Senior Healthcare / Biomedical Scientist

Job summary

We are seeking an HCPC registered Senior Biomedical Scientist (AfC Band 7) or a Senior Healthcare Scientist (Senior Executive Officer).

Candidates holding HCPC registration will be appointed on NHS Terms & Conditions at NHS AfC Band 7. Candidates without HCPC registration will be appointed on Civil Service Terms and Conditions at SEO grade.

Salary bands:

• AfC Band 7: £49,387 - £56,515 per annum, pro rata
• Senior Executive Officer: £41,983 - £48,128 per annum, pro rata

The Infection Sciences department at North Bristol NHS Trust (NBT) is a collaboration between the UKHSA and NBT part of Severn Pathology. A busy and progressive laboratory receiving in excess of 1.3 million specimens a year from a large number of clinical specialties, contributing to an interesting and varied workload. The laboratory is located within NBT and is new, modern and fully automated. We have close links with our host Trusts as well as both Universities in Bristol. The UKHSA/NBT collaboration employs approximately 200 staff performing a range of diagnostic, public health and research activities, including high containment level work.

The post holder will provide senior scientific input in the development and delivery of next generation sequencing (NGS) services in the Bristol sequencing laboratory. They will provide supervision for the day-to-day running of the NGS laboratory, while acting as part of the team, performing the tests being carried out and ensure essential laboratory-based duties are covered and services are adequately maintained. The post holder will be expected to maintain and apply up-to-date knowledge of genomic sequencing technologies & science to support the delivery of high-quality services and continuous improvement.

This role supports the Technical Manager to ensure high standards of safety, quality and training are maintained, supporting the daily workflow of the laboratory, and the recording of results.

Working for your organisation

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

Job description

• To provide professional leadership and line management to staff for whom they are accountable, leading by example to encourage the development of a positive working environment.
• To follow agreed UKHSA protocols and policies.

Perform manual and automated laboratory techniques following Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), with leading expertise in NGS.

• To write, prepare, review and comply with SOPs as required.

Organise and supervise the daily workflows of NGS services and rotation of staff in line with service demands.

• To participate in and carry out formal staff appraisal(s) to agreed UKHSA deadlines.
• To provide senior scientific support with particular expertise and leadership in health and safety.
• To provide advice and prepare proposals that contribute to enhancing the effectiveness of the work and achieving laboratory objectives.
• With the designated Laboratory Caldicott Guardian, Data Protection Officer and Security of Information Officer, ensure confidentiality and conformity to the requirements of the Data Protection Act.
• To identify new and support existing income generation activities.

To review and analyse data to ensure it is suitable for release to customers.

