Senior Diagnostic Scientist

Location: Porton Down, Salisbury

Hours: 37.5 hours/week

We have an exciting opportunity to appoint four senior scientists to our newly formed Diagnostic Accelerator team. As a Senior Diagnostic Scientist, you will be supporting scientific and technical projects that require the use of serological, molecular, or antigenic techniques. You will also help to analyse and evaluate commercial tests that will be used in UKHSA or NHS diagnostic labs. You will be trained to respond in the event of an outbreak. 

The job holder will be required to carry out the following responsibilities, activities, and duties:

• Develop/Evaluate/Implement and utilise a range of molecular, serological, and antigenic methods in support of diagnostic evaluation activities for ACDP HG 2/3/4 pathogens, ensuring targets are met according to agreed specifications and timelines.
• Take responsibility for the provision of equipment, reagents and consumables required for the project and documented storage of materials generated.
• Lead members of the project team or project area to identify, evaluate and adapt new diagnostic technologies, where appropriate, and to ensure that the project operates to a high scientific standard using current methods.
• Establish links and collaborations within and outside UKHSA as necessary to benefit the project and/or department including submission of proposals.
• Participate in the supervision and training of junior staff allocated to the project in specific areas of expertise.
• Provide reports through collation of data using software and databases as necessary, to meet project targets.
• Lead on the preparation of presentations and publications.
• To perform any other duties required by the Line manager commensurate with grade.
• To ensure that the project team undertakes work in accordance with UKHSA’s Code of Safety Practice and to work within any Quality Systems that are applicable to the site.
• To maintain health and safety competence

The duties/responsibilities listed above describe the post as it is at present and is not intended to be exhaustive. The Job holder is expected to accept reasonable alterations and additional tasks of a similar level that may be necessary. 

Essential

• PhD in Microbiology/Virology/Molecular Biology/Immunology or equivalent years’ experience
• Extensive experience and knowledge of microbiological diagnostic test development, evaluation, and validation for the diagnosis of bacteria and viruses such as Real-time PCR, ELISA, IFA,
• Extensive experience in working at ACDP CL2 with a range of microbial pathogens including culture, nucleic acid extraction, antigen preparation
• Experience of working with clinical samples and diagnostic testing 

Desirable

• Relevant HCPC Registration e.g., Clinical Scientist/Biomedical Scientist
• Experience in working at ACDP CL3 with a range of microbial pathogens including culture, nucleic acid extraction, antigen preparation
• Experience of LIMS systems for patient sample management including data analysis and queries on samples, sample types and tests 

Please click on the 'Apply' button above to apply

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