Healthcare Scientist Team Manager (Virology and Molecular)


Company:	NHS Jobs
Salary:	£46,310 to £52,113 a year
Hours:	Full-time
Location:	Colindale, NW9 5EQ
Job type:	Permanent
Posting date:	17 Sept 2026
Closing date:	1 Oct 2026

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Summary

Technical/Scientific Duties Lead the organisation, preparation and quality control of simulated specimens for UK NEQAS schemes, ensuring effective resource management. Maintain high laboratory standards, ensuring compliance with UKAS accreditation and best practice. Oversee data analysis of participant results and preparation of scheme reports. Source clinical material and develop new specimen types for EQA schemes. Apply expertise in clinical virology and molecular diagnostics to specimen design, quality control and stability testing. Maintain professional competence and keep up to date with developments in clinical microbiology. Undertake deputy responsibilities as required. Professional Development Identify and undertake training and development needs through appraisal and personal development plans. Complete all mandatory training requirements. Support recruitment, induction, training, performance reviews and ongoing development of staff. Promote effective working relationships and facilitate appropriate training opportunities. Communication and Working Relationships The post holder will communicate with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders, including: Internal UK NEQAS for Microbiology staff and colleagues across UKHSA. External Collaborating institutions, stakeholders, scheme participants, Steering Committees, the UK NEQAS Central Office and other relevant organisations. Provide scientific advice and interpretation relating to quality assurance schemes. Service Improvement Work collaboratively to improve processes and working practices. Health, Safety and Security In conjunction with the Laboratory Safety Coordinator and Laboratory Manager: Comply with UKHSA health and safety policies and objectives. Attend required safety training and implement local safety procedures. Promote the health, safety and welfare of staff and visitors. Ensure risk assessments are completed and control measures implemented. Support corrective actions arising from inspections, audits and incident reporting. Quality Working with the Quality Team: Maintain high standards of service delivery that are safe, effective and economical. Contribute to quality assurance, accreditation, audit activities and continuous improvement initiatives. Support implementation of corrective actions and quality improvements. Information and Knowledge Support the development of IT systems and databases. Analyse and present statistical information to support quality and project activities. Development and Innovation Assist in the development of new specimen types and EQA schemes. Procurement and Project Support Assist with business cases, risk management and stock procurement (up to £5,000). Services and Project Management Support the selection, implementation and validation of laboratory equipment. People Management Ensure technical and support staff receive appropriate training on new procedures, systems and developments. Essential role criteria: MSc or an equivalent/higher qualification in Medical Microbiology/Virology Significant experience in virology and serology (clinical/diagnostic or research laboratory) and knowledge and substantial experience of molecular techniques Experience in data analysis, competence in word processing, spread sheet software, database skills, use of presentation software Experience of Quality Management systems and experience and understanding of laboratory safety and procedures Able to analyse, interpret and evaluate information when problem solving and making decisions and able to communicate complex information both written and oral, clearly and concisely with good attention to detail Excellent people skills covering management, training development of people, planning and allocating and delegating activities, recruitment and selection and reviewing performance, including an understanding of and commitment to equality of opportunity and good working relationships. Committed to development and keeping abreast of recent developments in virology and microbiology and able to liaise with colleagues at all levels within UKHSA and work across organisational boundaries Desirable role criteria: Prepared to work flexibly when business needs demand Selection ProcessDetails(SuccessProfiles) This vacancy is usingSuccessProfiles and will assess your Experience, Behaviours, Strengths, and Technical skills. Stage 1: Application & Sift SuccessProfiles - GOV.UK You will be required to complete an application form. You will be assessed on the listed 7 essential criteria, and this will be in the form of a: Application form (Employer/ Activity history section on the application) Up to 1000 word supporting statement This should outline how you consider your skills, experienceand knowledgeprovide evidence of your suitability for the role, with reference to the essential criteria. You will receive a joint score for your application form and statement. (Please note you will not be able to upload your CV. You must complete the application form in as much detail as possible. Please do not email us your CV). HealthjobsUK has a word limit of 1500, but your supporting statement must be no more than1000words. Please do not exceed1000words. Longlisting: In the event ofa large number ofapplicationswewilllonglistinto 3 piles of: Meets allessentialcriteria Meets someessentialcriteria Meets no essential criteria If used, the pile Meets allessentialcriteria willproceedto shortlisting. Shortlisting: In the event of a large number of applications we will conduct an initial sift, on the lead criteria of: MSc or an equivalent/higher qualification in Medical Microbiology/Virology Significant experience in virology and serology (clinical/diagnostic or research laboratory) and knowledge and substantial experience of molecular techniques Excellent people skills covering management, training development of people, planning and allocating and delegating activities, recruitment and selection and reviewing performance, including an understanding of and commitment to equality of opportunity and good working relationships Desirable criteria may be used in the event of a large number of applications/large amount of successful candidates. If you are successful at this stage, you will progress to interview & assessment. Feedback will not be provided at this stage. Stage 2: Interview Success Profiles - GOV.UK You will be invited to a face to face interview at our site in Colindale. In exceptional circumstances, we may be able to offer a remote interview. Behaviours, Strengths, and Technical skills will be tested at interview. The Behaviours tested during the interview stage will be: Changing and Improving Leadership Working together Managing a Quality Service (lead behaviour) Strengths will be assessed via strength based questions. Technical skills will be assessed through a presentation. You will be asked to present for up to 10 mins on the topic of The importance of EQA in a virology diagnostic laboratory. Interview dates to be confirmed. Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records. Additional Information Location This role is being offered as lab based at our scientific campus in Colindale. You will be required to have a Counter Terrorism Check security vetting check as a minimum. For meaningful National Security Vetting checks to be carried out individuals need to have lived in the UK for a sufficient period of time. You should normally have been resident in the United Kingdom for the last 3 years as the role requires Counter Terrorism Check (CTC) clearance. In exceptional circumstances UK residency less than the outlined periods may not necessarily bar you fromgaining national security vetting and applicants should contact the Vacancy Holder/Recruiting Manager listed in the advert for further advice. Please note hybrid working is not available for this role. Security Clearance Level Requirement Successful candidates must pass a basic disclosure and barring security check before they can be appointed. Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is Counter-Terrorist Check. Eligibility Criteria Open to all external applicants (anyone) from outside the Civil Service (including internal applicants). Salary Information 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.

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