Senior Biomedical Scientist – Application Specialist

Job summary As a category 1 responder UKHSA has a critical responsibility to scale laboratory diagnostic capacity within the first 6 weeks of an emerging threat with epidemic or pandemic potential. One way in which this will be delivered is through a new standby semi-automated and high throughput PCR testing facility at our Porton Down scientific campus. We are therefore looking for HCPC registered Senior Biomedical Scientists to lead validation and implementation of this vital capability. Main duties of the job Lead evaluation, validation and implementation of diagnostic assays and high throughput testing workflows to enable delivery of a new ISO 15189 accredited testing facility. Provide senior technical expertise and supervision on platform and assay performance and troubleshooting, including delivery of training, non-conformance investigation, root cause analysis, and implementation of technical improvements and solutions. Perform a range of diagnostic assays and techniques as required to meet the needs of testing provision within UKHSA. This will include diagnostic testing and sub-contracted testing for research activities. Prioritise, co-ordinate, and supervise the workload staff, including line management responsibilities, to maintain standards and ensure the delivery of a critical diagnostic capability. Undertake general laboratory duties such as the disposal of waste, equipment maintenance, stock control and ensuring a safe working environment. Ensure all work is undertaken in accordance with safety and ISO15189 quality requirements and complete any training requirements as required for this post. Participate in out of hours rota to provide increased testing capacity when required. About us 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 https://gov.uk/ukhsa/careers Details Date posted 29 September 2026 Pay scheme Agenda for change Band Band 7 Salary £49,387 to £56,515 a year per annum, pro rata Contract Fixed term Duration 32 months Working pattern Full-time, Part-time, Job share Reference number 919-JP- 63002142-EXT Job locations Scientific Campus Porton Down, Salisbury SP4 0JG United Kingdom Job description Job responsibilities Successful applicants will join a new team, Amplify, within the Diagnostic and Pathogen Characterisation Division and work alongside colleagues in the Rare and Imported Pathogen Laboratory and Diagnostic Development and Implementation team. You will be responsible for developing a new testing facility to meet ISO 15189 accreditation standards ensuring validation, maintenance and implementation of responsive, adaptable high throughput molecular testing workflows. As a Senior Biomedical Scientist and Application Specialist you will work with the Facility Manager and other senior team members to establish new testing workflows, protocols and procedures, designing and troubleshooting processes and assays from the ground up and overseeing technical performance. The Post Holder will be expected to be flexible to the demands of the project area, have excellent communication skills and use their technical experience to ensure the service is delivered on time and remains ready to respond. This will include changing patterns of work to include out of hours shifts when incident or outbreak response mode is activated and research and training delivery in support of wider organisational priorities. The main responsibilities will include: Lead in the adaptation, evaluation and validation of technologies compatible with high throughput testing to enhance the facilitys capabilities and to ensure the project area works to a high scientific standard. Lead in the design, implementation and troubleshooting of testing workflows and protocols from sample receipt to result authorisation. Provide technical expertise and oversight on the scientific methods employed, including laboratory automation and assay performance. Oversee the evaluation, validation and implementation of diagnostic assays as required to meet the needs of the testing service. Deliver training to internal and external scientists in support of wider pandemic preparedness activities. Perform a range of diagnostic assays and techniques as required to meet the needs of testing provision within UKHSA. This will include diagnostic testing with result validation and sub-contracted testing for research activities. Participate in out of hour testin