About this role
Job summary
The Diagnostics & Pathogen Characterisation department is based at Porton and performs a range of research activities, including high containment level work. The department's work covers a broad range of projects involving pathogen characterisation; virology and pathogenesis; diagnostics, innovation and evaluation, and biosafety and environmental microbiology. We are part of the UKHSA's ambition to be world-leading in capabilities and contribution to vaccines, therapeutics and diagnostics.
The Diagnostic Accelerator requires staffing, expertise, and capabilities to deliver diagnostics for pandemic preparedness. The work will focus on the rapid development of diagnostics, in response to and to be better prepared for, outbreaks of new and emerging pathogens. The accelerator will collaborate with external commercial and /or academic partners, as well as with other teams in the division, across Science Group within UKHSA. Externally the function will work with academia, commercial diagnostic firms, HMG, FIND, CEPI, WHO, BMGF, USG and other bodies to support the development, regulatory approval and deployment of diagnostics. The function will also work closely with Standards, Regulatory and Quality Assurance directorate to ensure compliance with all appropriate national and international regulations.
Main duties of the job
To work as a Diagnostic Research Scientist in the Diagnostic Accelerator team providing serological/molecular/antigenic expertise to deliver scientific and technical projects. To evaluate commercial assays and ensure delivery of new/improved/refined diagnostic assays for pandemic preparedness / outbreak response for use in UKHSA, NHS or other diagnostic labs. The post holder will also be expected to participate in training to support in the provision of surge capacity in the event of an outbreak. Working under the direction of the senior scientists and senior project team leads, you will work concurrently on projects to ensure the scientific objectives of the department and team are met. The post holder will be expected to be flexible to the demands of the project, have excellent communication skills and use technical knowledge and experience to ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget and comply with quality, regulatory and health and safety standards.
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
Develop/Evaluate/Implement and utilise a range of molecular, serological, and antigenic methods in support of diagnostic evaluation activities for ACDP HG 2/3/4 pathogens, ensuring targets are met according to agreed specifications and timelines. Take responsibility for the provision of equipment, reagents and consumables required for the project and documented storage of materials generated. Undertake training to enable adequate supervision of CL2 laboratories and oversee the completion of housekeeping duties in line with site specific procedures. Independent working under the direction of the Project Team Leader to identify, evaluate and adapt new commercial diagnostic technologies, where appropriate, and to ensure that the project operates to a high scientific standard using current methods. Participate in the supervision and training of junior staff allocated to the project in specific areas of expertise. Provide reports through collation of data using software and databases as necessary, to meet project targets. To perform any other duties required by the Line manager commensurate with grade. To ensure that the project team undertakes work in accordance with UKHSAs Code of Safety Practice and to work within any Quality Systems that are applicable to the site. To maintain health and safety competence. To fulfil the requirements of UKHSA Values and Behaviours and the Civil Service Code. To comply with all UKHSA policies and procedures. This list is not exhaustive
Essential criteria
Degree (or equivalent qualification) in relevant subject e.g., Biomedical Science Microbiology/Virology/Molecular Biology/Immunology or equivalent relevant experience of working with several relevant analytical techniques in a suitable laboratory with personal responsibility for the quality of results produced. Knowledge and prior experience of microbiological diagnostic test development, evaluation and validation for the diagnosis of bacteria and viruses such as Real-time PCR, ELISA, LFD. Experience in working at ACDP CL2 with a range of microbial pathogens using techniques including nucleic acid extraction, real-time PCR and antigen preparation. Experience of working with clinical samples and commercial diagnostic tests. Experience of working within a regulated environment (e.g. ISO 9001; ISO15189, GLP, UKAS). Experience of working as part of a successful team with respect to project delivery and liaising with staff of all levels. Able to evidence personal contribution to successful projects. Understanding of and commitment to equality of opportunity and good working relationships, both in terms of day-to-day working practices, but also in relation to management systems. Experience of problem solving skills and ability to respond to sudden and unexpected demands. Desirable criteria
Experience in working at ACDP CL3 with a range of microbial pathogens including culture, nucleic acid extraction, antigen preparation. Experience with molecular automation including point of care devices, extraction and real-time PCR platforms. Experience in laboratory risk and COSHH assessment and audit. Experience of LIMS systems for patient sample management including data analysis and queries on samples, sample types and tests. Selection Process Details
This vacancy is using Success Profiles and will assess your Behaviours/Strengths/Experience.
Stage 1: Application & Sift
You willbe requiredto complete an application form. You will be assessed onthe listed 9 essential criteria,and this will be in the form ofa:
Application form(Employer/ Activity history section on the application) 1000 word supporting 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 1000 words. We will not consider any words over 1000 words.
In the event ofa large number of applications we will longlist into 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:
Knowledge and prior experience of microbiological diagnostic test development, evaluation and validation for the diagnosis of bacteria and viruses such as Real-time PCR, ELISA, LFD. Desirable criteria may be used in 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 face interview at UKHSA Porton, Manor Farm Road, Porton Down, Salisbury, Wiltshire.
If face to face interviews are planned, in exceptional circumstances, we may be able to offer a remote interview.
Behaviours/Strengths/Experience will be tested at interview through questioning.
The Behaviours tested during the interview stage will be:
Delivering at pace (Lead behaviour) Working together Communication and Influencing Making Effective decisions 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 being offered as lab based at our site in Porton (Salisbury). 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 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.
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 - Behaviours Essential
Making effective decisions Communication and influencing Working together 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 (Salisbury)
SP4 0JG
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/uk-health-security-agency (Opens in a new tab)