Job summary
We are seeking a bright, highly motivated and competent Health Care Scientist to join the team at the Mycology Reference Laboratory and to participate in the day to day running of routine diagnostic and reference tests and the smooth running of the National Collection of Pathogenic Fungi. Candidates will need to be able to demonstrate knowledge of Medical Mycology with post state registration experience. HCPC registration is essential and ideally the successful candidate will also hold a relevant Masters Level qualification.
You will be joining a committed team with a wealth of experience, which is passionate about developing the service and meeting the evolving requirements in reference mycology. This is a dynamic role which will require agility, flexibility and commitment. In return, we will support you in developing your skills in order that you realise your full potential.
Main duties of the job
The post holder will act as a Healthcare Scientist to provide specialist technical and clerical activities in support of scientific services to aid in clinical diagnosis within the Mycology Reference Laboratory.
The post holder will work as part of the laboratory team to provide a high level of mycological analysis in order to provide clinicians and their patients with the highest level of diagnostic and treatment support. They will also participate in the training of more junior colleagues and laboratory visitors.
To be responsible for the efficient processing of specimens and performing additional laboratory and clerical duties, such as media and microtitre dilution plate preparation, performance of antibody and antigen tests, culture identification and susceptibility testing, booking, filing, answering queries, to ensure the efficient performance of the laboratory, under the supervision of more senior Healthcare Scientist (HCS) and Clinical Scientist (CS) staff.
About us
Public Health England exists to protect and improve the nations health and wellbeing, and reduce health inequalities. We do this through world-leading science, knowledge and intelligence, advocacy, partnerships and the delivery of specialist public health services.We are an executive agency of the Department of Health and Social Care, and a distinct delivery organisation with operational autonomy. We provide government, local government, the NHS, Parliament, industry and the public with evidence-based professional, scientific and delivery expertise and support. PHE is currently in the process of transition to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA).
Option 3 External
Open to all external applicants (anyone) from outside the Civil Service (including by definition internal applicants).
Job description
Job responsibilities
MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- To undertake training, including mandatory training as requisite for your role.
- To receive, sort, unpack, label and process specimens in the laboratory.
- To understand the use of the laboratory information system (LIMS) and undertake data entry e.g. for samples received and referred.
- To electronically request and receive tests and look up results etc.
- Process clinical specimens and undertake related tasks.
- Read and interpret cultures.
- Perform identification and sensitivity tests on referred and clinical isolates
- To be aware of anomalous results, recognising these when they occur and reporting them appropriately.
- To ensure that important or unusual reports are drawn to the attention of senior staff and to report complaints or anomalies as soon as possible.
- Assist in the production and dissemination of laboratory reports, data and statistics, including the issuing of authorised reports by telephone and being aware of the priority of reports.
- Liaise with medical, scientific and other healthcare staff in all matters relating to diagnosis.
- Liaise with service users for general enquiries.
- Assist in the calibration and maintenance of equipment.
- To maintain a high standard of professional competence and technical skill in the performance of all tests and investigations carried out in the laboratory.
- Adhere to laboratory SOPs.
- Assist in the research and evaluation of new methods and equipment.
- Assist in the introduction of new and amended methodology.
- To use equipment in a safe and responsible manner.
- To perform general laboratory duties e.g. checking and cleaning instruments/equipment, recording temperatures, preparing reagents and assistance with stock control.
- Assist in the training of other staff and visitors to the laboratory.
- To cover the duties of other healthcare staff in their absence where possible.
- To assist in preparing media and other reagents for use in the laboratory.
- To help prepare and dispatch items/samples for referral, transport and posting.
- To undertake sterilisation and disposal of laboratory waste including collection of discard and waste material, loading and unloading discard bins to autoclaves, transfer of laboratory waste to designated collection/disposal areas.
- Perform other appropriate duties as required by senior members of staff.
Other
- The above is only an outline of the tasks, responsibilities and outcomes required of the role. You will carry out any other duties as may reasonably be required by your line manager.
- The job description and person specification may be reviewed on an ongoing basis in accordance with the changing needs of the laboratory and PHE.
