About this role
Job summary
The Diagnostics and Pathogen Characterisation (DPC) Division is based at Porton and has approximately 150 staff, focusing on key initial steps in the control of infections, namely pathogen identification, characterisation, and development of diagnostics. The Virology and Pathogenesis and Pathogen Characterisation (VPPC) group sits in the DPC Division within Science Group. VPPC's work focuses on arboviruses, viral haemorrhagic fevers and other emerging zoonotic viruses which cause infections in humans and pose a significant risk to public health. The group's activity corresponds with the institute's status as a WHO Collaborating Centre for virus research and reference (special pathogens) and ranges from the development of diagnostics and surveillance through to the assessment of interventions and vaccines. As such multiple international links and networks are part of its remit.
We currently have an exciting opportunity within the Virology and Pathogenesis Group where we are seeking to appoint a scientist with previous virology and immunology experience. The successful candidates would be joining a dynamic team of scientists dedicated to improving public health through the development of innovative virology programmes. The roles will be based in a team specialising in the development of in vivo models of viral disease and immunology.
Main duties of the job
Develop, implement and utilise a range of virology and immunology techniques in support of project activities. Keep accurate records of clinical outputs generated from in vivo studies and process samples resulting from these studies (e.g sera separation and isolation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells). Take responsibility for the provision of reagents and consumables required for the project area. Produce data for review by Senior Scientists for input into reports. Provide reports through analysis of data using software and databases as necessary, for preparation of presentations and publications. Present data at internal group meetings and national/international conferences. Lead in laboratory supervision, ensuring appropriate equipment is available and calibrated. Perform any other duties required by the Line manager commensurate with grade. Undertake work in accordance with applicable UKHSA Safety and Quality systems. Maintain health and safety competence. Fulfil the requirements of UKHSA Values and the Civil Service Code. 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.
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
An opportunity has arisen to appoint a scientist with experience in virology and immunology to join a dynamic and highly skilled team. The successful candidate will contribute to innovative virology programmes that support UKHSAs public health mission. The role will sit within a team specialising in the development and application of in vivo models of viral disease and immunology.
The post holder will develop, implement and utilise a range of virology and immunology techniques in support of project activities. This will include contributing to in vivo studies of viral infection and immune responses, processing and handling in vivo samples generated from these studies (for example sera separation and isolation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells), and ensuring that all work is conducted to a high standard of scientific rigour.
The role requires the maintenance of accurate, complete and auditable records of experimental work and clinical outputs, in line with UKHSA quality and governance requirements. The post holder will be responsible for the provision, management and appropriate use of reagents and consumables required for the project area, ensuring continuity of laboratory activity and efficient use of resources.
The post holder will generate highquality data for review by senior scientists and contribute to the preparation of reports, presentations and publications through appropriate analysis of data using relevant software tools and databases. They will be expected to present data clearly and confidently at internal group meetings and, where appropriate, at national and international scientific conferences.
In addition, the post holder will take a lead role in aspects of laboratory supervision, ensuring that appropriate equipment is available, maintained and calibrated in accordance with relevant procedures. They will work in compliance with all applicable UKHSA safety and quality systems and maintain their own health and safety competence, contributing to a strong safety culture within the laboratory environment.
The post holder will fulfil the requirements of UKHSA values and the Civil Service Code, demonstrating professionalism, integrity, collaboration and accountability in all aspects of their work. They will comply with all UKHSA policies and procedures and undertake any other duties commensurate with the grade as required by the line manager.
This job description outlines the main responsibilities and outcomes required of the role but is not exhaustive. The post holder will be expected to undertake additional duties as may reasonably be required to meet the changing needs of the department and UKHSA. The job description and person specification may be reviewed periodically to reflect evolving organisational priorities.
It should be noted that the work of the department is of a confidential nature. Information relating to this work must not be disclosed to unauthorised persons and may only be communicated where required for authorised purposes and in line with UKHSA policies.
The job description and person specification may be reviewed on an ongoing basis in accordance with the changing needs of the department and UKHSA.
Essential criteria
Degree (or equivalent level qualification) in an appropriate discipline such as virology, immunology or molecular biology Experience of using a variety of virology methods (e.g. cultivation, quantification, characterisation) Knowledge of immunological assays Knowledge of animal models of disease Good record keeping, attention to detail Experience of working in a regulated environment and knowledge of UKAS and/or ISO quality standards Ability to work on own initiative and organise own workload without supervision working to tight and often changing timescales Desirable criteria
Experience of developing immunological assays Experience of animal models of disease Experience of collaboration across other work groups Knowledge and experience of working in containment level 3 Knowledge and experience of cell culture Selection ProcessDetails
This vacancy is using SuccessProfiles andwill assess your Behaviours/Experience/Technical skills.
Stage 1: Application & Sift
You willbe requiredto complete an application form. You will be assessed onthe listed 7 essentialcriteria,and this will be in the form ofa:
Application form(Employer/ Activity history section on the application) 750 wordsupporting 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 750 words. We will not consider any words over750 words.
In the event ofa large number ofapplicationswewilllonglistinto 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.
In the event ofa large number ofapplications wemay conductan initialsift, on the lead criteria of:
Degree (or equivalent level qualification) in an appropriate discipline such as virology, immunology or molecular biology Experience of using a variety of virology methods (e.g. cultivation, quantification, characterisation) Knowledge of immunological assays Desirable criteria maybeusedin 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 faceinterview Porton (Salisbury), SP4 0JG.
If face to face interviewsareplanned, in exceptional circumstances, we may be able to offer a remote interview.
Behaviours/Experience/Technical skillswill be tested at interview via questioning.
The Behaviours tested during the interview stage will be:
Working Together (Lead Behaviour) Making effective decisions Communicating and influencing Delivering at pace 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 lab based at our Scientific Campus in Porton (Salisbury). 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 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 - Behvaiours Essential
Working together Communicating and influencing Delivering at pace Making effective decisions
Interview - Technical skills and experience Essential
Essential Criteria- Questions on Technical skills and experience
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)