Biomedical Scientist, Mycology Reference Laboratory

The UKHSA Mycology Reference Laboratory in Bristol is one of the few reference laboratories that are situated outside the main reference facility currently housed at Colindale. The laboratory undertakes local diagnostic testing and national reference and referred tests across a varied panel, together these currently amount to more than 65,000 tests per year. The laboratory also houses and maintains the UK National Collection of Pathogenic Fungi (NCPF) and works with the North Bristol Trust Antimicrobial Reference Laboratory to provide an assay service for antifungal drugs.
The laboratory currently employs 17 staff, and the post-holder would be an integral part of the team providing a comprehensive national diagnostic and reference service to assist with the diagnosis, treatment, prevention and surveillance of fungal infection and antifungal drug resistance within the UK.
The post holder will act as a Biomedical Scientist to provide specialist technical and clerical activities in support of the scientific services to patients and service users as an aid to clinical diagnosis within the Mycology Reference Laboratory. You would be responsible for the efficient processing of specimens and performing additional laboratory duties, such as media and microtitre dilution plate preparation, performance of antibody, antigen and other fungal biomarker tests, culture identification and susceptibility testing to ensure the efficient day to day performance of the laboratory, under the supervision of more senior Healthcare Scientist (HCS) and Clinical Scientist (CS) staff. To prepare and disseminate reports, evaluate and introduce new tests and procedures and assist in the calibration, cleaning and maintenance of specialist equipment.
Location
This is a lab-based role located at Mycology Reference Laboratory, Bristol, BS10 5NB.

• Please be aware that this role can only be worked from within the UK and not overseas. Relocation expenses are not available., The job holder will be required to carry out the following responsibilities, activities and duties:

+ Understand use of the LIMS, undertake data entry for samples received and look up results. -Assist in the production/dissemination of lab reports, data and statistics, including issuing of authorised reports by telephone. Awareness of the priority of reports.
+ Liaise with service users for general enquiries.
+ Process clinical specimens, including reading and interpreting cultures.
+ Perform/interpret identification and sensitivity tests on clinical isolates.
+ Recognise anomalous results and ensure that important/unusual reports are drawn to the attention of senior staff. Report complaints or anomalies as soon as possible.
+ Liaise with medical, scientific and other healthcare staff in all matters relating to diagnosis.
+ Assist in calibration and maintenance of equipment. Use equipment in a safe and responsible manner. Assist in the research/evaluation of new methods/equipment.
+ Maintain a high standard of professional competence and technical skill in all tests carried out in the laboratory.
+ The postholder would assist in the training of other staff and visitors to the laboratory and to cover the duties of other healthcare staff in their absence where possible.
+ You would help revive, prepare and dispatch items for the National Collection of Pathogenic Fungi.
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.
For the full list of responsibilities and duties, please see the full job description., You will be required to complete an application form and a statement of suitability. This will be assessed in line with the advertised essential criteria – please do provide evidence of how you meet this.
If you are successful at this stage, you will progress to an interview.
STAGE 2 – INTERVIEW:
This competition will involve an interview either by video or face to face.
Please note that you may be asked to undertake a test or presentation at interview.
As part of the process, candidates will be invited to interview which will involve an in-depth discussion of your previous experience and professional competence in relation to the criteria set out in the Person Specification., Open to all external applicants (anyone) from outside the Civil Service (including by definition internal applicants)
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 Basic Personnel Security Standard. People working with government assets must complete Basic Personnel Security Standard checks.
For posts on UKHSA Civil Service terms and conditions, new entrants to the Civil Service are expected to start on the minimum of the pay band. For existing Civil Servants and roles advertised across government, the rules of transfer apply, i.e., level transfers move on current salary or the pay range minimum, transfers on promotion move to new pay range minimum or receive a 10% increase. Either case is determined by whichever is the highest.
Please Note
This role is to be appointed under Civil Service Terms & Conditions. Full details on the T&C’s are found https://www.ukhsa.reed.com/
Are you already a civil servant, or employed by a Civil Service Commission accredited public body? Please state home department on your application form.
Do you meet the nationality requirements for this post? https://www.ukhsa.reed.com/
Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.

Security
Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.
People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.

Nationality requirements
This job is broadly open to the following groups:
+ UK nationals
+ nationals of the Republic of Ireland
+ nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
+ nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window)
+ nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
+ individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
+ Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service
Further information on nationality requirements (opens in a new window)

It is important through your application and Statement of Suitability of up to 1250 words that you give evidence and examples of proven experience of each of the following criteria:
Essential:
+ BSc in a relevant subject
+ State registration with HCPC
+ Working knowledge of mycology laboratory procedures
+ At least 2 years post-registration experience in a relevant field
+ Experience with LIMS
+ Evidence of continuing professional development
+ Able to work on own initiative, organising and prioritising own workload to set deadlines
+ Ability to work effectively as part of a team
+ Good computer skills and sound knowledge of common IT programmes
+ Evidence of ability to train others
+ Knowledge of health and safety practices
+ Able to provide judgement on a range of problems
+ Communicate complex and sensitive information with peers and senior staff.
Desirable:
+ MSc in a relevant subject
+ Practical experience in a mycology laboratory
+ Experience of working in a healthcare environment

+ Learning and development tailored to your role
+ An environment with flexible working options
+ A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity
+ A Civil Service pension with an average employer contribution of 27%
+ Range of health and wellbeing support
Any move to UKHSA from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. This includes moves between government departments. You may however be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax Free Childcare. Determine your eligibility at Childcare Choices , 30 Hours Free Childcare, Tax-Free Childcare and More , Help with Costs , GOV.UK