Job description
Job responsibilities
MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- To undertake training, including mandatory training as requisite for your role.
- To receive, sort, unpack, label and process specimens in the laboratory.
- To understand the use of the laboratory information system (LIMS) and undertake data entry e.g. for samples received and referred.
- To electronically request and receive tests and look up results etc.
- Process clinical specimens and undertake related tasks.
- Read and interpret cultures.
- Perform identification and sensitivity tests on referred and clinical isolates
- To be aware of anomalous results, recognising these when they occur and reporting them appropriately.
- To ensure that important or unusual reports are drawn to the attention of senior staff and to report complaints or anomalies as soon as possible.
- Assist in the production and dissemination of laboratory reports, data and statistics, including the issuing of authorised reports by telephone and being aware of the priority of reports.
- Liaise with medical, scientific and other healthcare staff in all matters relating to diagnosis.
- Liaise with service users for general enquiries.
- Assist in the calibration and maintenance of equipment.
- To maintain a high standard of professional competence and technical skill in the performance of all tests and investigations carried out in the laboratory.
- Adhere to laboratory SOPs.
- Assist in the research and evaluation of new methods and equipment.
- Assist in the introduction of new and amended methodology.
- To use equipment in a safe and responsible manner.
- To perform general laboratory duties e.g. checking and cleaning instruments/equipment, recording temperatures, preparing reagents and assistance with stock control.
- Assist in the training of other staff and visitors to the laboratory.
- To cover the duties of other healthcare staff in their absence where possible.
- To assist in preparing media and other reagents for use in the laboratory.
- To help prepare and dispatch items/samples for referral, transport and posting.
- To undertake sterilisation and disposal of laboratory waste including collection of discard and waste material, loading and unloading discard bins to autoclaves, transfer of laboratory waste to designated collection/disposal areas.
- Perform other appropriate duties as required by senior members of staff.
Other
- The above is only an outline of the tasks, responsibilities and outcomes required of the role. You will carry out any other duties as may reasonably be required by your line manager.
- The job description and person specification may be reviewed on an ongoing basis in accordance with the changing needs of the laboratory and PHE.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- BSc in a relevant subject
- State registration with HCPC
Desirable
- MSc in a relevant subject
Knowledge and experience
Essential
- Working knowledge of mycology laboratory procedures
- Significant postgraduate experience in a relevant field
- Experience with LIMS
- Evidence of continuing professional development (CPD)
Desirable
- Practical experience in a mycology laboratory with demonstrable ability to perform and evaluate a range of tests
- A good level of theoretical and practical mycological knowledge
- Experience of working in a healthcare environment
Skills and capabilities
Essential
- Able to work on own initiative, organising and prioritising own workload to set deadlines
- Ability to work effectively as part of a team
- Good computer skills and sound knowledge of common IT programmes
- Evidence of ability to train others
- Knowledge of health and safety and safe working practices
- Able to provide judgement on a range of problems
- Communicate complex and sensitivie information with peers and senior staff
Equality and diversity
Essential
- An understanding of and commitment to equality of opportunity and good working relationships
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- BSc in a relevant subject
- State registration with HCPC
Desirable
- MSc in a relevant subject
Knowledge and experience
Essential
- Working knowledge of mycology laboratory procedures
- Significant postgraduate experience in a relevant field
- Experience with LIMS
- Evidence of continuing professional development (CPD)
Desirable
- Practical experience in a mycology laboratory with demonstrable ability to perform and evaluate a range of tests
- A good level of theoretical and practical mycological knowledge
- Experience of working in a healthcare environment
Skills and capabilities
Essential
- Able to work on own initiative, organising and prioritising own workload to set deadlines
- Ability to work effectively as part of a team
- Good computer skills and sound knowledge of common IT programmes
- Evidence of ability to train others
- Knowledge of health and safety and safe working practices
- Able to provide judgement on a range of problems
- Communicate complex and sensitivie information with peers and senior staff
Equality and diversity
Essential
- An understanding of and commitment to equality of opportunity and good working relationships
Additional information
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
