Senior Assistant Healthcare Scientist - 1 Year Student Placement

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is offering an exciting 12-month placement opportunity for a student. As a Senior Assistant Healthcare Scientist, you will play a crucial role in providing scientific services to patients and clients. Your responsibilities will include evaluating immunological responses to vaccines and microbiological diseases. Accuracy and meticulous attention to detail are essential qualities for this role.

This opportunity is exclusively available to candidates who are currently enrolled in a relevant degree program and seeking a sandwich placement year. The successful candidate will be expected to start on the 1st of September 2024.

Location

The role will be based at our UKHSA Manchester site (Vaccine Evaluation Unit, 2nd Floor, Clinical Sciences Building II, Manchester Royal Infirmary, M13 9WL)

*Please be aware that this role can only be worked from within the UK and not overseas. Relocation expenses are not available*.

Working Pattern - Full Time, Flexible Working

Responsibilities section:

• To provide a specialist diagnostic service for measuring the immune response to disease or vaccination.
• To use specialist immunoassays for the analysis of biological samples to quantify different antibody isotypes and/or avidity to various microbial antigens.
• To work in the containment level 2 laboratories according to local code of practice.
• To use advanced specialist computer software for the capture and processing of laboratory data.
• To carry out research in vaccines against different pathogens.
• To exercise judgement and interpretation to validate results and generate laboratory reports in accordance with unit policies and procedures. The validation process includes analytical and scientific validity.
• To prepare reagents for use in specialist in-house immunoassays.
• To assist with, and where appropriate be responsible for, the development of new methods and implementation of new technology.
• To monitor and maintain appropriate stock levels and facilitate deliveries.
• To identify, discuss and action own professional performance and training / development needs with your line manager through appraisal / individual development plan. Attending internal / external training events.
• To participate in Quality Assurance and Quality Control activities and assist the department in maintaining CPA (Clinical Pathology Accreditation), UKAS ISO 15189, Good Clinical Laboratory Practice (GCLP), Good Clinical Practice (GCP) and Medicines for Health Regulatory Authority (MHRA).
• To attend regular departmental meetings and contribute to effective communication within the unit.
• To ensure that personal work activity is managed to make effective use of time and maintain an adequate supply of laboratory consumables.
• To prepare samples and process bodily fluids and materials, including high-risk specimens and reagent preparation following protocols.
• To analyse biological samples including more complex/ specialist investigations requiring a high level of skill.
• To process clinical trial samples received according to unit standard operating procedures.

Click apply now for further details!