Specialist Biomedical Scientist

The Rare and Imported Pathogens Laboratory (RIPL) provide a front-line diagnostic service for the detection of Viral Haemorrhagic Fever viruses (Ebola, Lassa, CCHF, Marburg), Arboviruses, Rickettsiae, and a range of ACDP Hazard Group 3 bacteria including Bacillus anthracis and Francisella tularensis. RIPL is also the provider of the Leptospira acute diagnostic service and the Lyme disease specialist unit diagnostic service.

We are UKAS ISO15189 accredited and hold approval to provide IBMS registration and Virology specialist portfolios. The role is for an HCPC registered specialist Biomedical Scientist to provide expert technical support for the specialist diagnostic laboratory work undertaken

within RIPL in accordance with UKHSA and laboratory policies and procedures with particular focus on metagenomics, as well as areas of serological diagnosis by ELISA and IFA and molecular identification using real-time PCR

Working for your organisation

We pride ourselves as being an employer of choice, where Everyone Matters promoting equality of opportunity to actively encourage applications from everyone, including groups currently underrepresented in our workforce.  

UKHSA ethos is to be an inclusive organisation for all our staff and stakeholders. To create, nurture and sustain an inclusive culture, where differences drive innovative solutions to meet the needs of our workforce and wider communities. We do this through celebrating and protecting differences by removing barriers and promoting equity and equality of opportunity for all.  

• Working with the Metagenomics Clinical Fellow, RIPL Laboratory Manager and RIPL Quality Manager, take a leading role on the laboratory aspects of implementing and maintaining a clinical metagenomics service in RIPL
• Undertake a range of diagnostic assays and techniques as required to meet the needs of the RIPL service provision, including ELISA, IFA and real-time PCR, and in line with relevant accreditation schemes, such as ISO15189
• Oversee an area of the laboratory with support from senior staff in the department, including delivery of training, maintaining quality processes, management of reagents and consumables, troubleshooting of assays, non-conformance investigation and root cause analysis, and identifying trends and escalating to senior management
• Prioritise, co-ordinate, and supervise the workload of a team of staff within an area of the laboratory for completion of diagnostic testing daily, including undertaking of general laboratory duties such as the disposal of waste, equipment maintenance, stock control and ensuring a safe working environment.
• Work independently and within a team to perform a range of diagnostic assays and techniques as required to meet the needs of the RIPL service provision, including metagenomics sample preparation, but also including real-time PCR, ELISA and IFA as required by the RIPL Laboratory Manager, and in line with

• HCPC registered as a Biomedical Scientist with significant post registration experience
• Degree in an appropriate medical/microbiology/biological science discipline, such as Biomedical Science
• Experience working in a diagnostic or reference virology laboratory
• Experience working in a regulated environment with quality systems and knowledge of ISO15189
• Experience of diagnostic molecular biology testing and molecular methods including real-time PCR.
• Good knowledge and experience of serological methods including ELISA and IFA
• Experience of analysing and interpreting information, evaluating issues, and recommending appropriate course of action.
• Clear communicator with excellent writing, report writing and presentation skills; capable of constructing and delivering clear ideas and concepts concisely and accurately for diverse audiences.
• Resilience and ability to work at pace to ensure delivery of a highly responsive diagnostic service with a 24/7 on-call