About this role
Job summary
The Rare and Imported Pathogens Laboratory (RIPL) provide a front-line diagnostic service for the detection of Viral Haemorrhagic Fever viruses (Ebola, Lassa,CCHF, Marburg), Arboviruses, Rickettsiae, and a range of ACDP Hazard Group 3 bacteria including Bacillus anthracis and Francisella tularensis. RIPL is also theprovider of the Leptospira acute diagnostic service and the Lyme disease specialist unit diagnostic service.
We are UKAS ISO15189 accredited and hold approval to provide IBMS registration and Virology specialist portfolios.The role is for an HCPC registered specialist Biomedical Scientist to provide expert technical support for the specialist diagnostic laboratory work undertakenwithin RIPL in accordance with UKHSA and laboratory policies and procedures with particular focus on metagenomics, as well as areas of serologicaldiagnosis by ELISA and IFA and molecular identification using real-time PCR
Main duties of the job
Working with the Metagenomics Clinical Fellow, RIPL Laboratory Manager and RIPL Quality Manager, take a leading role on the laboratory aspects ofimplementing and maintaining a clinical metagenomics service in RIPL Undertake a range of diagnostic assays and techniques as required to meet the needs of the RIPL service provision, including ELISA, IFA and real-time PCR,and in line with relevant accreditation schemes, such as ISO15189 Oversee an area of the laboratory with support from senior staff in the department, including delivery of training, maintaining quality processes,management of reagents and consumables, troubleshooting of assays, non-conformance investigation and root cause analysis, and identifying trends andescalating to senior management Prioritise, co-ordinate, and supervise the workload of a team of staff within an area of the laboratory for completion of diagnostic testing daily, includingundertaking of general laboratory duties such as the disposal of waste, equipment maintenance, stock control and ensuring a safe working environment.
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
Work independently and within a team to perform a range of diagnostic assays and techniques as required to meet the needs of the RIPL service provision,including metagenomics sample preparation, but also including real-time PCR, ELISA and IFA as required by the RIPL Laboratory Manager, and in line withrelevant accreditation schemes, such as ISO15189 Perform required work and procedures at containment level 3, including inactivation and extraction for metagenomics and PCR Oversee an area of the laboratory with support from senior staff in the department Play a leading role in the delivery of training for specific areas of the laboratory Take responsibility for maintaining quality processes according to ISO15189 for across specific areas of the laboratory, including, stock control, managementand acceptance of reagents and consumables, organising of engineers, troubleshooting of assays, non-conformance investigation and root cause analysis,and identifying trends and escalating to senior management Assist in the identification, evaluation and adaptation of new technologies and diagnostic tests to enhance the laboratories capabilities and to ensure theproject area works to a high scientific standard Supervise the workload of a team of staff within an area of the laboratory, prioritising, co-ordinating and organising investigations Ensuring investigations meet agreed timescales required by RIPL service level agreement and escalating in the event of delays Undertake general laboratory duties including housekeeping, disposal of waste, equipment maintenance, stock control and ensuring a safe workingenvironment Undergo training requirements as required for the post Participate in the RIPL on-call rota to provide 24/7 cover Ensure all work is undertaken in accordance with safety and ISO15189 quality requirements and complete any training requirements as required for thispost To perform any other duties required by the line manager commensurate with grade. Deputise as appropriate for senior staff To maintain HCPC registration as a condition of employment To maintain high professional standards by continual professional development keeping up to date with advances in medical microbiology To maintain a positive attitude to the work of the laboratory and other members of the team Promote a culture of inclusion and belonging by actively contributing to a workplace where diverse perspectives are valued and respected. To ensure health, safety and welfare are afforded priority and to demonstrate commitment to health, safety and welfare of self, staff and visitors and complywith relevant UKHSA health and safety policies at all times To escalate risks that cannot be controlled to senior management team To notify accidents, near misses, dangerous situations and shortcomings in health and safety via the appropriate management structure This list of duties is not exhaustive
Essential Criteria
HCPC registered as a Biomedical Scientist with significant post registration experience Degree in an appropriate medical/microbiology/biological science discipline, such as Biomedical Science Experience working in a diagnostic or reference virology laboratory Experience working in a regulated environment with quality systems and knowledge of ISO15189 Experience of diagnostic molecular biology testing and molecular methods including real-time PCR. Good knowledge and experience of serological methods including ELISA and IFA Experience of analysing and interpreting information, evaluating issues, and recommending appropriate course of action. Clear communicator with excellent writing, report writing and presentation skills; capable of constructing and delivering clear ideas and concepts conciselyand accurately for diverse audiences. Resilience and ability to work at pace to ensure delivery of a highly responsive diagnostic service with a 24/7 on-callcapability Desirable role criteria:
IBMS Specialist portfolio in virology Experience of working at CL Experience in leading and managing small teams and/or projects Selection ProcessDetails(Success Profiles)
This vacancy is using SuccessProfiles and will assess your Behaviours, Experience, Strengths and Technical skills
Stage 1: Application & Sift
Success profilesSuccess Profiles - GOV.UK
You willbe requiredto complete an application form. You will be assessed on the listed 8essentialcriteria,and this will be in the form ofa:
Application form(Employer/ Activity history section on the application)
1000wordsupporting statement.
This should outline how you consider your skills,experienceandknowledge 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 advisedyou 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 1000words. We will not consider any words over 1000 words.
Longlisting:In the event ofa large number ofapplicationswewilllonglist into 3 piles of:
Meets all essential criteria
Meets some essential criteria
Meets no essential criteria
The pile(s) Meets all essential criteria and Meets some essential criteria willproceedto shortlisting.
Shortlisting:In the event ofa large number ofapplications wemay conductan initial sift, on the lead criteria of
HCPC registered as a Biomedical Scientist with significant post registration experience Degree in an appropriate medical/microbiology/biological science discipline, such as Biomedical Science Experience working in a diagnostic or reference virology laboratory Desirable criteria maybeusedin the event ofa large number ofapplications/largeamountof successful candidates.
If you are successful at this stage, you will progress to interview.
Feedback will not be provided at this stage.
Stage 2:Interview
Success profilesSuccess Profiles - GOV.UK
You will be invited to a Face to face interview at;
UKHSA Scientific Campus PortonManor Farm RoadPorton DownSalisburyWiltshire SP4 0JG
Behaviours, Experience, Strengths and Technical skillswill be tested at interview
The Behaviours tested during the interview stage will be
Working together (Lead Behaviour) Changing and Improving Making Effective Decisions Developing Self and Others Managing a Quality Service Interviews dates 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 office/lab based at our Scientific Campuses Porton. As it is based at one of our scientific campuses, 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. 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.
Security Clearance Level RequirementSuccessful candidates must pass a standard 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
Eligibility Criteria
External: Open to all external applicants (anyone) from outside the CivilService (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.
Step Point 1 - £39,959
Step Point 2 - £42,170
Step Point 3 - ££48,117
Person Specification
Application form and Statement of Suitablity Essential
Application form and Statement of Suitablity
Behaviours Essential
Working Together (Lead behaviour) Changing and Improving Making Effective Decisions Developing Self and Others Managing a Quality Service
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
Salisbury
SP4 0JG
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/uk-health-security-agency (Opens in a new tab)