Healthcare Scientist Practitioner

Posting date:	27 November 2025
Salary:	£32,624.00 to £37,737.00 per year
Additional salary information:	£32624.00 - £37737.00 a year
Hours:	Full time
Closing date:	07 December 2025
Location:	London, NW9 5EQ
Company:	NHS Jobs
Job type:	Permanent
Job reference:	K9919-25-0456

Summary

United Kingdom National External Quality Assessment Service (UK NEQAS) for Microbiology is hosted within UKHSA as part of EQA (External quality assessment) Services department. The department aims to provide EQA services to participants worldwide. Registered scheme participants receive regular distributions of specimens of known but undisclosed content which, if examined by the participants using routine procedures, provide a valuable tool for the management of quality within the laboratory. EQA is provided by the Food and Water Proficiency Testing Unit and UK NEQAS for Microbiology. (EQA services are self-financing and monies are obtained by subscription to the services). UK NEQAS for Microbiology provides: Clinical EQA services to participants worldwide. Web based EQA for individual participants Training in different areas of Microbiology, EQA and quality management systems. Microbiology covered includes mycology, bacteriology (with antimicrobial susceptibility testing), virology, parasitology and schemes based on a range of technologies including proteomic, molecular detection methods and conventional methods. Schemes are under constant review and development. The schemes provide an international benchmark for quality. There are approximately 2000 participants in over 100 countries. See our website for further information:www.ukneqasmicro.org.uk Technical/Scientific Duties Work responsibly and safely with large volumes of organisms in hazard groups 2/3 on daily basis. Prepare all types of quality assessment specimens distributed. Undertake quality control and stability testing of these specimens applying knowledge of diagnostic microbiology. Ensure all processes and results are documented in accordance with quality requirements. Ensure all non-conforming results are fully investigated and are brought to the attention of the scheme manager Participate in rotation around the various sections within the clinical microbiology schemes. Professional Development You should pursue a programme of continuous professional development in accordance with any relevant professional registration or statutory requirements, while maintaining appropriate awareness of service provider requirements. To participate in all mandatory training as required, i.e. fire safety, information governance and all other mandatory training. Develop and maintain good working relationships with staff Personal & People Development Actively participate in annual performance and development revie Actively participate and maintain a continuing professional development programme and be aware of relevant developments in their field Develop professional/management expertise by undertaking further appropriate training as required Ensure the induction, education, training and professional development of staff. Service Improvement Work with other staff to improve working practices. Health, Safety & Security In collaboration with the Laboratory Safety Officer, and complying with UKHSA safety policies and procedures: Ensure that health, safety and welfare is an afforded priority over other issues and demonstrate a commitment to health, safety and welfare regarding self, staff and visitors.Work in a safe manner. Report/notify all accidents and incidents or near misses, dangerous situations or shortcomings in health and safety training instructions via the appropriate management structure. Participate in the internal and external safety audits, as required. Comply with safety policies, procedures, COSHH and risk assessments. Co-operate on matters of health and safety to enable UKHSA to comply with its health and safety responsibilities. 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 UKHSA on any matters of health and safety. Quality In collaboration with the Quality Team: 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. Contribute to internal and external quality assurance programmes Ensure compliance with UKAS and other accreditation and certification standards. Contribute to internal and external audit programmes and corrective actions. Take every effort to suggest quality improvements Information & Knowledge Interpret and enter participants data into computer database Procurement & Commissioning To maintain stress including, stock control and receiving goods in the department. Essential criteria BSc in Biomedical Science or equivalent level qualification GCSE or equivalent qualifications at C (4) or above in English and Maths Clinical diagnostic microbiology laboratory experience Experience of Quality Management systems Experience and understanding of laboratory safety and procedures and can work to written procedures Management of time able to plan and use own time economically and effectively Ability to work with minimal supervision working to tight and often changing timescales Good interaction skills with ability to communicate with staff at all levels, both written and oral Evidence of use of computer software and packages (e.g. MS Office) Having good organisation skills, team worker and ability to work to deadlines Methodical with good attention to detail and ability to identify and solve practical problems An understanding of and commitment to equality of opportunity and good working relationships. Hard working, motivated and interested in their work Desirable criteria HCPC registration Experience of freeze-drying Selection Process Detail This vacancy is using Success Profiles and will assess your Behaviours, Experience, Technical Skills and Strengths. Stage 1: Application & Sift Success profiles You will be required to complete an application form. You will be assessed on the listed 12essential criteria, and this will be in the form of a: Application form (Employer/ Activity history section on the application) 1000 word Supporting Statement. This should outline how your skills, experience, and knowledge, provide evidence of your suitability for the role, with reference to the essential criteria. The Application form and Supporting Statement will be marked together. Please note you will not be able to upload your CV. You must complete the application form in as much detail as possible. Please do not email us your CV. Longlisting: In the event of a large number of applications we will longlist into 3 piles of: Meets all essential criteria Meets some essential criteria Meets no essential criteria Those falling into the 'Meets all essential criteria' pile will progress to shortlisting. Feedback will not be provided at this stage. Shortlisting: In the event of a large number of applications we will shortlist on the following essential criteria: BSc in Biomedical Science or equivalent level qualification GCSE or equivalent qualifications at C (4) or above in English and Maths Desirable criteria may be used in the event of a large number of applications / large amount of successful candidates. If you are successful at this stage, you will progress to interview & assessment. Please do not exceed 1000words. We will not consider any words over and above this number. Feedback will not be provided at this stage. Stage 2: Interview Success Profiles You will be invited to a face to face interview. Behaviours, Technical Skills and Strengths will be tested at interview. The Behaviours tested during the interview stage will be: Delivering at Pace(Lead behaviour) Making effective decisions Communicating and Influencing Developing Self and Others There will be a Technical Test at the start of your interview. This will be a 30 minute practical laboratory assessment. You will also be asked Strength based questions during the interview. Interviews dates are yet to be confirmed. Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records. Location This role is being offered as lab based at our Scientific Campus in Colindale, London. If based at one of our scientific campuses, you will be required to have a Counter Terrorism Check security vetting check as a minimum. For meaningful National Security Vetting checks to be carried out individuals need to have lived in the UK for a sufficient period of time. You should normally have been resident in the United Kingdom for the last 3 years as the role requires Counter Terrorism Check (CTC) clearance. In exceptional circumstances UK residency less than the outlined periods may not necessarily bar you from gaining national security vetting and applicants should contact the Vacancy Holder/Recruiting Manager listed in the advert for further advice. Salary If you are successful at interview, and are moving from another government department, NHS, or Local Authority, the relevant starting salary principles for level transfers or promotions will apply. Otherwise, roles are offered at the pay scale minimum for the grade, but in exceptional circumstances there may be flexibility if you are able to demonstrate you are already in receipt of an existing, higher salary. Pay increases are through the relevant annual pay award for the role and terms. Eligibility Criteria Open to all external applicants (anyone) from outside the Civil Service (including internal applicants). Security Clearance Level Requirement Successful candidates must pass a disclosure and barring security check. Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is Counter-terrorist Check.