• To support the development of a flexible team by fostering staff training, development and rotation, fostering good relationships with partners to include supporting staff rotation/secondments.
• To assess, initiate and monitor appropriate action when a situation may cause service delivery delay or failure.
• Staff Management • Manage day-to-day laboratory activities and staffing within NGS services.
• Maintain competency standards through training, supervision and performance monitoring.
• Support recruitment, selection, induction and onboarding of staff.
• Conduct appraisals, performance reviews and development planning.
• Promote staff wellbeing, teamwork, flexible working and professional development.
• Participate in management meetings and contribute to workforce planning.
• Financial and Resource Management
• Support delivery and development of laboratory services within available resources.
• Contribute to business and operational planning with laboratory leadership.
• Lead technical input into equipment specification and procurement.
• Technical Services
• Maintain expert knowledge of NGS technologies and emerging developments.
• Lead review, maintenance and development of NGS workflows and methodologies.
• Ensure accurate, timely and high-quality laboratory testing and reporting.
• Manage laboratory workflows, documentation and service delivery.
• Troubleshoot technical issues and implement service improvements.
• Assess and introduce new technologies and procedures.
• Equipment and Support Services
• Contribute to laboratory workflow design and optimisation.
• Identify requirements for equipment, software and hardware.
• Support procurement, validation and implementation of technologies.
• Ensure equipment maintenance, performance monitoring and service continuity.
• Evaluate new automation and robotic technologies.
• Support development and maintenance of Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS).
• Leadership and Strategy
• Provide scientific and operational leadership for NGS service delivery.
• Support continuous improvement of working practices and processes.
• Contribute to laboratory, directorate and organisational strategies.
• Advise on future developments and specialist methodologies.
• Promote innovation, digital transformation and quality improvement.
• Training and Development
• Lead training and competency assessment programmes.
• Ensure staff maintain required technical competence.
• Support professional development through coaching, mentoring and development plans.
• Supervise trainees, visitors and junior staff.
• Develop and oversee training and cross-training initiatives.
• Build service resilience by expanding NGS capability across the workforce.
• Quality Management
• Ensure compliance with UKAS accreditation and quality standards.
• Support maintenance of laboratory accreditation and quality systems.
• Participate in internal audits, corrective actions and quality improvement activities.
• Contribute to internal quality assurance and performance monitoring programmes.
• Undertake housekeeping reviews and promote best practice.
• Information Technology
• Oversee effective use of LIMS from sample receipt to result reporting.
• Manage software supporting sequencing workflows and sample tracking.
• Support development of databases, IT systems and automation solutions.
• Use appropriate software for data analysis, reporting and presentations.
• Implement workflow changes to support new tests and service improvements.
• Health, Safety and Risk Management
• Promote a positive health and safety culture across the laboratory.
• Support risk assessments and hazard management processes.
• Ensure compliance with UKHSA health and safety policies and procedures.
• Implement improvements arising from inspections, audits and incident investigations.
• Report and manage accidents, incidents, near misses and concerns.
• Monitor staff sickness, conduct return-to-work discussions and support staff welfare.
• Escalate risks to laboratory and technical management teams.
• Support delivery and review of safety objectives and measures.
• Key Relationships
• Collaborate with UKHSA laboratory teams, managers, quality, safety and training leads.
• Work closely with Pathogen Genomics, Bioinformatics and Data Analytics teams.
• Support Specialist Microbiology & Laboratories managers and service users.
• Liaise with collaborators, customers, stakeholders and external laboratory partners.
• Maintain relationships with UKAS representatives and equipment suppliers.
• Engage with suppliers of sequencing, automation and liquid-handling platforms.
• Professional Development and Other Duties
• Maintain continuous professional development and technical competence.
• Participate in mandatory and role-specific training programmes.
• Identify and address development needs through appraisal processes.
• Undertake additional duties required to meet service and organisational needs.
• Adapt to changing priorities and laboratory requirement

This is not an exhaustive list.

Person specification

Essential criteria

• Post-graduate degree in an appropriate medical / microbiology / biological science discipline, or relevant qualification, or equivalent experience in a similar senior role
• Maintain CPD Portfolio.
• Extensive knowledge and experience of at least one of the specialist areas of the laboratory.
• Proven record of supporting next generation sequencing (NGS) services, and automation in relevant areas.
• Problem solving skills and ability to respond to sudden unexpected demands.
• Evidence of using technical experience to assess new and existing technologies and processes to innovate and initiate change in laboratory practice.
• Ability to prioritise own work effectively and be able to direct activities of others. Experience of managing and motivating a team and reviewing performance of individuals.

Desirable criteria

• HCPC registration

Please note that for roles where specific qualifications or registrations are required, successful applicants will be asked to provide appropriate evidence. Employment cannot commence until satisfactory documentation has been received and verified.

Benefits

• Learning and development tailored to your role
• An environment with flexible working options
• A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity

Things you need to know

Artificial intelligence

Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance (opens in a new window) for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.

Selection process details

This vacancy is using Success Profiles and will assess your behaviours, technical skills, ability and experience.

Stage 1: Application & Sift

You will be required to complete an application form. You will be assessed on the listed7 essential criteria, and this will be in the form of:

• an application form (‘Employer/ Activity history’ section on the application)
• a 1,200 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.

Healthjobs UK has a word limit of 1500, but your supporting statement must be no more than 1,200 words. We will not consider any words over 1,200 words. 

Longlisting: In th