About this role
Job summary
At Public Health Microbiology, laboratory teams undertake services of complex and highly skilled techniques which often require nationally or internationally unique capabilities or facilities. Reference laboratories are required to provide authoritative, final and validated analysis for complex clinical or food microbiological/virological problems and be innovative in driving microbiological/virological methodology developments and standards.
The work of microbiology reference units includes clinical microbiological advice and diagnosis, complex reference, service delivery, methodology development, microbial epidemiology, investigation of national and uncommon outbreaks, response to international health alerts and advice on the risks posed by various infections.
In response to threats to business-as-usual (BAU) service delivery and enhanced incidents, it is the role of the Operational Response Team (ORT) to be deployed to support reference service units and the operations team. The Biomedical Scientist will provide resilience to the bacteriology reference departments (BRD) or virology reference departments (VRD) in times of need.
When not deployed during an incident, they will concentrate on training, maintaining competency and development of skills required to assist in future incidents.
Main duties of the job
The Biomedical Scientist will work as part of the host laboratory team to deliver the reference laboratory services.
They will be responsible for the efficient processing of specimens and performing additional laboratory duties to ensure the efficient day to day performance of the laboratory, under the supervision of more senior Biomedical Scientist and Clinical Scientist staff.
They will undertake booking of specimens, inputting of data, filing, answering the telephone, reception work and perform other additional clerical and office duties appropriate to grade.
The Biomedical Scientist would be expected to assist in any UKHSA co-ordinated response or activity of a national/international nature.
Other main duties will include
- Undertaking microbiological, serological and molecular laboratory duties under supervision guided by standard operating procedures (SOPs) including containment level 2 and 3.
- Be responsible for the reading and analysis of test results generated and entry of results onto the LIMS system.
- Collating and presenting data for discussion.
- Adhering to external and internal quality control practices.
- Attending meetings, plan and implement project plans.
- Monitoring safety cabinets and carrying out routine quality control procedures to maintain set standards.
- Participating in and supporting the research and development (R&D) activities within BRD & VRD and the organisation.
The above is not an exhaustive list.
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
- Be responsible for health, safety and welfare of self, staff and visitors in your own area ensuring that health and safety are afforded priority over other issues.
- Ensure a safe and healthy working environment by maintaining adequate safety levels.
- Notify any accidents, incidents or near misses, dangerous situations or shortcomings in health and safety training instructions via the appropriate management structure.
- Ensure compliance of work with UKAS ISO15189.
- Participate in internal and external audits and implementing corrective actions.
- Take responsibility for maintenance and acquisition of stock in order to ensure adequate service provision and continuity.
- Use databases and software packages as appropriate.
- Apply computer technology to the management of biological information.
- Data entry, spreadsheet analysis and managing the flow of paperwork.
- Ensure that routine services are maintained/designed to a satisfactory standard.
- Monitor the performance and maintenance of laboratory equipment.
- 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.
- Actively participate and maintain a continuing professional development programme and be aware of relevant developments in microbiology and other biomedical science.
- Develop professional expertise by undertaking further appropriate training as required.
It should be noted that the work of the laboratory is of a confidential nature and must not be communicated to other persons except where required for authorised purposes.
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 specification may be reviewed on an ongoing basis in accordance with the changing needs of the organisation.
Essential Criteria
- BSc in a Biological Science
- State registration with HCPC as a Biomedical Scientist and maintains professional competence
- Post-qualification laboratory experience in microbiology
- Knowledge of laboratory safety requirements and quality assurance procedures
- Experience in use of LIMS, and a range of common software (Microsoft Office, Excel)
- Confident in presentation of ideas and information with excellent analytical skills, and good organisation skills with particular attention to detail
- Self-motivating, organised and meticulous, and able to problem solve in a calm and efficient manner
Desirable Criteria
- Experience and/or understanding of scientific principles of molecular assays including Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) and sequencing technologies, and serological assays
Selection Process
This vacancy is using SuccessProfiles Success Profiles - GOV.UK andwill assess your Behaviours, Experience and Technical skills.
Application & Sift
At sift stage you will be assessed against the 7 Essential Criteria listed in this job advert. You will be required to complete the following:
- Application Form- Employer/Activity History section on the application form
- 1500 word Supporting Statement - do not exceed 1500 words as we will not consider any words over this amount
Please complete the Application Form with as much detail as you can. As CVs cannot be uploaded or emailed to us, the Application Form and Supporting Statement are your CV and cover letter. Do include all relevant information about your skills, experience, and qualifications with reference to the 7 Essential Criteria listed in this job advert.
You will receive a joint score for your Application Form and Supporting Statement.
Longlisting
In the event ofa large number ofapplications,wemay longlistinto 3 piles:
- Meets all Essential Criteria
- Meets some Essential Criteria
- Meets no Essential Criteria
Only Meets all Essential Criteria' willproceedto shortlisting.
Shortlisting
In the event ofa large number ofapplications, wemay conductan initialsift on the Lead Criteria:
- BSc in a Biological Science
- State registration with HCPC as a Biomedical Scientist and maintains professional competence
Desirable criteria maybeusedwhere there is a high volume ofapplications/successful candidates.
If you are successful at this stage, you will progress to Interview. Feedback is not provided at this stage.
Interview
You will be invited to a singleface-to-face interview at UKHSA Colindale. Interview date(s) to be confirmed.
The Behaviours being tested during the interview will be:
- Managing a Quality Service (Lead Behaviour)
- Delivering at Pace
- Making Effective Decisions
Technical Skills will be assessed through questions asked during the interview.
Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.
Eligibility Criteria
Open to all external applicants (anyone) from outside the Civil Service as well as internal applicants.
Salary Information
- Grade: AfC Band 5
- £32,073 - £39,043 per annum, pro-rata
- This role attracts HCAS Outer: 15% of annual salary, subject to a minimum payment of £4,870 and a maximum payment of £6,137.
- This role is offered under Agenda for Change (AfC) Terms and Conditions.
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.
Location
This role is being offered as laboratory based at UKHSA Colindale, 61 Colindale Avenue, London NW9 5EQ.
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.
Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is Counter-Terrorist Check (CTC). 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 Security CTC clearance. UK residency less than the outlined periods may not necessarily bar you from gaining national security vetting and applicants should contact the Resourcing contact listed in the advert for further advice.
Person Specification
Application Form & Supporting Statement
Essential
- Application Form & Supporting Statement
Behaviours
Essential
- Managing a Quality Service (Lead Behaviour)
- Delivering at Pace
- Making effective Decisions
Technical Skills
Essential
- Questions during interview
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
Laboratory based at UKHSA Colindale, North London
London
NW9 5HT
United Kingdom
Employer's website
https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/uk-health-security-agency (Opens in a new tab)