About the job

Summary

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.

Job description

UKHSA, Colindale is offering work placement opportunities to undergraduates studying an IBMS accredited Biomedical Science or Healthcare Science (Life Science) degree (Hons).

This is an exciting opportunity, offering a 50-week placement in one of the laboratories within the Specialised Microbiology and Laboratories, Colindale. During your placement you will have the opportunity to complete the IBMS Registration Training Portfolio for the Certificate of Competence, leading to registration with the Health and Care Professions Council as a Biomedical Scientist.

During your placement you will have the opportunity to attend the in-house tutorial programme, seminars, scientific meetings and courses held on-site. It is an opportunity to enhance your scientific and technical skills and knowledge, writing and personal skills such as communication, team working and time-management.

Responsibilities

•Process specimens received and undertake the related tasks in the various sections of the laboratory, leading to the reporting and interpretation of results in accordance with agreed policies and standard operating procedures (SOPs)

•Contribute to the proper storage and management of the laboratory specimens

•Keeping accurate, legible and up-to-date records of work carried out in the laboratory

•Contribute to routine maintenance of all equipment, which will include high cost, complex equipment requiring calibration and regular maintenance

•To participate in all mandatory training as required, i.e. fire safety, information governance as well as the in-house tutorial programme

•Duties and responsibilities will vary depending on unit

Essential Criteria

Knowledge and Experience

•Registered on an IBMS-accredited BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science or Healthcare Science (Life Sciences) degree

•Currently in second year of study

•Has an interest in microbiology

•Has studied microbiology related modules at university and provided evidence of grades obtained

•Has an interest in a career as a biomedical scientist

•Has awareness of the duties of a biomedical scientist

•Has awareness of the role of the HCPC

•Has an understanding of the work carried out at UKHSA, Colindale

•Experienced in using equipment commonly found in a microbiology laboratory

Skills/Capabilities/Behaviours

•Good standard of written communication

•Ability to work effectively as part of a team

•An ability to maintain confidentiality and trust

•Able to follow instructions – written and oral

•Good time keeping

•Able to deal with problems in a calm and efficient manner

•Able to make a connection between their work and the benefit to patients and the public

•Works well with others, is positive and helpful, listens, involves, respects and learns from the contribution of others

•Has attention to detail – has followed all instructions during the application process

Equality and Diversity

•An understanding of and commitment to equality of opportunity and good working relationships.

Qualifications

Enrolled and currently undertaking an IBMS accredited BSc (Hons) in Biomedical Science or Healthcare Science (Life Sciences) degree

Behaviours

We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:

• Seeing the Big Picture
• Communicating and Influencing
• Working Together
• Delivering at Pace

Technical skills

We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:

• Must be in second year of study with an interest in a career as a Biomedical Scientist

Benefits

• Learning and development tailored to your role

• An environment with flexible working options

• A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity

• A Civil Service pension