Job summary
As a HCPC-registered Clinical Scientist, the post-holder will work seamlessly between the Healthcare-Associated Infection (HCAI) and Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Service and Laboratories: (i) to provide scientific and technical leadership in the area of Staphylococcus spp; (ii) to lead the laboratory team delivering national Staphylococcus spp reference services; (iii) to be responsible for validating and issuing clinical reports to customers for Staphylococcus spp and Streptococcus spp; and (iv) to provide scientific and strategic leadership for introducing novel technologies into reference services to meet the HCAI, Fungal, AMR, Antimicrobial Usage (AMU) & Sepsis Division objectives.
In addition, post will act as an expert Scientific Adviser to Deputy Director/s of HCAI, Fungal, AMR, AMU & Sepsis on Staphylococcus and Streptococcus spp. It will involve close liaison with laboratory staff working on these bacteria, providing scientific direction on areas of relevance to the HCAI, Fungal, AMR, AMU & Sepsis Division. In particular, this will focus on areas of national HCAI/AMR importance including outbreak investigation and assessment of vulnerable groups at risk of Staphylococcus and Streptococcus infection e.g., care home residents, people who inject drugs, prison and homeless populations.
Main duties of the job
To be a source of expert advice and information on microbiological aspects of staphylococci and the biology of staphylococcal disease. Provide information, interpretation and comment on national guidance, legislation, codes of practice and answers to Parliamentary Questions and media enquiries. Provide expert advice and knowledge to external bodies on the scientific basis of reference service tests, documents or services provided as appropriate.
To be responsible for ensuring the high-quality validation of clinical reports issued to customers for staphylococcal and streptococcal reference services, including strain characterisation, genomic assessment, virulence markers and toxin production.
To work with staff of Bacteriology Reference Division (BRD) and relevant consultant medical microbiologists in UKHSA to provide input into clinical interpretation and to ensure prompt and accurate delivery of staphylococcal reference services including discussing interpretation with microbiologists and clinicians in the field and health protection teams investigating outbreaks.
To arrange suitable and sufficient cover for reference service delivery, as necessary.
To lead staphylococcal and streptococcal service clinical governance meetings, developing automated services including auditing the impact of new methodologies including routine whole-genome sequencing for relatedness, resistance detection, and outbreak response.
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.
Please visit our careers site for more information https://gov.uk/ukhsa/careers
Job description
Job responsibilities
Within the defined specialist area(s) to undertake the following scientific functions:
- To advise senior managers, including Deputy Directors, on all aspects of work associated with specialist area.
- To assess methodologies regularly to provide on-going improvement in services and to provide expert advice and knowledge on the scientific basis of reference service tests and results.
- To provide strategic opinion to senior managers, including Deputy Directors, for identifying methods and technologies relevant to the specialist area that are suitable for development, evaluation and implementation.
- To produce peer-reviewed publications on the results of reference and research activities. To develop, review and edit manuscripts, documents, protocols, procedures, guidelines, and other measurable outputs.
- To provide scientific advice and support in relation to internal quality controls and, where relevant, external quality assessment, proficiency testing and reference materials in collaboration with the UK National External Quality Assessment Service for Microbiology (NEQAS) and other organisations as appropriate.
- To present research findings at local, national and international scientific meetings.
- To participate in on-call services as required e.g., the Bacteria Reference Department senior scientist diphtheria on-call rota.
This is not an exhaustive list please see Job description document for full list of duties.
Selection Process Details
This vacancy will be assessed using a competency-based framework which will assess your Qualifications, knowledge and experience and / or skills and abilities outlined in the essential criteria.
Please be aware that we will assess on the12 essential criteria stated on the advert rather than the full list on the job description document.
Stage 1: Application & Sift
You will be required to complete an application form. You will be assessed on the listed 12 essential criteria, which have been selected from the job description, and this will be in the form of a:
- Application form (Employer/ Activity history section on the application)
- 1000 word Statement of Suitability.
This should outline how your skills, experience, and knowledge provide evidence of your suitability for the role, with reference to the essential criteria.
The Application form and Statement of Suitability will be marked together.
In the event of a large number of applications we will shortlist on the following essential criteria:
- Relevant professional qualification: either full registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) as Clinical Scientist, or an ACS Certificate of Attainment
- PhD in microbiology or a related discipline
- Familiarity with diverse molecular diagnostic platforms .
If you are successful at this stage, you will progress to interview and assessment
Please do not exceed 1000 words. We will not consider any words over and above this number.
Feedback will not be provided at this stage.
Stage 2: Interview (competency based)
You will be invited to a (single) remote interview.
Knowledge, experience, skills & abilities will be tested at interview
There will be a Presentation- details to be confirmed to those successful at securing an interview.
Interview dates to be confirmed.
Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.
This role is based at Colindale . Please note hybrid working is not available for this role.
Eligibility CriteriaExternal 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 Counter-terrorist Check.
