Diagnostic Research Scientist

The Diagnostics & Pathogen Characterisation department is based at Porton and performs a range of research activities, including high containment level work. The department's work covers a broad range of projects involving pathogen characterisation; virology and pathogenesis; diagnostics, innovation and evaluation, and biosafety and environmental microbiology. We are part of the UKHSA's ambition to be world-leading in capabilities and contribution to vaccines, therapeutics and diagnostics.

The Diagnostic Accelerator requires staffing, expertise, and capabilities to deliver diagnostics for pandemic preparedness. The work will focus on the rapid development of diagnostics, in response to and to be better prepared for, outbreaks of new and emerging pathogens. The accelerator will collaborate with external commercial and /or academic partners, as well as with other teams in the division, across Science Group within UKHSA. Externally the function will work with academia, commercial diagnostic firms, HMG, FIND, CEPI, WHO, BMGF, USG and other bodies to support the development, regulatory approval and deployment of diagnostics. The function will also work closely with Standards, Regulatory and Quality Assurance directorate to ensure compliance with all appropriate national and international regulations., To work as a Diagnostic Research Scientist in the Diagnostic Accelerator team providing serological/molecular/antigenic expertise to deliver scientific and technical projects. To evaluate commercial assays and ensure delivery of new/improved/refined diagnostic assays for pandemic preparedness / outbreak response for use in UKHSA, NHS or other diagnostic labs. The post holder will also be expected to participate in training to support in the provision of surge capacity in the event of an outbreak. Working under the direction of the senior scientists and senior project team leads, you will work concurrently on projects to ensure the scientific objectives of the department and team are met. The post holder will be expected to be flexible to the demands of the project, have excellent communication skills and use technical knowledge and experience to ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget and comply with quality, regulatory and health and safety standards.

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.