The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is recruiting 5 Senior Support Administrators to join its Laboratory Data Services Team at the Colindale Scientific Campus in North London.
There are 3 full-time permanent positions and 2 part-time permanent positions, with the part-time roles working 18.75 hours per week.
Importantly, the advert states that applications from job seekers who require current Skilled Worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside other applications.
Job Details
- Employer: UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA)
- Job title: Senior Support Administrator
- Location: Colindale Scientific Campus, North London, NW9 5EQ
- Working arrangement: Hybrid
- Contract: Permanent
- Positions: 3 full-time and 2 part-time
- Part-time hours: 18.75 hours per week
- Salary: £29,613 – £30,266 per year, pro rata
- Grade: Administrative Officer (AO)
- Closing date: 10 October 2026
- Reference: 919-SH-301207-EXT
- Interview: Face-to-face at Colindale Scientific Campus
About the Role
The Senior Support Administrators will provide administrative and data-entry support to the Reference Microbiology (RM) services within UKHSA’s Laboratory Data Services Team.
The role involves supporting day-to-day administration, maintaining data quality, carrying out data-entry duties using the MOLIS laboratory database, and providing cover for financial, resource management and meeting-related activities.
The successful candidates may also deputise for the Data Entry Supervisor when required.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide administrative support to Reference Microbiology Services.
- Handle telephone calls and triage enquiries, referring complex matters to appropriate senior staff.
- Respond to administrative queries by telephone and email.
- Monitor staff sickness notifications and ensure relevant managers and teams are informed.
- Support health and safety administration following quarterly inspections.
- Participate in the DART rota to support postal distribution of results.
- Provide flexible administrative cover across Reference Microbiology.
- Work with administrative leads to provide cover during annual leave and sickness.
- Take notes and provide administrative support for meetings when required.
- Support accreditation activities across the relevant units.
Data Entry Responsibilities
- Enter data into MOLIS, the laboratory information management system.
- Carry out MOLIS housekeeping and data-quality activities.
- Check data entered by Laboratory Support Administrators.
- Ensure outputs are accurate before being sent to users.
- Retrieve information from MOLIS to help resolve queries from hospitals and private laboratories.
- Support increased data-entry requirements during periods of high specimen volumes.
Requirements
Essential:
- 3 GCSEs or equivalent qualifications, including English, and/or relevant office experience.
- Intermediate-level knowledge of Microsoft Excel and Outlook.
- Good organisational skills with a strong focus on accuracy and attention to detail.
Desirable:
- Good interpersonal and communication skills.
- Ability to work effectively as part of a team.
- High level of self-motivation.
- Flexible and adaptable approach to work.
- Willingness to learn new skills through training.
Hybrid Working
The role is based at the Colindale Scientific Campus, 61 Colindale Avenue, London NW9 5EQ.
UKHSA operates a hybrid working model where business needs allow. Successful candidates will generally be expected to spend a minimum of 60% of their contractual working hours, approximately 3 days per week pro rata averaged over a month, working at the Colindale campus.
Salary and Benefits
The salary is £29,613 to £30,266 per annum, pro rata, at Administrative Officer (AO) grade.
The position is permanent and offers full-time, part-time, job-share and flexible-working arrangements.
Visa Sponsorship
Skilled Worker sponsorship: Applications are welcome.
The advert specifically states that applicants who require current Skilled Worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome to apply and will be considered alongside other applicants.
Applicants should still ensure they meet the relevant UK immigration and sponsorship requirements.
The role also has security-vetting requirements, which may affect applicants who have not lived in the UK for the required period.
Security and Eligibility
Successful candidates must complete a Basic Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.
The position also requires a minimum Counter Terrorism Check (CTC) security vetting clearance.
UKHSA states that applicants would normally need to have been resident in the UK for the previous 3 years for meaningful national security vetting. However, shorter periods of UK residency may be considered in exceptional circumstances.
Applicants should contact the recruiting manager for advice if they do not meet the usual residency period.
Application and Selection Process
The selection process is competency-based.
At the initial sift, candidates will be assessed against the 3 essential criteria listed in the advert.
Applicants must complete:
- An application form, including their employment/activity history.
- A supporting statement of no more than 750 words.
The supporting statement should explain how the applicant’s skills, knowledge and experience demonstrate their suitability for the role.
Important: UKHSA states that applicants cannot upload or email a CV. The application form should therefore be completed in as much detail as possible.
Where there are a large number of applications, UKHSA may initially longlist candidates according to whether they meet all, some or none of the essential criteria.
Shortlisted candidates will be invited to a face-to-face interview at the Colindale Scientific Campus.
The interview will assess knowledge, experience, skills and abilities. Candidates will also complete a 10-minute administration assessment focusing on speed and accuracy.
Closing Date
10 October 2026
Applicants are advised to apply before the closing date because the advert will no longer be available once the vacancy closes.
How to Apply
Applications should be submitted through the official NHS Jobs vacancy.
Employer
UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA)
Colindale Scientific Campus
61 Colindale Avenue
London
NW9 5EQ
United Kingdom
Contact: Sarah Handy, Resourcing Support Officer
Email: sarah.handy@ukhsa.gov.uk