UK Health Security Agency

Scientist - Immunology

This job is now closed

Job summary

The TB Vaccine Evaluation Group uses the non-human primate (NHP) model to assess the safety, efficacy and immunogenicity of a range of novel vaccines and therapeutics to protect against and treat Tuberculosis, a disease which was responsible for 1.4 million deaths in 2019.

You will be involved in the analysis of blood samples to measure the mycobacteria-specific cellular immune response in response to vaccination and/or infection at ACDP Containment Levels 2 & 3 using a range of advanced immunoassays including; the ELISPOT assay, flow cytometry and multiplex bead array technology.

Main duties of the job

Training will be provided on assays and techniques required for the post.
Implement and utilise a range of methods, assays and techniques (including PBMC isolation, ELISPOT) at ACDP containment levels 2 & 3 in support of all activities associated with the TB evaluation group's projects and to ensure project targets are met.
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.
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 UKHSA's Code of Safety Practice and to work within any Quality Systems that are applicable to the site.
To comply with all UKHSA policies and procedures.

Previous laboratory experience would be an advantage but not a requirement as training will be provided. Experience of working in a team and Microsoft Office packages would also be an advantage.

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.

UKHSA-Porton plays an important role in preparing for and coordinating responses to potential healthcare emergencies, including possible acts of deliberate release.

In addition, the centre undertakes both basic and applied research into understanding infectious diseases and manufactures a number of healthcare products, including vaccines and therapeutics.

The Research department at Porton has approximately 250 staff, performing a range of research activities, including high containment level work. The department's work covers a broad range of projects involving the development and evaluation of interventions into a range of infectious diseases e.g. TB, meningitis, SARS-CoV2, anthrax and plague.

Date posted

01 March 2022

Pay scheme

Other

Salary

£23,389 to £28,195 a year per annum, pro rata

Contract

Fixed term

Duration

12 months

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

919-SJ-33499206-EXT

Job locations

Porton Down

Salisbury

SP4 0JG

Job description

Job responsibilities

You will apply a broad range of technical skills and assays relating to the analysis of the mycobacteria-specific cellular immune response at ACDP Containment Levels 2 & 3. This post will involve the application of advanced immunology assays. In particular, the investigation of antigen-specific cellular immune responses, immunological memory and functional markers using ELISPOT, multiparameter flow cytometry, and multiplex bead array technology. These methods will be applied to advanced in vivo models (e.g. non-human primates) of M. tuberculosis infection for the investigation of potential correlates of protection and biomarkers of disease.

Key Responsibilities

Implement and utilise a range of methods, assays and techniques (including PBMC isolation, ELISPOT) at ACDP containment levels 2 & 3 in support of all activities associated with the TB evaluation groups projects and to ensure project targets are met.
Training will be provided on assays and techniques required for the post.
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.
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 UKHSAs Code of Safety Practice and to work within any Quality Systems that are applicable to the site.
To comply with all UKHSA policies and procedures.

Other

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 the directorate.

The job description and person specification may be reviewed on an ongoing basis in accordance with the changing needs of the organization

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

As part of the application process you will be asked to provide a Statement of Suitability (in no more than 1000 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 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 assessedagainst a mixture of Behaviours and Strength elements of Success Profiles.

The Behaviours tested during the interview stage will be: Changing and Improving, Working Together, Developing Self and Others

The Strengths tested during the interview stage will be: Improver, Learner, Precise, Problem Solver, Resilient, Responsible, Team Player

This vacancy is open to all external applicants (anyone) from outside the Civil Service (including by definition internal applicants)

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.

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.

Job description

Job responsibilities

Key Responsibilities

Implement and utilise a range of methods, assays and techniques (including PBMC isolation, ELISPOT) at ACDP containment levels 2 & 3 in support of all activities associated with the TB evaluation groups projects and to ensure project targets are met.
Training will be provided on assays and techniques required for the post.
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.
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 UKHSAs Code of Safety Practice and to work within any Quality Systems that are applicable to the site.
To comply with all UKHSA policies and procedures.