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UK Health Security Agency

Healthcare Scientist Advanced

The closing date is 10 June 2025

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Job summary

We have an exciting opportunity for a Healthcare Scientist Advanced who will be supporting surveillance activities and reference work for enteric viruses at the Enteric Virus Unit (EVU) within UKHSA.

EVU is the national reference laboratory for a range of enteric virus pathogens including enterovirus, rotavirus and norovirus. The main focus of the laboratory's work is to provide specialist reference services for human enteric viruses through surveillance programmes and outbreak investigations in the UK and internationally.

The successful applicant will have a PhD degree in Microbiology or related biological science subject and experience of working in a molecular laboratory.

On a day-to-day basis, the successful applicant will be working in a laboratory environment, developing assays to support EVU activities. There is also a strong component of data analysis and generation of reports as well as training and staff supervision required for this role

Good organisational and communication skills are essential as the post holder will be working as part of a dynamic team and in collaboration with internal, national and international partners.

Main duties of the job

The EVU is the national reference laboratory for a range of enteric virus pathogens including enterovirus, rotavirus and norovirus. The focus of the laboratory's work is to provide specialist reference services for human enteric viruses through surveillance programmes and outbreak investigations in the UK and internationally.

The post holder will provide laboratory support for the identification and characterisation of clinical enteric viruses.

Some of the main responsibilities are:

  • Expansion of the Unit capabilities for virus characterisation, including assay development and validation.
  • Contribute to the development of information technology systems and databases as required. Data analysis including sequencing and characterisation information.
  • Support surveillance activities, including liaising with internal and external partners.
  • Collate and present data for discussion and reporting.

Please see the job description for the full list of duties and responsibilities.

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

Details

Date posted

27 May 2025

Pay scheme

Other

Salary

£44,852 to £50,472 a year per annum, pro rata

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

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

Reference number

919-JP-14465049-EXT

Job locations

UKHSA Colindale

London

NW9 5EQ


Job description

Job responsibilities

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.

Stage 1: Application & Sift

You will be required to complete an application form. You will be assessed on the listed essential criteria that 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.

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.

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

Please note only those applications meeting all essential criteria will be taken through to shortlisting.

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

  • Good in-depth knowledge of clinical and reference work
  • Experience in managing research-based activities and projects

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 1000 words. We will not consider any words over and above this number.

Feedback will not be provided at this stage.

Stage 2: Interview

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

Knowledge, experience, skills & abilities will be tested at interview.

There will be a presentation at interview. The subject of this will be sent to you prior to interview.

Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.

Location

This role is being offered as lab based working at our Scientific Campus in Colindale, London. Please note that hybrid working is not available for this role.

Eligibility Criteria

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 clearance.

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

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.

Stage 1: Application & Sift

You will be required to complete an application form. You will be assessed on the listed essential criteria that 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.

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.

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

Please note only those applications meeting all essential criteria will be taken through to shortlisting.

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

  • Good in-depth knowledge of clinical and reference work
  • Experience in managing research-based activities and projects

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 1000 words. We will not consider any words over and above this number.

Feedback will not be provided at this stage.

Stage 2: Interview

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

Knowledge, experience, skills & abilities will be tested at interview.

There will be a presentation at interview. The subject of this will be sent to you prior to interview.

Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.

Location

This role is being offered as lab based working at our Scientific Campus in Colindale, London. Please note that hybrid working is not available for this role.

Eligibility Criteria

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 clearance.

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

  • PhD in Microbiology or related subject

Experience 1

Essential

  • Good in-depth knowledge of clinical and reference work

Experience 2

Essential

  • Good in-depth knowledge and experience in the development and validation of molecular methods in the analysis of viral pathogens

Experience 3

Essential

  • An understanding of laboratory safety requirements and procedures, including risk assessment

Experience 4

Essential

  • Experience in managing research-based activities and projects

Experience 5

Essential

  • Excellent written and communication skills
Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

  • PhD in Microbiology or related subject

Experience 1

Essential

  • Good in-depth knowledge of clinical and reference work

Experience 2

Essential

  • Good in-depth knowledge and experience in the development and validation of molecular methods in the analysis of viral pathogens

Experience 3

Essential

  • An understanding of laboratory safety requirements and procedures, including risk assessment

Experience 4

Essential

  • Experience in managing research-based activities and projects

Experience 5

Essential

  • Excellent written and communication skills

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

UKHSA Colindale

London

NW9 5EQ


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

UKHSA Colindale

London

NW9 5EQ


Employer's website

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

Employer contact details

For questions about the job, contact:

Recruitment Officer

Jon Payne

jonathan.payne@ukhsa.gov.uk

Details

Date posted

27 May 2025

Pay scheme

Other

Salary

£44,852 to £50,472 a year per annum, pro rata

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

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

Reference number

919-JP-14465049-EXT

Job locations

UKHSA Colindale

London

NW9 5EQ


Supporting documents

Privacy notice

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