Healthcare Scientist Specialist

Job summary United Kingdom National External Quality Assessment Service for Microbiology (UK NEQAS for Microbiology) is hosted within UKHSA as part of EQA Services department.
(EQA services are self-financing, and monies are obtained by subscription to the services).EQA Services to participants worldwide.
Registered scheme participants receive regular distributions of specimens of known but undisclosed content which, if examined by the participants using routine procedures, provide a valuable tool for the management of quality within the laboratory.
EQA is provided by the Food and Water Proficiency Testing Unit and UK NEQAS for Microbiology.Preparation of specimens for the UK National External Quality Assessment Scheme (UK NEQAS).
This is carried out by applying knowledge of clinical diagnostic microbiology in the design, quality control and stability of these specimens.
To report back to participants of the schemes by producing analytical reports based upon results of the distributed specimens.
Participant feedback is encouraged and responding to participants queries is also carried out and may include further analysis of distributed specimens.
The post holder will participate in the quality management system of the department including document management, audit and training.
Work to GLP and GMP in compliance with ISO 17043 accreditation.
Main duties of the job The postholder will be working alongside other scientists in the laboratory to plan, quality control and prepare EQA specimens according to specimen design, using their knowledge and experience of clinical microbiology.
The postholder will be expected to supervise on a more junior staff members day-to-day basis and to undertake line management.
They will lead by example undertaking work following the departmental Quality management system and working towards the accreditation (ISO 17043) requirements and safety protocols.
The role offers the chance to develop planning and management skills and learn new techniques such as freeze-drying.
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 Job description Job responsibilities Prepare quality assessment specimens for distribution.
Apply knowledge of clinical diagnostic microbiology in the design, quality control and stability testing of these specimens.
Assist with the development and introduction of new specimen types.
Take part in the collection and acquisition of appropriate specimens from within and clinical and diagnostic settings external to UKHSA.
Prepare participants' reports and co-ordinate and take part in the entry of participants results into the computer database.
Deal with participants queries, providing them with information and advice relevant to work or query.
Supervise and prepare work schedules for junior staff in the teams.
Rotate into other sections in UK NEQAS as required Ensure that supervised staff follows the set protocols.
Perform COSHH and risk assessments, review SOPs, forms and documents as and when required.
This is not an exhaustive list of responsibilities.
Please refer to the job description for a full list of duties and responsibilities.
The Job holder is expected to accept reasonable alterations and additional tasks of a similar level that may be necessary.
Selection process details This vacancy will be assessed using a competency-based framework which will assess your Qualifications, knowledge and experience and / or skills and abilities outlined in the essential criteria.
Stage 1: Application & Sift Competency-based Assessments You will be required to complete an application form.
You will be assessed on the below listed 6 essential and criteria, and this will be in the form of a: Application form (Employer/ Activity history section on the application) 750 word Statement of Suitability 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.
Shortlisting: In the event of a large number of applications we will shortlist on: Degree in Biomedical Science or equivalent Please do not exceed 750 words.
We will not consider any words over and above this number.
If you are successful at this stage, you will progress to an interview.
Unfortunately, late applications will not be considered.
Stage 2: Interview You will be invited to a (single) face to face interview.
Knowledge, experience, skills & abilities will be tested at interview and through a competency lab-based test.
Interviews will be held week commencing TBC.
Please note, these dates are subject to change.
Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available.
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Location This role is being offered as lab/office working based at: 61 Colindale Ave,LondonNW9 5EQ Eligibility Criteria This vacancy is open to all Civil Service employees and employees of accredited non-departmental public bodies (NDPBs) who were appointed on merit following a fair and open competition; or were appointed to a permanent post through an exception in the Civil Service Commissioners' rules.
Prior agreement to be released on a loan basis must be obtained before commencing the application process.
In the case of Civil Servants, the terms of the loan will be agreed between the home and host department and the Civil Servant.
This includes grade on return.
Security Clearance Level Requirement Successful candidates must pass a disclosure and barring security check.
This role is based at Colindale.
If based at one of our scientific locations 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.
Person Specification Essential Essential Degree in Biomedical Science or equivalent Evidence of several years' experience in clinical diagnostic bacteriology Experience of Quality Management Systems Experience and understanding of laboratory safety and procedures Able to identify and solve practical problems Good organiser