About this role
Job summary
The Countermeasures Development and Evaluation Centre is based at Porton and has approximately 250 staff, performing a range of research activities, including high containment level work. The department's work covers a broad range of projects involving vaccine and therapeutic, discovery, evaluation, development, and research.
The Discovery team sits in the Countermeasures Development, Evaluation and Preparedness Division in the Public Health Microbiology Directorate within the Chief Scientific Officer Group. Its work focuses on the establishment of host-relevant microbial models, evaluation of antimicrobial therapies directed at UKHSA priority pathogens, and development of molecular and immunological methods for characterising pathogen responses and host-pathogen interaction. This scientist post will contribute to the development of develop functional mucosal immune assays towards the establishment of in vitro assays that provide correlates of protection for TB vaccines.
Main duties of the job
Work at CL-3, growing and manipulating Mycobacterium tuberculosis Carry out studies to develop functional mucosal immune assays using flow cytometry Analyse biological data and develop new tools to perform those analyses e.g., large flow cytometry data sets Contribute to internal and external reporting. Adhere to ISO9001 in both practical and computer analyses, and in the storage of data Work with the PTL, SPTL, Scientific Leader, Head of AMR, and members of the Pathogen Immunology Group, to develop immune assay capabilities Generate data at publishable quality level and co-author papers and reports.
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
Job description Job responsibilities
Implement and utilise a range of methods/assays/techniques in support of all activities associated with the project aimed to ensure project targets are met. Take responsibility for the provision of reagents and consumables required for the project and documented storage of materials generated. Work with other team members to identify, evaluate, and adapt, new technologies where appropriate and to ensure that the project operates to a high scientific standard. Provide reports through analysis of data using software and databases as necessary, to meet project targets & contribute to the preparation of presentations and publications. To perform any other duties required by the line manager, Scientific Lead, and the Head of CDEP, commensurate with grade. Undertake all assigned work in accordance with the UKHSAs Risk Management Systems, policies, and procedures. To undertake work in accordance with UKHSAs Health and Safety policies and procedures and to work within any Quality Systems that are applicable to the site. To fulfil the requirements of UKHSA Behaviours Maintain health and safety competence in line with UKHSA policy and guidance. To achieve and maintain own and teams health and safety competence set out in UKHSA Policies. To comply with all UKHSA policies and procedures The above is only an outline of the tasks, responsibilities and outcomes required of the role. You will carry out any other duties as may reasonably be required by your line manager. The job description and person specifications may be reviewed on an ongoing basis in accordance with the changing needs of the department and UKHSA. It should be noted that the work of the department is of a confidential nature and must not be communicated to other persons except where required for authorised purposes. This list is not exhaustive.
Essential criteria
BSc qualification (or equivalent qualification) in an immunology/microbiology field- ideally with modules in each. Laboratory experience in bacteriology and immunology Experience of working at CL-3 Ability to analyse large data sets, with computer software Clear communicator with excellent writing, report writing and presentation skills; capable of constructing and delivering clear ideas and concepts concisely and accurately to the team Independent thinker with demonstrated good judgement, problem-solving and analytical skills Ability to engender trust and confidence and demonstrate integrity in the provision of data Desirable criteria
Experience of external collaboration Experience of contributing to manuscripts particularly the preparation of data figures. Experience of working in a regulated environment with quality systems and knowledge of ISO9001 quality standards or equivalent Selection Process Details
This vacancy is using Success Profiles and will assess your Behaviours, Strengths, Experience and Technical skills.
Stage 1: Application & Sift
You willbe requiredto complete an application form. You will be assessed onthe listed 7 essential criteria,and this will be in the form ofa:
Application form(Employer/ Activity history section on the application) 1000 word supporting statement. This should outline how you consider your skills,experienceandknowledgeprovide 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. (The application form is the kind of information you would put into your C.V please beadvisedyou will not be able to upload your CV. Please 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 than 1000 words. We will not consider any words over 1000 words.
Longlisting
In the event ofa large number of applications we will longlist into 3 piles of:
Meets all essential criteria Meets some essential criteria Meets no essential criteria If used, the pile Meets all essential criteria willproceedto shortlisting.
Shortlisting
In the event ofa large number ofapplications wemay conductan initialsift, on the lead criteria of:
Experience of working at CL-3 Desirable criteria may be used in the event ofa large number ofapplications/largeamountof 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
You will be invited to a single face to face interview at Porton (Salisbury), SP4 0JG.
If face to face interviews are planned, in exceptional circumstances, we may be able to offer a remote interview.
Behaviours, Strengths and Technical skillswill be tested at interview through questioning.
The Behaviours tested during the interview stage will be:
Working together (Lead Behaviour) Changing and improving Communicating and influencing Making effective decisions Interviewsdates are 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.
Location
This role is being offered as office/lab based at our Scientific Campus in Porton (Salisbury). 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.
Based at our scientific campus, you will be required to have a minimum of 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 from gaining national security vetting and applicants should contact the Vacancy Holder/Recruiting Manager listed in the advert for further advice.
Eligibility Criteria
External: 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.
Person Specification
Application form and supporting statement Essential
Application form and supporting statement
Interview - Behaviours Essential
Working Together Changing and Improving Communicating and Influencing Making Effective Decisions
Interview - Technical Skills Essential
Technical Skills
Interview - Strengths Essential
Strengths
Disclosure and Barring Service Check This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Certificate of Sponsorship Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
Employer details Employer name UK Health Security Agency
Address Scientific Campus
Porton (Salisbury)
SP4 0JG
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/uk-health-security-agency (Opens in a new tab)