Healthcare Scientist

Job summary

The Antimicrobial Resistance and Healthcare Associated Infections (AMRHAI) Reference Unit is the national reference laboratory for investigation of antibiotic resistance in, and characterisation of, healthcare associated bacterial pathogens.

We are seeking to recruit a Healthcare Scientist to work as part of a multidisciplinary team within the unit and contribute to in-vitro antimicrobial evaluation studies, molecular kit evaluations, resistance surveillance and the provisions of the reference service for bacterial samples.

Please note that this role is not eligible for hybrid working and is based 100% on site at UKHSA Colindale.

Job description

Main Responsibilities

To work as part of a multidisciplinary team within the Department and contribute to antimicrobial evaluation studies, new molecular kit evaluations, surveillance and the provision of the reference service for microbiological samples. Work independently or as part of a team to undertake species identification and antibiotic susceptibility profiles (MIC, disc diffusion) of a variety of samples collected as part of surveillance programmes or by the reference service. Prioritize workloads and perform primary analyses of results including screening for anomalous results and selecting strains that may need additional work. Take decisions about the work allocation of those they supervise, determining priorities and monitoring outputs To assist in the general running and maintenance of the laboratory.�

�Laboratory � general

To monitor equipment, notifying senior staff where there are discrepancies To take part in and contribute to laboratory meetings To perform laboratory testing, including molecular techniques (such as DNA extraction for WGS, PCR and transfer of plasmids/resistance determinants to lab strains), serological techniques and microbiological techniques such as antibiotic susceptibility testing and generating antibiotic resistant strains following appropriate training and competency assessment. To flag specimens for appropriate tests To escalate risks that cannot be controlled to the AMRHAI Reference Unit management team General preparation work including the ordering of consumables. To be responsible for the reading of less complex test results, maintaining complete and accurate records of the results and entry of results onto the LIMS live system where interpretation of results is required or to MS Access databases or Excel spreadsheets where further analysis of data can be done. Use of various manual and automated nucleic acid extraction protocols. To process specimens, run controls and IQC samples according to given protocols as required following training.To support the implementation of new methods and technologies into the laboratory, in order to maximise quality and efficiency of testing

For a full list of the main duties and responsibilities of the role, please refer to the attached Job Description.�

Person specification

Essential criteria

BSc: or above in relevant scientific subjectExperience working in a laboratory including using pre-analytical techniques applicable to bacterial, Serological or molecular methods and working in a quality system (working to SOPs, COSHH etc)Experience or knowledge of antimicrobial susceptibility testing methods and antimicrobial resistanceMaintains professional competence in biomedical sciences by attending lectures and seminarsKnowledge and understanding of laboratory safety requirements and procedures (RA, COSHH etc).Working knowledge of Microsoft Office including Word and Excel.

Desirable criteria

MSc or MRes or higher degree in a relevant scientific subjectExperience of working in a healthcare environment.Experience of MS Access

Benefits

Alongside your salary of �34,463, UK Health Security Agency contributes �9,305 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Learning and development tailored to your roleAn environment with flexible working optionsA culture encouraging inclusion and diversityA with an average employer contribution of 27%

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