Scientist

UK Health Security Agency

The closing date is 30 April 2025

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Job summary

The Research and Evaluation department based at UKHSA Porton has approximately 300 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., SARS-CoV-2, Ebola, Zika, Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic Fever, Q Fever, Anthrax, Plague, Melioidosis and Monkeypox. The department also has a test facility performing regulated studies in compliance with GLP, GCP and GMP.

The Diagnostic Support Team reviews, evaluates, develops, and implements diagnostic assays for use in UKHSA/NHS and locally for the Rare and Imported Pathogens Laboratory (RIPL) working with suppliers, commercial partners, and academic groups.

The post holder will join as a Research Scientist in the Diagnostic Support Team providing serological/molecular/antigenic expertise to deliver scientific and technical projects.

The post holder, being a key member of the Diagnostic Support Team, will evaluate commercial assays and ensure delivery of new/improved/refined diagnostic assays for use in UKHSA or NHS diagnostic labs as well as training and surge capacity in the event of an outbreak. They will work concurrently on projects to ensure the scientific strategy of the department, and group are met, incorporating with their Project Team Leader the constraints of time, cost, and quality.

Main duties of the job

The post holder will be expected to be flexible to the demands of the project, have excellent communication skills and use their technical experience to ensure the project(s) worked on is done so effectively.

  1. Develop/Evaluate/Implement and utilise a range of molecular, serological, and antigenic methods in support of diagnostic evaluation activities for ACDP HG 2/3/4 pathogens, ensuring targets are met according to agreed specifications and timelines.
  2. Take responsibility for the provision of equipment, reagents and consumables required for the project and documented storage of materials generated.
  3. Independent working under the direction of the Project Team Leader to identify, evaluate and adapt new diagnostic technologies, where appropriate, and to ensure that the project operates to a high scientific standard using current methods.
  4. Participate in the supervision and training of junior staff allocated to the project in specific areas of expertise.
  5. Provide reports through collation of data using software and databases as necessary, to meet project targets.
  6. Perform any other duties required by the Line manager commensurate with grade.
  7. 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.
  8. Maintain health and safety competence.
  9. Fulfil the requirements of UKHSA Values and Behaviours and the Civil Service Code.
  10. Comply with all UKHSA policies and procedures.

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

Date posted

16 April 2025

Pay scheme

Other

Salary

£31,997 to £39,076 a year per annum, pro rata

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time, Part-time, Job share, Flexible working

Reference number

919-LT-302329-EXT

Job locations

Scientific Campus

Porton

SP4 0JG


Job description

Job responsibilities

Essential Criteria:

  • Degree in relevant subject e.g., Biomedical Science Microbiology/Virology/Molecular Biology/Immunology or equivalent relevant experience
  • Experience of microbiological diagnostic test development, evaluation, and validation for the diagnosis of bacterial and viral infection e.g., real time PCR, ELISA, IFA, LFD
  • Experience in working at ACDP CL2 and/or CL3 with a range of microbial pathogens including culture, nucleic acid extraction and antigen preparation
  • Experience of working with clinical samples and diagnostic testing
  • Experience in training junior staff and working within and across teams
  • Experience of having worked within a regulated environment (e.g., ISO 9001; GLP, UKAS)
  • Willing to undergo security clearance, vaccinations where required and partake in surge response team for RIPL
  • An understanding of and commitment to equality of opportunity and good working relationships, both in terms of day-to-day working practices, but also in relation to management systems

Desirable Criteria:

  • HCPC approved degree
  • Higher degree in relevant subject i.e., Msc/PhD in Microbiology/Virology/Molecular Biology/Immunology or equivalent relevant experience
  • Trained risk assessor with experience in laboratory management
  • Experience of LIMS systems for patient sample management including data analysis and queries on samples, sample types and tests
  • Participate in RIPL on-call team

Selection Process Details:

This vacancy is using Success Profiles and will assess your Behaviours, Ability, Experience and Technical skills.

Stage 1: Application & Sift

Success profiles

You will be required to complete an application form. You will be assessed on the listed 8 essential criteria, and this will be in the form of a:

  • Application form (Employer/ Activity history section on the application
  • 750 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.

Longlisting: In the event of a large number of applications we will longlist into 3 piles of:

  • Meets all essential criteria
  • Meets some essential criteria
  • Meets no essential criteria

Piles 'meets all essential criteria' and 'meets some essential criteria' will be taken through to shortlisting.

Shortlisting: In the event of a large number of applications we will shortlist on:

  • Experience of microbiological diagnostic test development, evaluation, and validation for the diagnosis of bacterial and viral infection e.g., real time PCR, ELISA, IFA, LFD

Desirable criteria may be used in the event of a large number of applications/large amount of successful candidates.

If you are successful at this stage, you will progress to interview and assessment.

Please do not exceed 750 words. We will not consider any words over and above this number.

Feedback will not be provided at this stage.

Stage 2: Interview

Success profiles

You will be invited to a single face to face interview. If face to face interviews are planned, in exceptional circumstances, we may be able to offer a remote interview.

Behaviours, technical ability and experience will be tested at interview.

The Behaviours tested during the interview stage will be

  • Changing and Improving
  • Communicating and Influencing
  • Working together
  • Managing a Quality Service

Interviews 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.

