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 molecular virology experience. The successful candidates will be joining a dynamic team of scientists dedicated to improving public health through the development of innovative virology programmes.
Main duties of the job
The main duties will include:
Develop, implement and utilise a range of molecular techniques in support of pathogen detection and characterisation activities, to ensure that project targets are met. 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.
This 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
The post holder will work as part of a specialist laboratory team, contributing to the delivery of high-quality molecular virology activities in support of public health objectives. The role requires a strong scientific background and the ability to apply a range of molecular techniques accurately and reliably within a regulated environment.
The successful candidate will hold a degree in an appropriate scientific discipline such as virology or molecular biology and experience in a relevant field. They will have hands on experience of using a variety of molecular methods, for example RT qPCR and LAMP for pathogen detection and will demonstrate knowledge and/or practical experience of developing and validating molecular assays.A high standard of record keeping and close attention to detail are essential, alongside experience of working within regulated environments and an understanding of quality standards such as UKAS and/or ISO. Previous experience in a similar role within the public sector is desirable.
The role requires the ability to contribute effectively to projects, demonstrating evidence of efficient and effective participation.
The post holder will be expected to work on their own initiative, organising and prioritising their workload with minimal supervision while meeting tight and frequently changing deadlines.
Strong teamworking skills are essential, with the ability to liaise and communicate effectively with colleagues at all levels.
The successful candidate will be an effective organiser who shows a clear commitment to improving performance and making a positive difference by focusing on agreed goals and outcomes.
An understanding of, and commitment to, equality of opportunity and the promotion of good working relationships is an essential requirement of the role.
Essential role criteria
Degree in an appropriate discipline such as virology or molecular biology (or equivalent qualification) Experience of using molecular methods for pathogen detection (eg RT-qPCR, LAMP) Experience in nucleic acid extraction methods for downstream molecular assays 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 Knowledge of how to develop and validate new and existing molecular assays for pathogen detection and characterisation Desirable role criteria:
Experience of developing and validating molecular assays for pathogen detection and characterisation Experience of using bioinformatic software to design and troubleshoot molecular assays Experience of collaboration across other work groups Selection process
This vacancy is using Success Profiles and will assess your behaviours, experience and technical skills.
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 750 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 750 words. We will not consider any words over 750 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:
Degree in an appropriate discipline such as virology or molecular biology (or equivalent qualification) Experience of using molecular methods for pathogen detection (eg RT-qPCR, LAMP) Experience in nucleic acid extraction methods for downstream molecular assays 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. If face to face interviews are planned, 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:
Working Together (Lead behaviour) Making Effective Decisions Communication and Influencing Delivering at Pace Interviews will be held weeks commencing 15th and/or 22nd June 2026. 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 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-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
Behaviours Essential
Working Together (Lead behaviour) Making Effective Decisions Communication and Influencing Delivering at Pace
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 Down
SP4 0JG
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/uk-health-security-agency (Opens in a new tab)