security Agency

Address

Addenbrooke’s Hospital (Lab)

Cambridge

CB2 0QQ

Employer's website

https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/uk-health-security-agency (Opens in a new tab)

Employer details

Employer name

UK Health Security Agency

Address

Addenbrooke’s Hospital (Lab)

Cambridge

CB2 0QQ

Employer's website

https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/uk-health-security-agency (Opens in a new tab)

Biomedical Scientist – Specialist

Job summary

Main duties of the job

About us

Details

Date posted

Pay scheme

Band

Salary

Contract

Working pattern

Reference number

Job locations

Job description

Job responsibilities

Job responsibilities

Person Specification

Application form & Supporting statement

Essential

Essential Criteria

Essential

Application form & Supporting statement

Essential

Essential Criteria

Essential

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

Certificate of Sponsorship

UK Registration

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

Certificate of Sponsorship

UK Registration

Employer details

Employer name

Address

Employer's website

Employer details

Employer name

Address

Employer's website

Company

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