Biomedical Scientist

The Gastrointestinal Bacteria Reference Unit (GBRU) is a National Reference Laboratory and provides specialist and reference services for a specific range of hazard group 2 and 3 gastrointestinal and foodborne bacterial pathogens notably Bacillus cereus, Clostridium perfringens, C. botulinum, E. coli, Listeria, Campylobacter, Helicobacter, Salmonella, Shigella, Yersinia and Vibrio species. GBRU works at local, regional, national, and international levels to reduce the impact of food, water and environmentally borne illnesses on people's health. Activities include provision of bacterial typing services to assist national surveillance, the detection and investigation of outbreaks and specialist microbiological services for the examination of clinical, food, water, and environmental samples. Currently, a combination of phenotypic and genotypic methods is used to detect, identify, and type bacterial isolates and this increasingly involves the use of whole genome sequencing. We are
streamlining workflows for different pathogens across the unit to facilitate implementation of new technology whilst maintaining the capability to perform standard reference methods. GBRU has a high propriety in ensuring the safe running of laboratory services and the safety of all staff.

This is a laboratory-based role within GBRU with primary focus on service delivery, training staff to undertake laboratory procedures to a high degree of competence and, assisting senior staff members to maintain an excellent Safety and Quality Management Systems within the Unit to ensure compliance with accreditation standards., We are seeking a HCPC registered Biomedical Scientist to provide technical support within the Unit in ensuring that GBRU provides a national and international service in all aspects of the work of the Section; this includes molecular and conventional microbiological analysis on a range of foodborne bacterial isolates and clinical and environment specimens. To work with senior staff to ensure that both the service and non-service work of the unit is carried out in a safe, effective, timely manner and operates to a quality system and, to participate in research and development activities within the Unit.

Post holder will assist the sections senior scientists and the pathogen leads in ensuring that GBRU provides a national and international service in all aspects of the work of the unit.

The post holder will work with senior staff to ensure that both the service and non-service work of the unit is carried out in a safe, effective, timely manner and operates to a quality system: this includes molecular assays, conventional microbiological as well as proteomic analysis on a range of gastrointestinal bacterial isolates and clinical specimens.,

• To assist in the provision and organisation of safe, timely, high quality and economical CL2 and CL3 reference services within GBRU


• To undertake DNA-based detection and typing for a range of pathogens with assays and techniques such as real-time polymerase chain reaction and whole genome sequencing (WGS)


• To analyse genotypic data with relevant software such as BioNumerics and assist in the development and maintenance of the genotypic subtyping databases within the Section.


• Assist in providing a flexible laboratory response to emergency public health needs including investigation of incidents, of deliberate release of pathogenic organisms and to general investigations of illness as appropriate.


• Assist with evaluation and implementation of new techniques / methods to the unit that enhance effectiveness of the laboratory work.


• Writing and updating SOPs and controlled documentation.


• To provide technical support to GBRU Reference Services as appropriate including adjusting day-to-day work priorities to meet changing demands or emergency requirements.


• Writing and updating SOPs and controlled documentation.


• Assist senior staff in the management of supporting staff across GBRU and deputise for the HEO when required.


Health and Safety

In collaboration with the GBRU Safety Officer and complying with UKHSA safety policies and procedures to:

• Ensure that health, safety and welfare is an afforded priority over other issues and to demonstrate a commitment to health, safety and welfare regarding self, all staff and visitors in the unit


• Assist in maintaining a safe working environment within the unit ensuring risk assessments and COSHH are carried out as and when required and safety policy is adhered to


• Report all accidents and incidents or near misses, dangerous situations or shortcomings in health and safety training instructions and assist in taking remedial action


• Participate in the internal and external safety audits as required and implement any arising corrective actions


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


Information Technology

• Entry of results into LIMS system and liaison with senior staff in sending laboratory reports.


• Answering telephone queries.


Quality

• Maintain a high standard of work and contribute to developing the service of the laboratory so that service delivery is safe effective and economical and follows best practice according to ISO15189 and 17025 standards.


Staff Management and Training

• Train and supervise and when required organise the daily work for lower graded staffs, temporary staffs, visitors and students


Support Services & Equipment

• Oversee the service and maintenance of equipment


• Ensure performance checks on equipment are performed and to take appropriate corrective action if equipment fails to meet specification.


Strategy, Policy and Service Development

• Contribute to GBRU strategic policies and encourage innovations and develop practices that enhance the effectiveness of the section's work


Other

• Be prepared to work flexibly across the entire unit as required, maintaining appropriate levels of training as necessary, UK nationals


• nationals of the Republic of Ireland


• nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK


• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window)


• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)


• individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020


• Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service
  
  Please be aware that we will assess on the first 9 essential criteria stated on the advert rather than the full list on the job description document.


• BSc in Microbiology or relevant biological science or equivalent level of qualification and experience


• HCPC Registration


• Evidence of CPD


• Experience and knowledge of working in a microbiology laboratory at containment level 2


• Good experience and knowledge of multiple laboratory techniques including phenotypic and molecular methods


• Experience in working as part of a team


• Good understanding of quality assurance principles and procedures


• Problem solving skills and ability to respond to sudden unexpected demands


• Independent thinker with demonstrated good judgement, problem-solving and analytical skills, Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.

People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.


• 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%


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