Job responsibilities
Responsibilities section:
- 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 (where qualified to do so) 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.
- To work within the PHE 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.
- To maintain a high standard of technical skills.
- To be able to interpret and report (where qualified to do so) on all routine tests.
- To ensure important or unusual results are drawn to the attention of senior staff and/or Medical staff, and to report complaints and anomalies.
- To maintain consumable supplies within the area of responsibility.
- To ensure a sound knowledge of the laboratory IT system.
- To demonstrate a good understanding of basic microbiology, and to develop scientific knowledge, commensurate with the grade of Biomedical Scientist Practitioner. Also, to undergo further training as may be necessary and available,
- To be responsible for equipment and automated processors in the area of responsibility, identifying any problems and bring them to the attention of senior staff.
- To communicate effectively with all members of the team and other health care professionals as appropriate.
- To ensure the agreed quality standards of service are maintained.
- To monitor quality control results and bring any anomalies to the attention of Senior BMS staff.
- To respond accordingly to changes in laboratory protocols.
- To liaise with senior BMS staff, medical and scientific staff in all matters relating to the diagnosis of infection.
- To assist where appropriate with research and audit projects.
- To assist in the production and dissemination of laboratory reports, data statistics.
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.
Please see job description attached for the full list of duties and responsibilities.
It is important through your application and Statement of Suitability of 1200 words that you give evidence and examples of proven experience of each of the following criteria:
Essential Criteria:
Essential
- BSc Biomedical Science degree or equivalent academic achievement ratified by the IBMS
- A minimum of 2 years experience working in a diagnostic microbiology or virology laboratory.
- Understanding of:
- UKAS standards.
- supporting R&D activities.
- Health & Safety
- Data Protection and Information Governance legislation
- Experience of working in a health care environment. Awareness of a range of Health Services provisions and knowledge of NHS issues
- Experience of using computerised data systems
- Able to demonstrable organisational and managerial skills. Plan own time and that of others effectively
- Ability to work effectively as part of a team
Desirable
- Health Professions Council (HCPC) registered
- Experience of training staff
- Experience of evaluating new techniques/equipment
Selection process details
STAGE 1 - APPLICATION & SIFT:
You will be required to complete an application form. This will be assessed in line with the advertised essential criteria please do provide evidence of how you meet this.
If you are successful at this stage, you will progress to an interview.
STAGE 2 INTERVIEW
This competition will involve a face-to-face interview.
As part of the process, candidates will be invited to interview which will involve an in-depth discussion of your previous experience and professional competence in relation to the criteria set out in the Person Specification.
Your Statement of Suitability should outline your skills, experience, and achievements, providing evidence of your suitability for the role, with reference to the essential criteria (outlined in the person specification section).
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.
Please note that you will be assessed against the following behaviours and strengths:
- Working Together
- Delivering at pace
- Managing a quality service
- Developing self and others
Expected Timeline:
Advert close: 23:55hrs on 16th October 2023 unfortunately, late applications will not be considered. Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.
Shortlist: 21st October 2023
Interviews: TBC
Please note these dates could be subject to change.
Eligibility Criteria
Open to all external applicants (anyone) from outside the Civil Service (including by definition internal applicants)
Nationality requirements
Appointments to roles within UKHSA will be made in accordance with the Civil Service nationality rules. These can be found athttps://www.gov.uk/government/publications/nationality-rulesThis job is broadly open to the following groups:
- UK nationals
- Nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
- Nationals of the Republic of Ireland
- Nationals from the EU, EEA or Switzerland with settled or pre-settled status or who apply for either status by the deadline of theEuropean Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
- Relevant EU, EEA, Swiss or Turkish nationals working in the Civil Service
- Relevant EU, EEA, Swiss or Turkish nationals who have built up the right to work in the Civil Service
- Certain family members of the relevant EU, EEA, Swiss or Turkish nationals
We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's Recruitment Principles.
The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.
The Civil Service welcomes applications from people who have recently left prison or have an unspent conviction. Read more about prison leaver recruitment.
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.
For posts on UKHSA Civil Service terms and conditions, new entrants to the Civil Service are expected to start on the minimum of the pay band. For existing Civil Servants and roles advertised across government, the rules of transfer apply, i.e., level transfers move on current salary or the pay range minimum, transfers on promotion move to new pay range minimum or receive a 10% increase. Either case is determined by whichever is the highest.
Please Note
This role is to be appointed under Civil Service Terms & Conditions. Full details on the T&Cs are found https://www.ukhsa.reed.com/
Are you already a civil servant, or employed by a Civil Service Commission accredited public body? Please state home department on your application form.
Do you meet the nationality requirements for this post? https://www.ukhsa.reed.com/
Complaint process:
The law requires that selection for appointment to the Civil Service is on merit on the basis of fair and open competition as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's Recruitment Principles. If you feel your application has not been treated in accordance with the Recruitment Principles, and you wish to make a complaint, in the first instance, you should contact UKHSA Public Accountability Unit via email:Complaints1@ukhsa.gov.uk. If you are not satisfied with the response you receive from the Department, you can contact the Civil Service Commission: Visit the Civil Service Commission website.
