About this role
Job summary
The Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Unit generates key surveillance data on genotype-specific HPV infection and associated diseases in relation to sexual health issues and HPV vaccine impact monitoring. In collaboration with epidemiologists and mathematical modellers, these data are used to inform national policies on the deployment of the HPV vaccines and sexual health programmes.
A vacancy exists for a Healthcare Scientist Support Worker to assist in the delivery of key HPV surveillance data. The post holder will contribute to the nationalHuman Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine impact surveillance programme by providing an evidence base for informing vaccination effectiveness.
The postholder will be responsible for providing technical support to national HPV surveillance projects, performing laboratory duties including receipt of samples, entry of data onto the computer (LIMS) system and processing of biological samples for analysis.
Main duties of the job
Receive specimens and to enter details on computer Complete and store associated paperwork appropriately Follow set protocols and procedures Prepare reagents Process and archive specimens according to protocols and training provided Monitor equipment, notifying senior staff where there are discrepancies Assist in ordering and managing consumable stock including receipt of deliveries Prepare, package and dispatch specimens to external laboratories when necessary Perform DNA extraction and PCR according to protocols and training
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
The main duties will include:
Quality
In collaboration with the Laboratory Quality Team to:
Maintain a high standard of work, and to contribute to developing the service of the laboratory so that work is safe, effective, and economical and follows best practice Contribute to internal and external quality assurance programmes Ensure compliance with UKAS and other accreditation and certification standards Contribute to internal and external audit programmes and corrective actions Take every effort to suggest quality improvements. Information Technology
Use databases and software packages including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint. Enter results onto the Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS). Staff Management and Training
Assist with the organisation of, and participation in, suitable training programmes for staff and visitors. Support Services and Equipment
Take responsibility for maintenance/acquisition of stock in order to ensure adequate service provision and continuity. Strategy, Policy, and Service Development
Work with other staff to improve working practices. General Employment Responsibilities
Ensure confidentiality and conformity to the requirements of the DATA Protection Act in collaboration with the designated Caldicott Guardian, Data Protection Officer and Security of Information Officer. To represent the UKHSA nationally and internationally as required. Actively participate and maintain a continuing professional development programme and be aware of relevant development in microbiology and other biomedical sciences. Develop professional expertise by undertaking further appropriate training as required. Professional Development
Identify, discuss, and action own professional performance and training / development needs with your line manager through performance review /individual development plan. Attending internal / external training events To participate in all mandatory training as required, i.e. fire safety, information governance and all other mandatory training. Key Working Relationships
The post holder will develop working relationships and communicate regularly with a wide range of individuals, clinical and non-clinical, internal, and external to UKHSA. This will include;
InternalMedical, scientific, and other staff throughout Public Health Microbiology and UKHSA.
External
External bodies including NHS staff and other national and international users, commercial companies, and professional groups, as required.
Please note this is not an exhaustive list.
Essential Criteria
GCSE Sciences (grade C or above); or equivalent level of qualification; or equivalent previous proven experience in a similar lab-based role Experience of working in a laboratory Previous experience of working in an administrative environment using computerised data systems Working knowledge of Microsoft Office including Word and Excel Clear communicator with good writing, data entry and telephone skills ensuring accuracy Ability to work effectively as part of a team Problem solving skills Able to work on own initiative, organising and prioritising own workload to set deadlines An understanding of and commitment to equality of opportunity and good working relationships. An ability to maintain confidentiality and trust Good timekeeping Desirable role criteria:
Evidence of significant training and development within a microbiology laboratory Awareness of a range of Health Services provisions Knowledge of NHS issues Understanding of Data Protection legislation Selection process
This vacancy will be assessed using a competency-based framework which will assess your qualifications, knowledge and experience and / or skills and abilities outlined in the essential criteria.
Stage 1: Application & Sift
You will be required to complete an application form. You will be assessed on the listed essential criteria, and this will be in the form of:
an application form (Employer/ Activity history section on the application) a 1000 word supporting statement This should outline how your skills, experience, and knowledge, provide 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 be advised you 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.
Healthjobs UK 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 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:
GCSE Sciences (grade C or above); or equivalent level of qualification; or equivalent previous proven experience in a similar lab-based role Experience of working in a laboratory Previous experience of working in an administrative environment using computerised data systems 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 Colindale. If face to face interviews are planned, in exceptional circumstances, we may be able to offer a remote interview.
Knowledge, experience, skills and abilities will be tested at interview. This will include knowledge and experience of laboratory processes, procedures and public health services provisions; technical and organisational skills.
Interviews dates 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 lab based Colindale. 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-Terrorist 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 as the role requires Counter Terrorism Check (CTC) clearance.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.
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
Questions on knowledge, experience, skills & abilities Essential
Questions on knowledge, experience, skills & abilities
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, London
NW9 5EQ
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/uk-health-security-agency (Opens in a new tab)