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ABOUT US

At the United Kingdom Health Security Agency (UKHSA) our mission is to provide health security for the nation by protecting from infectious disease and external hazards. We are a trusted source of advice to government and to the public, focusing on reducing inequalities in the way different communities experience and are impacted by infectious disease, environmental hazards, and other threats to health.

Our mission is challenging, innovative and in the spotlight. We will work to ensure our people have the diverse skills, experiences and backgrounds we need to thrive, that our employees are representative of the communities we serve and feel valued and enabled to play their part in delivering our work.

Creating our working culture is an ongoing process which we are developing by listening and learning together, hearing and acting upon diverse voices and opinions to develop a common sense of identity and effective ways of working.

SPECIALIST MICROBIOLOGY AND LABORATORIES

The placements on offer are positioned within the Reference Laboratories on the Colindale site.

The Reference Services Division is a part of UKHSA Specialised Microbiology and Laboratories Directorate; the other parts being Operations, Research and Development and Production. Microbiology reference laboratories undertake complex and highly skilled techniques which often require nationally or internationally unique capabilities or facilities. Reference Units are required to provide authoritative, final and validated analysis for complex clinical or food microbiological problems and be innovative in driving microbiological methodology developments and standards. They ·have a key role in provision of expert advice to government and other national international agencies, risk assessment for new and emerging microbiological threats and play an important role in teaching and training organism specific and subject matter expertise to all grades of professional medical, nursing, scientific and technical staff. Design of national microbiological surveillance programmes and sampling strategies and outbreak detection and control are part of day to day work of Reference Units.

The work of microbiology Reference Units includes clinical microbiological advice and diagnosis, complex reference, service delivery, methodology development, microbial epidemiology, investigation of national and uncommon outbreaks, response to international health alerts, and advice on the risks posed by various infections. Clinical samples and isolates are received from public health departments, the National Health Service, and commercial laboratories across the UK and internationally for specialist testing, characterisation and susceptibility testing.

Creating our working culture is an ongoing process which we are developing by listening and learning together, hearing and acting upon diverse voices and opinions to develop a common sense of identity and effective ways of working.

UKHSA, Colindale is offering work placement opportunities to undergraduates studying an IBMS accredited Biomedical Science or Healthcare Science (Life Science) degree (Hons).

This is an exciting opportunity, offering a 50-week placement in one of the laboratories within the Reference Microbiology Division, Colindale. During your placement you will have the opportunity to complete the IBMS Registration Training Portfolio for the Certificate of Competence, leading to registration with the Health and Care Professions Council as a Biomedical Scientist.

During your placement you will have the opportunity to attend the in-house tutorial programme, seminars, scientific meetings and courses held on-site. It is an opportunity to enhance your scientific and technical skills and knowledge, writing and personal skills such as communication, team working and time-management.

JOB SUMMARY

• A 50-week placement in one of the above-named departments
• A chance to complete the IBMS Registration Training Portfolio, leading to registration with the Health and Care Professions Council as a Biomedical Scientist
• Attendance at the in-house tutorial programme and at seminars, scientific meetings, conferences and courses held on-site
• Opportunity to enhance scientific and technical skills and knowledge
• Opportunity to enhance scientific and non-scientific writing
• Opportunity to enhance personal skills e.g. communication, team working and time-management

MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Process specimens received and undertake the related tasks in the various sections of the laboratory, leading to the reporting and interpretation of results in accordance with agreed policies and standard operating procedures (SOPs)
• Perform serological and molecular tests using both commercially available kits and assays developed in-house
• Contribute to incident or outbreak investigations
• Contribute to the development of new protocols/procedures for tests/reagents/methods, as required.
• Contribute to the proper storage and management of the laboratory specimens
• To be responsible for maintaining a high standard of work.
• Duties and responsibilities will vary depending on unit

Quality Systems Management

• To perform testing in accordance to the laboratory’s accreditation standards (ISO 15189, 17043 or 17025)
• To keep accurate, legible and up-to-date records of work carried out in the laboratory
• Maintain a high standard of work, and to work methodically so that service delivery is safe, effective and economical and follows best practice
• Follow standard operating procedures and protocols
• Contribute to internal and external audit programmes and corrective actions
• Assist in developing and implementing quality assurance programmes (e.g. IQA/EQA) and to respond to changes as necessary.
• Take every opportunity to suggest quality and safety improvements

Information Technology

• To take active steps to ensure complete and accurate information is collected on Laboratory Information Management System
• Contribute to the development of information technology systems and databases as required

Asset Management

• Contribute to routine maintenance of all equipment, which will include complex equipment requiring calibration and regular maintenance
• Contribute to the care, maintenance and security of laboratory premises and equipment in order to ensure efficient and safe operation

Security / Health & Safety

• To ensure confidentiality and conformity to the requirements of the Data Protection Act, Caldicott principles and the Laboratory Information Systems and Technology Security policy
• To ensure that health and safety are afforded priority and to demonstrate commitment to health, safety and welfare of self, staff and visitors
• To ensure attendance on safety training courses as required in the UKHSA Health and Safety Training Policy and other safety policies as appropriate.
• To report risks that cannot be controlled to the Laboratory Manager
• To notify accidents, near misses, dangerous situations and shortcomings in health and safety via the appropriate management structure
• To adhere to the correct use of personal protective equipment

Your attention is drawn to the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 which requires you to take reasonable care of the health and safety of yourself and others which may be affected by your acts and omissions at work; and co-operate with UKHSA on matters of health and safety.

It is important through your application and Statement of Suitability of no more than 500 words that you give evidence and examples of proven experience of each of the following criteria:

Essential

• Registered on an IBMS-accredited BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science or Healthcare Science (Life Sciences) degree
• Currently in second year of study
• Has an interest in microbiology
• Has studied microbiology related modules at university and provided evidence of grades obtained
• Has an interest in a career as a biomedical scientist
• Has awareness of the duties of a biomedical scientist
• Has awareness of the role of the HCPC
• Has an understanding of the work carried out at UKHSA, Colindale
• Experienced in using equipment commonly found in a microbiology laboratory
• Previous work or voluntary experience (of any nature)
• Good standard of written communication
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team
• An ability to maintain confidentiality and trust.
• Able to follow instructions – written and oral
• Good time keeping
• Able to deal with problems in a calm and efficient manner
• Able to make a connection between their work and the benefit to patients and the public
• Works well with others, is positive and helpful, listens, involves, respects and learns from the contribution of others
• Has attention to detail – has followed all instructions during the application process
• An understanding of and commitment to equality of opportunity and good working relationships.

Desirable

• Familiar with recent developments in medical microbiology
• Previous work or voluntary experience (of any nature)
• Able to communicate and convey information, ideas, instructions clearly and concisely
• Computer literacy: competence in word processing and spread sheet software; database skills
• Live within a reasonable distance of the service site.

• Learning and development tailored to your role
• An environment with flexible working options
• A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity
• A Civil Service pension with an average employer contribution of 27%

Job contact :

Name :
Daisy Zhang
Email :
Daisy.Zhang@reed.com

Recruitment team :

Email :
Daisy.Zhang@reed.com