Biomedical Scientist Part Time jobs

Overview

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is looking for an experienced and motivated Biomedical Scientist to join the Public Health Microbiology team in Cambridge via NHS Professionals Bank, on an immediate basis until 31st March 2027.

The role involves undertaking a broad range of routine and specialist microbiological and molecular investigations, interpreting and reporting results, maintaining high professional and technical standards, and supporting the effective day-to-day operation of the laboratory.

The Role

Key Responsibilities Laboratory & Scientific Responsibilities

• Perform a wide range of routine and specialist microbiological and molecular investigations in accordance with laboratory policies, procedures and SOPs.
• Process clinical specimens and undertake appropriate testing, ensuring results are produced accurately and within required timescales.
• Use professional knowledge and experience to determine appropriate investigations and testing pathways for different specimen types.
• Interpret and report laboratory results, identifying significant, unusual or unexpected findings and escalating these appropriately.
• Work competently across laboratory sections, including:
• Bacteriology
• Containment Level 3
• Serology
• Chlamydia
• Molecular Diagnostics
• Undertake specialist and referral investigations where required.
• Maintain a high standard of professional competence and technical skill.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of clinical microbiology, relevant scientific developments and specialist laboratory techniques.
• Respond appropriately to changes in laboratory protocols, procedures and service requirements.

Equipment & Laboratory Systems

• Operate, maintain and monitor laboratory equipment and automated analysers in accordance with manufacturer instructions and laboratory procedures.
• Act as a first-line troubleshooter for equipment or technical problems, escalating issues to senior staff where appropriate.
• Maintain appropriate stocks of consumables and ensure the efficient use of laboratory resources.
• Use laboratory IT systems effectively, including booking in specimens, requesting tests, entering and retrieving results, and maintaining appropriate records.

Quality, Governance & Safety

• Work in accordance with UKHSA policies, laboratory procedures, professional guidance and relevant quality standards.
• Contribute to the maintenance of quality standards and the laboratory Quality Management System.
• Monitor quality control results and promptly escalate anomalies or concerns.
• Contribute to audits, quality improvement activities and the review and development of SOPs.
• Support the Quality Manager and senior staff in maintaining and reviewing laboratory documentation.
• Observe all laboratory health and safety requirements, including relevant HSE regulations and laboratory safety procedures.
• Report accidents, incidents and hazards appropriately.
• Assist with risk assessments relating to new techniques, procedures and SOP reviews.
• Comply with relevant immunisation and infection-control requirements.

Supervision, Training & Development

• Take responsibility for the day-to-day organisation of an allocated laboratory area.
• Supervise less experienced Biomedical Scientists, trainee Biomedical Scientists and Healthcare Science Support Workers.
• Support the training, development and supervision of junior and less experienced staff.
• Monitor the performance and wellbeing of staff within the allocated area.
• Contribute to the development of colleagues and support continuing professional development.
• Deputise for senior Biomedical Scientist staff when required.

Essential Criteria

• Current registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).
• BSc (Hons) in Biomedical Science or equivalent academic qualification
• Extensive post-registration experience and specialist training in accordance with IBMS guidelines or equivalent.
• Appropriate experience across relevant microbiology laboratory sections
• Sound knowledge and application of quality and health & safety systems, including UKAS standards and HSE regulations.
• Demonstrable specialist laboratory experience appropriate to a Band 6 Biomedical Scientist role.
• Excellent written, verbal and presentation skills.
• Ability to communicate complex information clearly and accurately to a range of audiences.

Why join UKHSA?

UKHSA is the nation's expert health security agency, working to prevent, detect, analyse and respond to infectious diseases and other threats to health. By joining us, you will have the opportunity to contribute to work that protects communities, supports the NHS and strengthens health security nationally and internationally.

Pay: £20.04 per hour

Expected hours: No more than 37.5 per week

Work Location: In person