OverviewThe National Mycobacterium Reference Service South (NMRS-S) is looking for a Clinical Scientist to take a leading role in the maintenance and provision of mycobacterial reference services to the NHS and England and overseeing the research projects undertaken by the department. The post holder will be an HCPC registered Clinical Scientist and will act as a lead specialist whose role is to help deliver a reference and medical laboratory service to achieve the objectives of efficient and effective patient care and resource management for the users of this specialist reference laboratory. This includes working exclusively with Mycobacteria spp., including those in Hazard Group 3, in a containment level 3 environment. The post-holder will supervise non- and state- registered scientists and support staff while acting as part of the team by being involved in performing the tests being carried out. The post holder will also be expected to train other professional groups such as junior medical staff. In the absence of other senior staff, responsibilities may be extended to other areas. The post holder is responsible to always maintain the required high standards, health and safety and quality; to maintain an up-to-date knowledge of microbiology, especially mycobacteriology, and current working practices within this reference/diagnostic laboratory.

Responsibilities

Be responsible with the Laboratory Manager, Leads and other senior staff for maintaining a high standard of work.

Ensure the provision of an efficient, effective, and timely service ensuring maximum efficiency within allocated resources.

To provide scientific oversight and ensure provision of the national reference services for the diagnostic and characterisation of Mycobacteria.

Take a leading role in the validation of new assays within NMRS-S for implementation into routine service.

Review diagnostic tests as well as further development and validation of molecular services for relevant bacterial pathogens across NMRS-S.

Support research within NMRS-S.

Develop and evaluate novel molecular and genomic approaches for the characterisation of Mycobacteria and the application of molecular technologies to determine the pathogenesis and evolution of virulence in bacteria relevant to the Sections within NMRS-S.

Validate and authorise reports as required.

Collate/present data for discussion.

Write and publish papers and present results where appropriate, both nationally and internationally.

Provide advice to internal/external laboratories/users.

Become proficient in the use of relevant databases and bioinformatics software.

Equal Opportunities and Organisation EthosWe 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.

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