About this role
Job summary
UK NEQAS for Microbiology provides clinical EQA services to participants worldwide.
Microbiology covered includes mycology, bacteriology (with antimicrobial susceptibility testing), virology, parasitology and schemes based on a range of technologies including proteomic, molecular detection methods and conventional methods. Schemes are under constant review and development. The schemes provide an international benchmark for quality. There are over 3000 participants in more than 80 countries. See our website for further information: www.ukneqasmicro.org.uk
The Healthcare Scientist Team Manager for Virology and Molecular will lead the Virology and Molecular laboratory team and work in collaboration with other senior staff to deliver Virology and Molecular EQA schemes.
Main duties of the job
o Provide leadership (in rotation with other Team Managers) in the UK NEQAS for Microbiology laboratories and be responsible for the overall service in that area.
o Responsible for ensuring specimens for EQA are prepared and quality controlled according to schedule.
o Responsible for procedures involved in report production and responding to customer queries/feedback in a timely manner.
o Responsible for the development and training of laboratory staff in specific areas.
Please note this list is not exhaustive.
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
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.
Person Specification
Application form and supporting statement Essential
Application form and supporting statement
Behaviours Essential
Changing and Improving Leadership Working together Managing a Quality Service (lead behaviour)
Presentation Essential
The importance of EQA in a virology diagnostic laboratory
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
Colindale
NW9 5EQ
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/uk-health-security-agency (Opens in a new tab)