Scientist – Electron Microscopy & Microbiology
UK Health Security Agency
This job is now closed
Job summary
The post holder will be primarily working in the electron microscopy (EM) department at UKHSA Porton with occasional work in the EM facility at Colindale. They will be registered with The Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) as a Clinical Scientist or Biomedical Scientist or will be eligible to apply for registration in the near term. The successful candidate will also be expected to undertake support work in associated virology and microbiology laboratories. They should have a science or biomedical science degree or equivalent academic qualification. Ideally, they would have experience of working with electron microscopes, but full training and support will be provided.
The post holder would be expected to undergo training to operate the transmission and scanning electron microscopes for research and clinical needs.
The successful applicant will also work as part of the high containment microbiology team, providing a high level of microbiological skills to deliver the needs of the department.
The post holder would be expected to assist in any UKHSA co-ordinated response or activity of a national/international nature, e.g., a Bioterrorism incident or a major disease outbreak, e.g., SARS.
The successful candidate is expected to take part in the provision of out-of-hours services.
Location
Porton Down, Salisbury SP4 0JG - on site working
*Please be aware that this role can only be worked from within the UK and not overseas. Relocation expenses are not available.*
Main duties of the job
The job holder will be required to carry out the following responsibilities, activities and duties:
- Implement and utilise a range of techniques in support of clinical analysis and research activities undertaken by EM within High Containment and Biological Services Department.
- Liaise with departmental staff and customers to plan the most appropriate methods of EM sample preparation and imaging that are likely to provide meaningful and useful data. Assist the 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 in accordance with the quality systems relevant to the work (e.g., ISO, GMP, etc).
- Carry out the necessary risk assessments to ensure the work can be performed safely and take responsibility for the provision of reagents and consumables required for the work.
- Operate both transmission and scanning electron microscopes (TEM and SEM) and associated equipment.
- Supply and analyse data to agreed timescales to meet requirements of audit, preparation of reports, presentations, and publications.
- Participate in cross-site working as and when required (i.e., work in EM facilities at Porton and Colindale).
The duties/responsibilities listed above describe the post as it is at present and is not intended to be exhaustive. The Job holder is expected to accept reasonable alterations and additional tasks of a similar level that may be necessary.
About us
For more information on the UKHSA please visit: UK Health Security Agency - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
Benefits
- Learning and development tailored to your role
- An environment with flexible working options
- A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity
- A Civil Service pension with an average employer contribution of 27%
- Range of health and wellbeing support
Any move to UKHSA from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. This includes moves between government departments. You may however be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax Free Childcare. Determine your eligibility at Childcare Choices | 30 Hours Free Childcare, Tax-Free Childcare and More | Help with Costs | GOV.UK
Date posted
31 August 2023
Pay scheme
Other
Salary
£29,160 to £35,612 a year
Contract
Permanent
Working pattern
Full-time, Flexible working
Reference number
UKHSA00413
Job locations
Porton Down
Salisbury
SP4 0JG
Employer details
Employer name
UK Health Security Agency
Address
Porton Down
Salisbury
SP4 0JG
Employer's website
https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/uk-health-security-agency (Opens in a new tab)
For questions about the job, contact:
Supporting documents
Privacy notice
UK Health Security Agency's privacy notice (opens in a new tab)