Job responsibilities
Specific duties of the role may vary depending upon the site and teams/functions.Please refer to the Job description for the full scope of the duties and responsibilities.
- To process the specimens received and to undertake the related tasks in the various sections of the laboratory, leading to the reporting and interpretation of results in accordance with agreed policies and standard operating procedures (SOPs).
- To be responsible for maintenance of consumables and equipment in immediate area of work. Also, to use and maintain automated equipment following manufacturers guidelines and training.
- Based upon knowledge and experience, to designate, on receipt, the range of tests to be performed on the various samples.
- Utilising microbiological techniques, to work competently in all sections of West Midlands Public Health Laboratory including Bacteriology, National Mycobacteria Reference Service, Molecular Biology, and Viral Serology.
- To participate in the out-of-hours Microbiology service as required.
- To work within the UKHSA and Laboratory policies, codes of practice and professional guidelines.
- To adhere to laboratory SOPs and to organise the work of the allocated area in the laboratory.
- To maintain a high standard of professional competence in the performance of all tests and investigations carried out in the laboratory.
The successful candidate must be flexible, able to work in a team and use their own initiative.
Each of the sites operates a 7-day working week and the applicant will be required to work a maximum of 37.5 hours per week. Each site delivers a 24-hour service. The successful candidate will be required to work defined shifts, as required.
The above is only an outline of the tasks, responsibilities and outcomes required of the role. You will carry out any other duties as may reasonably be required by your line manager.
The job description and person specification may be reviewed on an ongoing basis in accordance with the changing needs of the division and UKHSA.
Selection Process
This vacancy is usingSuccess Profilesand will assess your Behaviours/ Strengths/ Experience/ Technical skills.
As part of the application process you will be asked to provide a Statement of Suitability in no more than1250 words)
This should outline how you consider your skills, experience and achievements, and 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 the sifting process and 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 an interview.
STAGE 2 INTERVIEWAll candidates who are successful at the sift stage will undertake asinglevideo interview.
All applicants that progress to an interview will be assessed on their technical experience and a blended interview against a mixture of Behaviours, and strengths elements of Success Profiles.
The Behaviours tested during the interview stage will be:
- Seeing the Big Picture
- Leadership
- Working Together
- Developing Self and Others
- Managing a Quality Service
The Strengths tested during the interview stage will link to the above Behaviours:
Disciplined, Efficient, Learner, Organiser, Problem Solver, Relationship Builder, Service Focused, Team Player
Technical Skills will also be assessed against the Knowledge and capabilities criterion in the job description.
Qualification:
It is essential that candidates hold a BSc in Biomedical Science or equivalent academic achievement ratified by the IBMS and must be state registered with the HCPC. It is desirable that they are a member of the IBMS
Eligibility Criteria Text:
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.
Salary
New entrants to the Civil Service are expected to start on the minimum of the pay band.
The internal roles rules apply to existing Civil Servants, i.e. level transfers move on current salary or the pay range minimum, transfers on promotion move to new pay range minimum or receive 10% increase.Either case is determined by whichever is the highest.For further details please refer to the Information Sheet- Starting Salaries & Benefits attachment.
Market Pay Supplement (MPS)
- This role attracts a Market Pay Supplement, bringing the minimum salary to £32,306 per annum, pro-rata
- The panel will assess if candidates meet the requirements of the role first, using a specific benchmark system. If your application falls below theHEO grade threshold, yourapplication may be assessed against the lower grade role. If you are interviewed for the role and you do not meet the required benchmark you may be considered for an EO-grade role.
- If applying from overseas you must hold a suitable UK VISA that will allow you to work full-time and remain in the UK.
Flexible Working:
UKHSA offers hybrid working for its employees this means that whilst the role will be based in one of our UKHSA offices, there will be opportunities for an element of working from home. The balance between home and workplace working is to be agreed with the line manager, determined primarily by business need and in line with departmental policy. Some business travel will be required to other UKHSA offices. Business travel between base location and any other UKHSA offices will be covered under the UKHSA Travel and Expenses policy. Please be aware that this role can only be worked in the UK and not overseas. Relocation expenses are not available.
Late applications will not be considered.