Selection Process

Please note you will not be able to upload your CV. You must complete the application form in as much detail as possible. Please do not email us your CV.

This role is based at Porton. Please note hybrid working is not available for this role.

Eligibility Criteria

External: open to all external applicants (anyone) from outside the Civil Service (including by definition internal applicants).

Location

This role is being offered as office/lab based at our Scientific Campus in Porton.

Security Clearance Level Requirement

Successful candidates must pass a disclosure and barring security check.

If based at one of our scientific campuses, you will be required to have a Counter Terrorism Check security vetting check as a minimum. 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. In exceptional circumstances 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.

Face to Face interviews

In exceptional circumstances, we may be able to offer a remote interview.

Job description

Job responsibilities

Essential Criteria:

  • Degree in relevant subject e.g., Biomedical Science Microbiology/Virology/Molecular Biology/Immunology or equivalent relevant experience
  • Experience of microbiological diagnostic test development, evaluation, and validation for the diagnosis of bacterial and viral infection e.g., real time PCR, ELISA, IFA, LFD
  • Experience in working at ACDP CL2 and/or CL3 with a range of microbial pathogens including culture, nucleic acid extraction and antigen preparation
  • Experience of working with clinical samples and diagnostic testing
  • Experience in training junior staff and working within and across teams
  • Experience of having worked within a regulated environment (e.g., ISO 9001; GLP, UKAS)
  • Willing to undergo security clearance, vaccinations where required and partake in surge response team for RIPL
  • An understanding of and commitment to equality of opportunity and good working relationships, both in terms of day-to-day working practices, but also in relation to management systems

Desirable Criteria:

  • HCPC approved degree
  • Higher degree in relevant subject i.e., Msc/PhD in Microbiology/Virology/Molecular Biology/Immunology or equivalent relevant experience
  • Trained risk assessor with experience in laboratory management
  • Experience of LIMS systems for patient sample management including data analysis and queries on samples, sample types and tests
  • Participate in RIPL on-call team

Selection Process Details:

This vacancy is using Success Profiles and will assess your Behaviours, Ability, Experience and Technical skills.

Stage 1: Application & Sift

Success profiles

You will be required to complete an application form. You will be assessed on the listed 8 essential criteria, and this will be in the form of a:

  • Application form (Employer/ Activity history section on the application
  • 750 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.

Longlisting: In the event of a large number of applications we will longlist into 3 piles of:

  • Meets all essential criteria
  • Meets some essential criteria
  • Meets no essential criteria

Piles 'meets all essential criteria' and 'meets some essential criteria' will be taken through to shortlisting.

Shortlisting: In the event of a large number of applications we will shortlist on:

  • Experience of microbiological diagnostic test development, evaluation, and validation for the diagnosis of bacterial and viral infection e.g., real time PCR, ELISA, IFA, LFD

Desirable criteria may be used in the event of a large number of applications/large amount of successful candidates.

If you are successful at this stage, you will progress to interview and assessment.

Please do not exceed 750 words. We will not consider any words over and above this number.

Feedback will not be provided at this stage.

Stage 2: Interview

Success profiles

You will be invited to a single face to face interview. If face to face interviews are planned, in exceptional circumstances, we may be able to offer a remote interview.

Behaviours, technical ability and experience will be tested at interview.

The Behaviours tested during the interview stage will be

  • Changing and Improving
  • Communicating and Influencing
  • Working together
  • Managing a Quality Service

Interviews 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.

Selection Process

Please note you will not be able to upload your CV. You must complete the application form in as much detail as possible. Please do not email us your CV.

This role is based at Porton. Please note hybrid working is not available for this role.

Eligibility Criteria

External: open to all external applicants (anyone) from outside the Civil Service (including by definition internal applicants).

Location

This role is being offered as office/lab based at our Scientific Campus in Porton.

Security Clearance Level Requirement

Successful candidates must pass a disclosure and barring security check.

If based at one of our scientific campuses, you will be required to have a Counter Terrorism Check security vetting check as a minimum. 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. In exceptional circumstances 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.

Face to Face interviews

In exceptional circumstances, we may be able to offer a remote interview.

Person Specification

Application form and statement of suitability

Essential

  • Application form and statement of suitability

Behaviours

Essential

  • Changing and Improving
  • Communicating and Influencing
  • Working together
  • Managing a Quality Service
Person Specification

Application form and statement of suitability

Essential

  • Application form and statement of suitability

Behaviours

Essential

  • Changing and Improving
  • Communicating and Influencing
  • Working together
  • Managing a Quality Service

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.

Certificate of Sponsorship

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.

Certificate of Sponsorship

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).

Employer details

Employer name

UK Health Security Agency

Address

Scientific Campus

Porton

SP4 0JG


Employer's website

https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/uk-health-security-agency (Opens in a new tab)

Employer details

Employer name

UK Health Security Agency

Address

Scientific Campus

Porton

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:

Resourcing Support Officer

Lisa Tweedie

Lisa.Tweedie@ukhsa.gov.uk

Date posted

16 April 2025

Pay scheme

Other

Salary

£31,997 to £39,076 a year per annum, pro rata

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time, Part-time, Job share, Flexible working

Reference number

919-LT-302329-EXT

Job locations

Scientific Campus

Porton

SP4 0JG


Supporting documents

Privacy notice

UK Health Security Agency's privacy notice (opens in a new tab)