About this role
Job summary
This is a rotational role between the sections mentioned below; in each section the role will have key responsibilities.
Central Technical Discard (CTD), responsible for laboratory waste management and sterilisation of products and consumables on the Colindale site. Involves the collection of contaminated Hazard Group 2 laboratory waste from agreed central locations and its transportation to a centralised autoclave suite for thermal destruction. Sorting of treated waste material into various workstreams; re-cyclable material are washed and non-recyclable waste material packaged appropriately for collection and removal off site. The team is responsible for the processing and sterilisation of equipment used in laboratory testing and work closely with the Production section in ensuring bulk production material is processed through the product sterilisation autoclaves.
Production section is responsible for the production of ready-to-use culture media and ancillary reagents, in various formats, including its distribution to onsite, an some off-site, laboratories for the application in public health, clinical microbiology, food microbiology or industrial uses. The team provides adistributor function for the ordering, receipt and delivery of commercial pre-poured media plates as required by laboratories on-site. This element of thedepartment holds ISO9001:2015 certification, assessed via external inspections.
Main duties of the job
This is a rotational role between the sections in Media Services; in each section the role will have key responsibilities. Frequency of rotation will be a set periodto provide stability and continuity for both staff and the departments overall functioning. However, if required, staff will be expected to move/cover activitiesto manage any business-critical impacts. Departmental tasks involve a lot of repetitive activities ie aliquoting, labelling, as well as frequent manual handlingactivities ie lifting, shifting and pushing of heavy loads.
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
Main Duties in Central Technical Discard (CTD) section:
To assist in running large scale autoclaves for the sterilisation of laboratory waste Using a designated trolley, collect untreated Hazard Group 2 laboratory waste waste from collections points across the site Assist laboratory staff with the processing of untreated Hazard Category 3 laboratory waste Ensure collection points are stocked with empty discard bins for laboratory collection Sort treated waste into various waste streams and clear according to procedures Collect sample processing equipment ie cutlery, funnels, blenders from laboratories for washing and sterilisation Perform manual washing of glassware, quality checking of glassware and restocking of glassware stock ready for use in production Process sterilisation requests for laboratories using specified equipment Check goods on receipt are correct and in good condition Assist with logging and receipting of external orders Ensure all equipment used is well maintained and cleaned Prepare material required by engineers for the servicing and validation of equipment following local procedures Take responsibility for checklists of routine daily/monthly tasks such as equipment maintenance checks and housekeeping tasks Keep full and accurate records of work performed and archive administrative documentation as required following local procedures Carry out routine stock take of consumables used Ensure working areas are maintained ie kept clean and clutter free Support trainees in activities as directed and delegated by local management team Work flexibly to assist the needs of the team and requirements of local line management Contribute to the care, maintenance and security of the premises and equipment by taking responsibility for the set-up and smooth running of equipmentused and assist in problem solving issues for both equipment and procedures To always work in accordance with the detailed and appropriate Safety regulations and guidance Main Duties in Production section:
To prepare microbiological media (any container) following Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) or work instructions To assist in running autoclaves (any size) for the sterilisation of media products and equipment Manual dispensing of products or use of automated and/or semi-automated systems To perform product capping, packing and labelling activities on products produced Assist with the storage of products produced, clearly labelling with status of approval as outline in processes Delivery of products produced to relevant laboratories Construct and pack box and/or palette shipments for collection and delivery to external customers Using a manual hand pallet truck; move bulk material based on need Ensure all equipment used in the preparation of media is well maintained and cleaned Prepare material required by engineers for the servicing and validation of equipment following local procedures Take responsibility for checklists of routine daily tasks such as area and equipment cleaning, servicing, and quality control checks Keep full and accurate records of work performed and archive administrative documentation as required following local procedures Take part in stock take activities ie physical stock take and / or updating stock records of products produced and routine consumables used in section Ensure working areas are maintained ie kept clean and clutter free Support trainees as required in activities and delegated by local management team Work flexibly to assist the needs of the team and requirements of local line management Contribute to the care, maintenance and security of the premises and equipment by taking responsibility for the set-up and smooth running of equipmentused and assist in problem solving issues for both equipment and procedures To always work in accordance with the detailed and appropriate Safety regulations and guidance This list is not exhaustive.
Essential criteria
GCSEs- or equivalent qualification- including Maths and English (Grade C or above), or equivalent experience in aligned fields (ie food production environment, pharmaceutical production environment or healthcare environment ie hospital sterile services Clear history of relevant experience in a production environment: production of food, production of reagents; production of microbiological growth media Clear history of experience in operating large-scale equipment ie autoclaves (total capacity of 850L), automated machinery or similar equipment Able to follow processes and procedures Able to work to deadlines Attention to detail - accurate record keeping using both written and electronic means (use of Microsoft Office packages) Able to undertake regular and repetitive Manual Handling activities, including the moving andLifting of loads of approx. 10kg Able to work as part of a team Ability to problem solve An understanding of cleanliness to catering and / hospital standard An understanding and commitment to equality of opportunity and maintaining good working relationships Selection Process Details
This vacancy will be assessed using a competency-based framework which will assess your qualifications,knowledgeand experience and / or skills and abilities outlined in the essential criteria.
Stage 1: Application & Sift
You willbe requiredto complete an application form. You will be assessed on the listed 11 essential criteria, and this will be in the form of a:
Application form (Employer/ Activity history section on the application) 1000 word supporting statement. This should outline how you consider your skills, experienceand 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 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 ofapplicationswe will longlist into 3 piles of:
Meets all essential criteria Meets some essential criteria Meets no essential criteria If used, the piles Meets all essential criteria and Meets some essential criteria willproceedto shortlisting.
In the event ofa large number ofapplications we may conductan initialsift, on the lead criteria of:
Clear history of relevant experience in a production environment: production of food, production of reagents; production of microbiological growth media Clear history of experience in operating large-scale equipment ie autoclaves (total capacity of 850L), automated machinery or similar equipment If you are successful at this stage, you will progress to interview.
Feedback will not be provided at this stage.
Stage 2: Interview
You will be invited to a single face to face interview at London, Colindale, NW9 5EQ. If face to face interviewsareplanned, in exceptional circumstances, we may be able to offer a remote interview.
Knowledge, experience, skills & abilities will be tested at interview.
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 Campus in Colindale. 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 - Essential Criteria Essential
Questions on Experience, Knowledge and Skills
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
Colindale (London)
NW9 5EQ
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/uk-health-security-agency (Opens in a new tab)