About this role
Job summary
As a category 1 responder UKHSA has a critical responsibility to scale laboratory diagnostic capacity within the first 6 weeks of an emerging threat with epidemic or pandemic potential. One way in which this will be delivered is through a new standby semi-automated and high throughput PCR testing facility at our Porton Down scientific campus. We are therefore looking for HCPC registered Senior Biomedical Scientists to lead validation and implementation of this vital capability.
Main duties of the job
Lead evaluation, validation and implementation of diagnostic assays and high throughput testing workflows to enable delivery of a new ISO 15189 accredited testing facility. Provide senior technical expertise and supervision on platform and assay performance and troubleshooting, including delivery of training, non-conformance investigation, root cause analysis, and implementation of technical improvements and solutions. Perform a range of diagnostic assays and techniques as required to meet the needs of testing provision within UKHSA. This will include diagnostic testing and sub-contracted testing for research activities. Prioritise, co-ordinate, and supervise the workload staff, including line management responsibilities, to maintain standards and ensure the delivery of a critical diagnostic capability. Undertake general laboratory duties such as the disposal of waste, equipment maintenance, stock control and ensuring a safe working environment. Ensure all work is undertaken in accordance with safety and ISO15189 quality requirements and complete any training requirements as required for this post. Participate in out of hours rota to provide increased testing capacity when required.
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
Successful applicants will join a new team, Amplify, within the Diagnostic and Pathogen Characterisation Division and work alongside colleagues in the Rare and Imported Pathogen Laboratory and Diagnostic Development and Implementation team. You will be responsible for developing a new testing facility to meet ISO 15189 accreditation standards ensuring validation, maintenance and implementation of responsive, adaptable high throughput molecular testing workflows. As a Senior Biomedical Scientist and Application Specialist you will work with the Facility Manager and other senior team members to establish new testing workflows, protocols and procedures, designing and troubleshooting processes and assays from the ground up and overseeing technical performance.
The Post Holder will be expected to be flexible to the demands of the project area, have excellent communication skills and use their technical experience to ensure the service is delivered on time and remains ready to respond. This will include changing patterns of work to include out of hours shifts when incident or outbreak response mode is activated and research and training delivery in support of wider organisational priorities.
The main responsibilities will include:
Lead in the adaptation, evaluation and validation of technologies compatible with high throughput testing to enhance the facilitys capabilities and to ensure the project area works to a high scientific standard. Lead in the design, implementation and troubleshooting of testing workflows and protocols from sample receipt to result authorisation. Provide technical expertise and oversight on the scientific methods employed, including laboratory automation and assay performance. Oversee the evaluation, validation and implementation of diagnostic assays as required to meet the needs of the testing service. Deliver training to internal and external scientists in support of wider pandemic preparedness activities. Perform a range of diagnostic assays and techniques as required to meet the needs of testing provision within UKHSA. This will include diagnostic testing with result validation and sub-contracted testing for research activities. Participate in out of hour testing rotas to ensure provision of sufficient testing capacity in line with business needs. Line manage junior team members, and ensure effective prioritisation, co-ordination and supervision of work. Deputise as appropriate for senior staff and act as head BMS in the absence of the facility manager. Supply data to agreed timescales and as required by project contracts and service level agreements. Undertake general laboratory duties including disposal of waste, equipment maintenance, stock control and ensuring a safe working environment. Maintain HCPC registration as a condition of employment. Fulfil all training requirements as required for the post, including subsequent maintenance of required competencies. Maintain high professional standards by continual professional development keeping up to date with advances in medical microbiology. Ensure all work in undertaken in accordance with the UKHSAs Code of Safety Practice and to work within ISO15189 quality standards. Ensure health, safety and welfare are afforded priority and demonstrate a commitment to health, safety and welfare of self, staff and visitors and comply with relevant UKHSA health and safety policies at all times. Notify accidents, near misses, dangerous situations and shortcomings in health and safety via the appropriate management structure. Escalate risks that cannot be controlled to the Facility Manager. Fully engage with the performance process, including objective setting and preparing for performance conversations, as described on the UKHSA intranet. Fulfil the requirements of UKHSA Values and Behaviours and the Civil Service Code. Comply with all UKHSA policy and procedures. Perform any other duties required by the line manager commensurate with grade. This is not an exhaustive list.
Essential criteria
BSc Degree (or equivalent qualification) in an appropriate medical/microbiology/biological science discipline MSc or higher qualification in an appropriate medical/microbiology/biological science or relevant experience as a specialist biomedical scientist. Registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) as a Biomedical Scientist. Technical knowledge and extensive experience in leading implementation and troubleshooting of molecular laboratory techniques, including RT-PCR, in the diagnostic environment. Proven experience working in a diagnostic or reference virology laboratory. Experience in leading and managing teams and/or projects ensuring delivery of organisational and departmental goals, with the ability to organise own workload and of those staff often working to tight deadlines. Resilience and ability to work at pace to ensure delivery of a highly responsive diagnostic service with an out of hours testing capability. Desirable criteria
Knowledge and experience of handling high hazard pathogens, including Hazard Group 3, SAPO and CTSA agents. Previous experience leading technical support for a high throughput PCR testing facility. Programming experience and knowledge of data integration and workflows, particularly with laboratory equipment. Selection Process
This vacancy is using Success Profiles and will assess your behaviours, experience and technical skills.
Stage 1: Application & Sift
You willbe requiredto complete an application form. You will be assessed onthe listed7essentialcriteria,and this will be in the form of:
an application form(Employer/ Activity history section on the application) a 1000wordsupporting 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 than1000words. We will not consider any words over1000words.
Longlisting: In the event of a large number of applications we will longlist into 3 piles of:
Meets all essential criteria Meets some essential criteria Meets no essential criteria Only those meeting all essential criteria will be taken through to shortlisting.Shortlisting: In the event of a large number of applications we will shortlist on:
Registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) as a Biomedical Scientist. 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 and assessment.
Feedback will not be provided at this stage.
Stage 2: Interview
You will be invited to a face to face interview in Porton Down. In exceptional circumstances, we may be able to offer a remote interview.
Behaviours, experience and technical skills.will be tested at interview.
The Behaviours tested during the interview stage will be:
Managing a quality service (Lead behaviour) Changing and improving Delivering at pace Making effective decisions Interview dates are planned for w/c 12th and 19th October. Please note these dates are subject to change.
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 lab based at our Scientific Campus in Porton Down, Salisbury. Please note that hybrid working is not available with this role.
Eligibility criteria
Option 1 - External
Open to all external applicants (anyone) from outside the Civil Service (including by definition internal applicants).
Security clearance level requirement
Part 1
Successful candidates must pass a basic Disclosure and Barring Security (DBS) check before they can be appointed.
Part 2
Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is Counter-Terrorism Check clearance.
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 to obtain Counter Terrorism Check (CTC) clearance. UK residency less than the outlined periods may not necessarily bar you from gaining national security vetting at this higher level and applicants should contact the Vacancy Holder / Recruiting Manager listed in the advert for further advice.
Person Specification
Application form and supporting statement Essential
Application form and supporting statement
Behaviours Essential
Managing a quality service (Lead behaviour) Changing and improving Delivering at pace Making effective decisions
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).
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Employer details Employer name UK Health Security Agency
Address Scientific Campus
Porton Down, Salisbury
SP4 0JG
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/uk-health-security-agency (Opens in a new tab)