About the role
Salary: £49387.00 to £56515.00
As a category 1 responder UKHSA has a critical responsibility to scale laboratory diagnostic capacity within the first 6 weeks of an emerging threat with epidemic or pandemic potential. One way in which this will be delivered is through a new standby semi-automated and high throughput PCR testing facility at our Porton Down scientific campus. We are therefore looking for HCPC registered Senior Biomedical Scientists to lead validation and implementation of this vital capability.
Lead evaluation, validation and implementation of diagnostic assays and high throughput testing workflows to enable delivery of a new ISO 15189 accredited testing facility.
Provide senior technical expertise and supervision on platform and assay performance and troubleshooting, including delivery of training, non-conformance investigation, root cause analysis, and implementation of technical improvements and solutions.
Perform a range of diagnostic assays and techniques as required to meet the needs of testing provision within UKHSA. This will include diagnostic testing and sub-contracted testing for research activities.
Prioritise, co-ordinate, and supervise the workload staff, including line management responsibilities, to maintain standards and ensure the delivery of a critical diagnostic capability.
Undertake general laboratory duties such as the disposal of waste, equipment maintenance, stock control and ensuring a safe working environment.
Ensure all work is undertaken in accordance with safety and ISO15189 quality requirements and complete any training requirements as required for this post.
Participate in out of hours rota to provide increased testing capacity when required.
Successful applicants will join a new team, Amplify, within the Diagnostic and Pathogen Characterisation Division and work alongside colleagues in the Rare and Imported Pathogen Laboratory and Diagnostic Development and Implementation team. You will be responsible for developing a new testing facility to meet ISO 15189 accreditation standards ensuring validation, maintenance and implementation of responsive, adaptable high throughput molecular testing workflows. As a Senior Biomedical Scientist and Application Specialist you will work with the Facility Manager and other senior team members to establish new testing workflows, protocols and procedures, designing and troubleshooting processes and assays from the ground up and overseeing technical performance.