Scientist

UK Health Security Agency

This job is now closed

Job summary

To provide microbiology expertise as part of the antimicrobial evaluation team within the Technology Development Group of the Research and Evaluation department.

Main duties of the job

Implement and utilise a range of methods/assays/techniques in support of all activities associated with the project aimed to ensure project targets are met. Methods include aseptic handling of ACDP2 level pathogens, MICs, time-kills, mechanism of action studies, whole genome sequencing and the hollow fiber model for PK/PD.
Take responsibility for the provision of reagents and consumables required for project area
Assist the project team to identify, evaluate and adapt new technologies where appropriate and to ensure that the project operates to a high scientific standard using current methods
Take responsibility for the supervision and training of junior staff allocated to the project as required
Provide reports through analysis of data using software and databases as necessary, to meet project targets and for preparation of presentations and publications
To perform any other duties required by the Line manager commensurate with grade
To ensure that the project team undertakes work in accordance with applicable UKHSA Safety and Quality systems
To maintain health and safety competence
To fulfil the requirements of UKHSA Values and the Civil Service Code.
To comply with all UKHSA policies and procedures

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.

The Technology Development Group is based at the Porton Down site, outside of Salisbury. The team aims to develop new interventions for antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and healthcare associated infections (HCAI). The group uses a variety of approaches to develop real life solutions to practical problems. The group takes an interdisciplinary approach working with a variety of groups in life sciences, chemistry, physical sciences and engineering.

Active research areas: i) Assessing bacterial responses to antiseptics and disinfectants, ii) Understanding the impact of single and mixed species biofilms, iii) Development and evaluation of new antimicrobial agents, iv) Rapid detection and diagnosis, v) Decontamination, applied infection control.

Date posted

25 February 2022

Pay scheme

Other

Salary

£28,588 to £35,612 a year per annum, pro rata

Contract

Fixed term

Duration

3 years

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

919-RA-39887236-EXT

Job locations

Porton Down

Salisbury

SP4 0JG

Job description

Job responsibilities

OPTIONAL DUTIES (Risk Assessors)

To fulfil the requirements for Risk Assessors as laid out in the UKHSA Health and Safety Risk Management systems

OPTIONAL DUTIES (Laboratory Supervisors)

Take responsibility for ensuring the health and safety of the laboratory, procedures and laboratory users in line with UKHSA policies, Codes of Practice, SOPs and other good practice and guidance

To achieve and maintain health and safety competence as a laboratory supervisor in line with UKHSA policies and guidance

This vacancy is usingSuccess Profiles, and will assess your Behaviours/Strengths/Experience/Technical skills.

As part of the application process you will be asked to provide a Personal Statement / Statement of Suitability (in no more than 500 words)

This should outline how you consider your skills, experience and achievements, provide evidence of your suitability for the role, with particular reference to the essential criteria outlined.You will also be asked to provide information within the Employer/ Activity history section of the application form. This is equivalent to the information you would provide on a CV, setting out your career history (this will be used in sifting process and will not be scored).

STAGE 1 - APPLICATION & SIFT:You will be required to complete an application form. This will be assessed in line with the advertised criteria.

If you are successful at this stage, you will progress to interview.

STAGE 2 INTERVIEWAll candidates who are successful at the sift stage will undertake a single video interview.

All applicants that progress to interview will be assessed on a blended interview against a mixture of Behaviours and Strength elements of Success Profiles.

The Behaviours assessed during the interview stage will be:

Changing and Improving
Communicating and influencing
Working together
Delivering at pace

The Strengths tested assessed the interview stage will be:

Analytical
Learner
Team Player
Responsible

Eligibility Criteria Text:

This vacancy is open to all Civil Service employees and applicants from accredited NDPBs who were appointed on merit following fair and open competition; or were appointed to a permanent post through an exception in the Civil Service Commissioners' rules. Those eligible to apply will only be considered on loan basis (Civil Servants) or secondment (accredited NDPBs).

Prior agreement to be released on a loan basis must be obtained before commencing the application process. In the case of Civil Servants, the terms of the loan will be agreed between the home and host department and the Civil Servant. This includes grade on return.

Open to all external applicants (anyone) from outside the Civil Service (including by definition internal applicants).

Security Clearance Level Requirement:

Successful candidates must pass a disclosure and barring security check.

Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is Basic Personnel Security Standard

People working with government assets must complete Basic Personnel Security Standard checks.