Assistant Healthcare Scientist

**Responsibilities section**: The job holder will be required to carry out the following responsibilities, activities and duties: Work independently or as part of a team to undertake routine preparation and examination of variety of samples. To assist in the general running and maintenance of the laboratory. This is to be done in accordance with UKHSA and MS policies and procedures for the following: To monitor equipment, notifying senior staff where there are discrepancies. To perform laboratory testing, including molecular techniques (such as DNA extraction and PCR), serological techniques and microbiological techniques following appropriate training and competency assessment.

To organise and maintain an inventory for maintenance of stocks and solutions. General preparation work including the ordering of consumables. To be responsible for the reading of less complex test results and entry of results onto the LIMS, live system where no interpretation of results is required. Ensure discard waste is managed in a timely manner and stored & disposed of safely in accordance with SOPs, and agreed safety standards.

Perform, interpret and record test results according to given protocols. To process specimens, run controls and IQC samples according to given protocols as required following training. The duties/responsibilities listed above describe the post as it is at present and is not intended to be exhaustive. The Job holder is expected to accept reasonable alterations and additional tasks of a similar level that may be necessary.

People working with government assets must complete Basic Personnel Security Standard checks. For posts on UKHSA Civil Service terms and conditions, new entrants to the Civil Service are expected to start on the minimum of the pay band. For existing Civil Servants and roles advertised across government, the rules of transfer apply, i.e., level transfers move on current salary or the pay range minimum, transfers on promotion move to new pay range minimum or receive a 10% increase. Either case is determined by whichever is the highest.