Job summary
Salary & Grade: £35,392 - £42,618, AFC Band 6
The post holder will perform a wide range of diagnostic assays utilising both serological and molecular techniques. The highest standards of quality and safety are essential.
You will be an HCPC registered Specialist Biomedical Scientist to provide expert technical support for the specialist reference laboratory work undertaken within RIPL in accordance with UKHSA and laboratory policies and procedures with particular focus on areas of serological diagnosis by ELISA and IFA and molecular identification using real-time PCR.
Location
This is a lab-based role located at UKHSA Porton Down, Salisbury, SP4 0JG.
*Please be aware that this role can only be worked from within the UK and not overseas. Relocation expenses are not available.*
Working Pattern - Full Time.
Main duties of the job
The job holder will be required to carry out the following responsibilities, activities and duties:
- To undertake a range of diagnostic assays and techniques as required, meeting the needs of RIPL service provision.
- To identify to management any potential conflicts of interest which may impinge on their ability to perform their duties effectively as defined by UKHSA Conflict of Interest Policy.
- Produce and maintain reagents to support current testing strategies and for the development of new assays.
- Assist in the identification, evaluation and adaptation of new technologies and diagnostic tests to enhance the laboratories capabilities and to ensure the project area works to a high scientific standard.
- Supply data to agreed timescales required by RIPL service level agreement.
- Undertake general laboratory duties including disposal of waste, equipment maintenance, stock control and ensuring a safe working environment.
- Participate in the RIPL on-call rota to provide 24/7 cover.
- To ensure all work in undertaken in accordance with the UKHSA's Code of Safety Practice and to work within ISO15189 quality standards
- Prioritise, co-ordinate and organise specialist investigations and supervise the workload of a team of staff.
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
Working for the UKHSA
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 suppor
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
Job description
Job responsibilities
STAGE 1 - APPLICATION & SIFT:
You will be required to complete an application form and statement of suitability. 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 may be asked to undertake a test or presentation at interview.
Expected Timeline:
Advert close: 23:55hrs on 29th of January 2024 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: TBC
Interviews: TBC
Please note these dates could be subject to change.
It is important through your application and Statement of Suitability of up to 1250 words that you give evidence and examples of proven experience mentioned here in the Person Specification section.
Job description
Job responsibilities
STAGE 1 - APPLICATION & SIFT:
You will be required to complete an application form and statement of suitability. 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 may be asked to undertake a test or presentation at interview.
Expected Timeline:
Advert close: 23:55hrs on 29th of January 2024 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: TBC
Interviews: TBC
Please note these dates could be subject to change.
It is important through your application and Statement of Suitability of up to 1250 words that you give evidence and examples of proven experience mentioned here in the Person Specification section.
Person Specification
Education
Essential
- HCPC accredited degree
- IBMS Specialist Diploma
Desirable
Experience
Essential
- Experience of diagnostic molecular biology testing, molecular methods including real time PCR
- Recent experience in a diagnostic or reference virology laboratory
- Experience of working in a regulated environment with quality systems and knowledge of UKAS ISO15189
- Working knowledge of LIMS
- Evidence of success in efficient and effective project and programme participation/management
- Used to working in a busy environment
- Demonstrate a strong desire to improve performance and make a difference by focusing on goals
- Problem solving skills and ability to respond to sudden unexpected demands
- Ability to analyse and interpret information, pre-empt and evaluate issues, and recommend and appropriate course of action to address the issues
- Skills for nurturing key relationships and maintaining networks
- Clear communicator with excellent writing, report writing and presentation skills; capable of constructing and delivering clear ideas and concepts concisely and accurately for diverse audiences
- Good knowledge and experience of serological methods including ELISA and IFA
- Skills for communication on complex matters and difficult situations, requiring persuasion and influence
- Strategic thinking - ability to anticipate
Desirable
Person Specification
Education
Essential
- HCPC accredited degree
- IBMS Specialist Diploma
Desirable
Experience
Essential
- Experience of diagnostic molecular biology testing, molecular methods including real time PCR
- Recent experience in a diagnostic or reference virology laboratory
- Experience of working in a regulated environment with quality systems and knowledge of UKAS ISO15189
- Working knowledge of LIMS
- Evidence of success in efficient and effective project and programme participation/management
- Used to working in a busy environment
- Demonstrate a strong desire to improve performance and make a difference by focusing on goals
- Problem solving skills and ability to respond to sudden unexpected demands
- Ability to analyse and interpret information, pre-empt and evaluate issues, and recommend and appropriate course of action to address the issues
- Skills for nurturing key relationships and maintaining networks
- Clear communicator with excellent writing, report writing and presentation skills; capable of constructing and delivering clear ideas and concepts concisely and accurately for diverse audiences
- Good knowledge and experience of serological methods including ELISA and IFA
- Skills for communication on complex matters and difficult situations, requiring persuasion and influence
- Strategic thinking - ability to anticipate
Desirable
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
Additional information
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