For meaningful National Security Vetting checks to be carried out individuals need to have lived in the UK for a sufficient period of time. You should normally have been resident in the United Kingdom for the last 3 years as the role requires Counter Terrorism Check (CTC) clearance. UK residency less than the outlined periods may not necessarily bar you from gaining national security vetting and applicants should contact the Vacancy Holder / Recruiting Manager listed in the advert for further advice.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Within the defined specialist area(s) to undertake the following scientific functions:
- To advise senior managers, including Deputy Directors, on all aspects of work associated with specialist area.
- To assess methodologies regularly to provide on-going improvement in services and to provide expert advice and knowledge on the scientific basis of reference service tests and results.
- To provide strategic opinion to senior managers, including Deputy Directors, for identifying methods and technologies relevant to the specialist area that are suitable for development, evaluation and implementation.
- To produce peer-reviewed publications on the results of reference and research activities. To develop, review and edit manuscripts, documents, protocols, procedures, guidelines, and other measurable outputs.
- To provide scientific advice and support in relation to internal quality controls and, where relevant, external quality assessment, proficiency testing and reference materials in collaboration with the UK National External Quality Assessment Service for Microbiology (NEQAS) and other organisations as appropriate.
- To present research findings at local, national and international scientific meetings.
- To participate in on-call services as required e.g., the Bacteria Reference Department senior scientist diphtheria on-call rota.
This is not an exhaustive list please see Job description document for full list of duties.
Selection Process Details
This vacancy will be assessed using a competency-based framework which will assess your Qualifications, knowledge and experience and / or skills and abilities outlined in the essential criteria.
Please be aware that we will assess on the12 essential criteria stated on the advert rather than the full list on the job description document.
Stage 1: Application & Sift
You will be required to complete an application form. You will be assessed on the listed 12 essential criteria, which have been selected from the job description, and this will be in the form of a:
- Application form (Employer/ Activity history section on the application)
- 1000 word Statement of Suitability.
This should outline how your skills, experience, and knowledge provide evidence of your suitability for the role, with reference to the essential criteria.
The Application form and Statement of Suitability will be marked together.
In the event of a large number of applications we will shortlist on the following essential criteria:
- Relevant professional qualification: either full registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) as Clinical Scientist, or an ACS Certificate of Attainment
- PhD in microbiology or a related discipline
- Familiarity with diverse molecular diagnostic platforms .
If you are successful at this stage, you will progress to interview and assessment
Please do not exceed 1000 words. We will not consider any words over and above this number.
Feedback will not be provided at this stage.
Stage 2: Interview (competency based)
You will be invited to a (single) remote interview.
Knowledge, experience, skills & abilities will be tested at interview
There will be a Presentation- details to be confirmed to those successful at securing an interview.
Interview dates to be confirmed.
Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.
This role is based at Colindale . Please note hybrid working is not available for this role.
Eligibility CriteriaExternal 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 Counter-terrorist Check.
For meaningful National Security Vetting checks to be carried out individuals need to have lived in the UK for a sufficient period of time. You should normally have been resident in the United Kingdom for the last 3 years as the role requires Counter Terrorism Check (CTC) clearance. UK residency less than the outlined periods may not necessarily bar you from gaining national security vetting and applicants should contact the Vacancy Holder / Recruiting Manager listed in the advert for further advice.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Relevant professional qualification: either full registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) as Clinical Scientist, or an ACS Certificate of Attainment
- PhD in microbiology or a related discipline.
Knowledge and Experience
Essential
- Clinical scientific and molecular microbiology expertise of Staphylococcal & Streptococcal spp.
- Familiarity with diverse molecular diagnostic platforms
- LIMS experience. Validating reports through MOLIS or similar LIMS system.
- Experience working within the healthcare associated infection field and good working knowledge of antibiotic susceptibility testing and resistance mechanisms.
- Substantive (postdoctoral) experience in Public Health microbiology in reference and/or diagnostic settings.
- Demonstrable experience of laboratory quality systems, running services accredited to ISO15189 standard.
- Proven record of research in relevant areas including significant/relevant publications.
- Evidence of continuing professional development.
Skills, Capabilities and Behaviours
Essential
- Able to provide/receive highly complex information, negotiate and present to peers/others.
- Ability to negotiate on difficult and controversial issues including performance and change.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Relevant professional qualification: either full registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) as Clinical Scientist, or an ACS Certificate of Attainment
- PhD in microbiology or a related discipline.
Knowledge and Experience
Essential
- Clinical scientific and molecular microbiology expertise of Staphylococcal & Streptococcal spp.
- Familiarity with diverse molecular diagnostic platforms
- LIMS experience. Validating reports through MOLIS or similar LIMS system.
- Experience working within the healthcare associated infection field and good working knowledge of antibiotic susceptibility testing and resistance mechanisms.
- Substantive (postdoctoral) experience in Public Health microbiology in reference and/or diagnostic settings.
- Demonstrable experience of laboratory quality systems, running services accredited to ISO15189 standard.
- Proven record of research in relevant areas including significant/relevant publications.
- Evidence of continuing professional development.
Skills, Capabilities and Behaviours
Essential
- Able to provide/receive highly complex information, negotiate and present to peers/others.
- Ability to negotiate on difficult and controversial issues including performance and change.
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).
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
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).
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
