UK Health Security Agency
Clinical Scientist
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Hybrid working based at our laboratory in Porton Down.
Job Summary
The Rare and Imported Pathogens Laboratory (RIPL) is an ISO:15189 accredited laboratory which provides a clinical diagnostic service for rare, high consequence and difficult to diagnose pathogens, including arboviruses, rickettsiae, leptospirosis, viral haemorrhagic fevers, Lyme disease, and a range of ACDP hazard group 3 bacteria including Bacillus anthracis and Francisella tularensis.
In 2025, RIPL introduced a diagnostic Bartonella service providing PCR and serological testing. RIPL works closely with other UKHSA departments covering a wide range of infectious disease services and associated epidemiology services. RIPL is also home to the national Imported Fever Service, a partnership between RIPL clinicians and clinicians from the Hospital for Tropical Diseases (University College Hospitals, London) and the Liverpool Tropical Infectious Disease Unit.
We are seeking a HCPC registered Clinical Scientist who will be based at RIPL, UKHSA Porton Down. They will have experience in providing clinical diagnostic services in microbiology/virology, with a particular interest in diagnostics.
Job Description
The Clinical Scientist will work as a member of a multi-disciplinary clinical team and provide clinical and scientific advice to clinicians on testing and the interpretation of results. They will be required to:
- Interpret and report results from RIPL and liaise with clinicians and other healthcare professionals on relevant aspects of patient management (e.g. additional testing and investigations)
- Act as a link between the laboratory and front-line medical professionals
- Support the development and provision of specialist services
- Work with other members of the clinical, laboratory and research teams to introduce a routine containment level 3 bacterial culture capability into RIPL
- Contribute to the development and establishment of methodologies for investigating relevant viral and bacterial infections
- Contribute to the introduction of new diagnostic methodologies into the unit to ensure that a comprehensive service is provided for imported diseases
- Contribute to outbreak investigations including participation in relevant UKHSA enhanced incident responses
- Through example, discussion and daily working practice, educate and encourage junior members of staff in the interpretation and significance of laboratory work for patient management
- Establish collaborations with other UKHSA laboratories, academic institutions and laboratories in the UK and abroad
- Participate in scientific research activities as part of a formal research programme, they will be encouraged to develop and lead projects relevant to the unit and to apply for grant funding support as needed
- Present research findings at relevant internal, national and international meetings
- Prepare and write scientific papers for publication
- Facilitate joint working on novel and dangerous diseases across UKHSA and in collaboration with the NHS
- Contribute to training for visiting scientists, clinical scientists, resident doctors, Biomedical Scientists and Healthcare Scientists, and supervise research/PhD students
- Work with Laboratory Quality Lead to ensure compliance with ISO:15189 and other relevant standards
- Maintain a high standard of work, appraising and developing the service of the laboratory so that service delivery is safe, effective and economical, and follows best practice
- Maintain quality systems and keep abreast of changing regulations and directives to meet appropriate accreditation and safety standards
- Maintain high professional standards by continuous professional development keeping up to date with advances in medical microbiology
- Ensure health, safety and welfare are afforded priority, and demonstrate commitment to health, safety and welfare of self, staff and visitors by complying with relevant UKHSA health and safety policies at all times
- Escalate risks that cannot be controlled to the senior management team
- Notify accidents, near misses, dangerous situations and shortcomings in health and safety via the appropriate management structure
- Report any personal sickness (during and after such an event) that may have potentially been caused by or may impact upon work, in line with the UKHSA Sickness Absence management policy
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The above is only an outline of the tasks, responsibilities and outcomes required of these roles.
They will carry out any other duties as may reasonably be required. The job descriptions and person specifications may be reviewed on an ongoing basis in accordance with the changing needs of the organisation.
Person specification
Essential Criteria
- HCPC registration as a Clinical Scientist in Microbiology
- Experience in practical bacteriology/virology
- Experience in molecular and serological diagnostics
- Awareness of biosafety/biosecurity relevant to the post
- Experience in clinical microbiology/virology
- Ability to scope new ideas and concepts on your own initiative and work outside your previous experience, including responding to sudden unexpected demands whilst maintaining a professional calm and efficient manner
- Ability to (a) assess complex/novel situations and topics by applying fundamental scientific principles, and (b) gather, analyse, interpret and critically assess complex information
Desirable Criteria
- Knowledge of disease characteristics and management of pathogens relevant to the post
- Experience of working at containment level 3
- Evidence of engagement with quality improvement activity
- Evidence of peer-reviewed research
- 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 employer contribution of 28.97%
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.
Please visit our careers site for more information: UKHSA Hub, Civil Service Careers
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Selection process details
Application & Sift (Competency-based)
At Sift Stage You Will Be Assessed Against The 7 Essential Criteria Listed In This Job Advert. You Will Be Required To Complete An:
- 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. You will receive a joint score for your application form and Supporting Statement.
The application form is the kind of information you would put into your CV – please be advised you will not be able to upload your CV. Please complete the application form in as much detail as possible. Please do not email your CV.
Healthjobsuk has a word limit of 1500 but your Supporting Statement must be no more than 1000 words. We will not consider any words over 1000.
Longlisting
In the event of a large number of applications, we may longlist into 3 piles of:
- Meets all Essential Criteria
- Meets some Essential Criteria
- Meets no Essential Criteria
Only those that 'Meets all Essential Criteria' will progress to Shortlisting.
Shortlisting
In the event of a large number of applications, we may conduct an initial sift on the following Essential Criteria:
- HCPC registration as a Clinical Scientist in Microbiology
Desirable criteria may be used in the event of a large number of applications/successful candidates.
If you are successful at this stage, you will progress to interview.
Please note feedback will not be provided at this stage.
Interview (Competency-based)
You will be invited to a single face-to-face interview.
Interview date(s) and location to be confirmed.
During the interview we will assess against the below in relation to the 7 Essential Criteria:
- Knowledge
- Experience
- Skills and Abilities
You will be asked to prepare and present a 10 minute presentation on how you would build the hazard group 3 bacteriology capability for RIPL.
Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.
Qualifications And Registrations
For roles where specific qualifications or registrations are required, successful applicants will be asked to provide appropriate evidence. Employment cannot commence until satisfactory documentation has been received and verified.
Eligibility Criteria
Open to all external applicants (anyone) from outside the Civil Service (including by definition internal applicants).
Salary Information
Grade: AfC Band 8a
£57,528 - £64,750 Per annum, pro-rata
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.
Location
This role is being offered as hybrid working based at our laboratory in Porton Down - UKHSA Porton, Manor Farm Road, Porton Down, Salisbury, Wiltshire SP4 0JG.
We offer great flexible working opportunities at UKHSA and operate using a hybrid
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