Biomedical ScientistinLondoninLondonPUBLISHED THU 20 MAR 2025

We are looking for a motivated and detail-oriented Biomedical Scientist to join the Antimicrobial Resistance & Mechanisms Service within the Antimicrobial Resistance and Healthcare Associated Infections (AMRHAI) Reference Unit.

This is an ISO 15189-accredited laboratory that delivers high-quality reference services, using established and developmental phenotypic and genotypic methods to determine susceptibility to relevant antibiotics, infer likely mechanisms of resistance by interpretive reading of susceptibility testing data, and undertake molecular detection of the genetic determinants of key resistance of public health importance. We undertake surveillance, advise on antimicrobial agents that may be appropriate therapy and on any public health risk.

The successful candidate will contribute to the delivery of reference services, performing microbiology and molecular detection assays under supervision by following established standard operating procedures and protocols.

The post-holder will take delegated responsibility from the Section Lead and AMRHAI Reference Unit Technical Manager to:

• work within the AMRHAI Reference Unit to deliver reference services and to participate in surveillance projects.
• undertake basic microbiology and molecular laboratory duties under supervision guided by standard operating procedures, protocols or systems of work based on training provided, and taking into account the operational, safety and quality requirements of the laboratory.
• assist in carrying out laboratory testing, including molecular techniques such as NA extraction, PCR (including real-time PCR) and DNA sequencing and standard microbiological procedures e.g., antimicrobial susceptibility testing and molecular typing.
• be responsible for the reading and analysis of test results generated and entry of results onto the LIMS system and to score typing results and technically validate the results.
• undertake responsibilities related to ISO 15189 accreditation requirements such as IQA submission/review, equipment activities, follow up on internal/external audit findings
• ensure a safe and healthy working environment by maintaining adequate safety levels.
• make judgements such as problem-solving for an area of work, plan activities such as work allocation and contribute to service development.

This is not an exhaustive list. Please see job description for full list of duties.

About us

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

You will be required to complete an application form. You will be assessed on the listed 6 essential criteria that have been selected from the job description, and this will be in the form of:

• an application form (Employer/ Activity history section on the application)
• a 750 word Statement of Suitability.

This should outline how your skills, experience, and knowledge, provide evidence of your suitability for the role, with reference to the 6 selected essential criteria.

The Application form and Statement of Suitability will be marked together.

Please do not exceed 750 words. We will not consider any words over and above this number.

Longlisting: In the event of a large number of applications we will longlist into 3 piles of:

• Meets all essential criteria
• Meets some essential criteria
• Meets no essential criteria

Please note that only those applications meeting the essential criteria will be taken through to shortlisting.

Shortlisting: In the event of a large number of applications we will shortlist on:

• BSc or equivalent in a biological science
• HCPC Registration and evidence of continuous professional development
• Post-qualification laboratory experience in microbiology pathogens or antimicrobial susceptibility testing

If you are successful at this stage, you will progress to interview and assessment:

Please note you will not be able to upload your CV. You must complete the application form in as much detail as possible. Please do not email us your CV.

Feedback will not be provided at this stage.

Stage 2: Interview

You will be invited to a face to face interview. In exceptional circumstances, we may be able to offer a remote interview.

Knowledge, experience, skills & abilities will be tested at interview.

Interviews will be held week commencing 28th April 2025. Please note, these dates are subject to change.

Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.

Location

This role is being offered as lab based at our site in Colindale, London. Please note that hybrid working is not available for this role.

Eligibility Criteria

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 Counter-Terrorism Check.

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. 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.