Specialist Biomedical Scientist

UKHSA provides microbiology services through a network of regional laboratories and central reference laboratories. UKHSA commissions its diagnostic Microbiology service for the Yorkshire & Humber region from Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust (LTHT).

The post holder will work as part of the UKHSA employed team based in the Leeds Regional Laboratory based at the Centre for Laboratory Medicine at the St James University Hospital, providing microbiology support for the laboratory based CDRN surveillance activities. The Leeds Regional Laboratory is the national laboratory for the Clostridium difficile Ribotyping Network (CDRN) in England. UKHSA is currently implementing a plan to introduce new technologies and services, such as Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) to the Clostridium difficile services it currently provides. This role will support the Lead Scientist in the CDRN unit in delivering this plan.

The post holder will be required to support the emergency response capability of the Leeds Laboratory should this be required and also to work with colleagues to provide a laboratory liaison service to the Yorkshire & Humber Health Protection teams., o To work as part of the laboratory team, providing a high-quality Clostridium difficile ribotyping service to provide patients and clinicians with the highest level of diagnosis, treatment and surveillance.o To assist the Lead Scientist in the development and transition to a whole genome sequencing (WGS) service for CDRNoTo provide expert technical support for the specialist work undertaken within the laboratory in accordance with UKHSA and laboratory policies and procedureso The post holder would be expected to assist in any UKHSA coordinated response or activity of a national/international nature, e.g., a Bioterrorism incident or a major disease outbreak.oTo participate in Quality Assurance and Quality Control activities and assist the department in maintaining ISO 15189 accreditation from UKAS (UK Accreditation Service).o To participate in the provision of out-of-hours services should these be requiredo To provide support for any PH initiatives undertaken in Leeds UKHSAo
Responsible for organising and controlling own workload ensuring deadlines are observed and duties performed efficiently.o Provide cover as directed by Line Manager for other members of the team in their absence and assist with their workloads as necessary.o Act independently on day-to-day issues and to use own judgement within the autonomy and limitations of the post

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.