Job responsibilities
Service Delivery
- To receive, sort, unpack, label and process specimens in the laboratory
- To assist in the provision of safe, timely, high quality and economical CL2 microbiological, serological, and molecular laboratory duties, guided by standard operating procedures (SOPs) within GBRU
- To undertake DNA-based detection and typing for a range of pathogens with assays and techniques such as real-time polymerase chain reaction and whole genome sequencing (WGS)
- Assist in providing a flexible laboratory response to emergency public health needs including investigation of incidents, of deliberate release of pathogenic organisms and to general investigations of illness as appropriate
- Assist with evaluation and implementation of new techniques / methods to the unit that enhance effectiveness of the laboratory work
- To provide technical support to GBRU Reference Services as appropriate including adjusting day-to-day work priorities to meet changing demands or emergency requirements
- Ensure efficient running and contribute to routine maintenance of all equipment, which will include high cost, complex equipment requiring calibration and regular maintenance is carried out following adequate training and competency assessment
- Responsible for stock control of the Unit, ensuring sufficient stock levels are maintained for service provision
- To carry out performance checks on equipment
Quality management
- To ensure all quality procedures are followed and adhered to within the laboratory and highlight to the senior staff or Lead Quality Manager any non-compliances as required.
- Contribute to internal and external audit programmes
- Ensure compliance with UKAS & ISO 15189 and other accreditation and certification standards.
- Take every opportunity to suggest quality improvements
Management
- Able to make decisions within defined limits of existing policy and operational process in conjunction with best practice and guidance from more senior staff and the lead Technical Laboratory Manager.
Strategy, Policy and Service Development
- To support the implementation of new methods and technologies into the laboratory, in order to maximise quality and efficiency of testing.
IT Infrastructure
- To be competent in the use of the laboratorys IT systems and provide data to more senior staff as appropriate.
Security, Health & SafetyIn collaboration with the lab safety officer and complying with safety policies and procedures:
- To ensure confidentiality and conformity to the requirement of the Data Protection Act, Caldicott principles and the laboratory Information Systems and Technology Security policy.
- To ensure that health and safety are afforded priority and to demonstrate commitment to health, safety and welfare of self, staff and visitors.
- To ensure attendance of self and managed staff on safety training courses as required in the UKHSA Health & Safety training Policy and other safety policies as appropriate.
- To agree to implement and follow safety objectives.
- To ensure that risk assessments are implemented and maintained.
- To notify accidents, near misses, dangerous situations and shortcomings in health and safety via the appropriate management structure.
Professional Development
- Identify, discuss and action own professional performance and training / development needs with your line manager through appraisal / individual development plan. Attending internal / external training events
- To participate in all mandatory training as required, i.e. fire safety, information governance and all other mandatory training.
Key Working Relationships The post holder will develop working relationships and communicate regularly with a wide range of individuals, clinical and non-clinical, internal and external to UKHSA. This will include:Internal and External
- Laboratory Management team
- Laboratory staff across BRD
- Other laboratory staff throughout the MS division and UKHS
Essential Criteria
- Educated to T level/ A level /NVQ level 3 standard in Science
- Experience in working in a CL2 laboratory including the use of bacteriology or molecular techniques
- Knowledge and understanding of laboratory safety requirements and procedures
- Working knowledge of Microsoft Office including Word and Excel
- Previous experience of working in a laboratory environment using computerized data systems
- Well-developed physical skills, especially in the manipulation of pipettes and other laboratory
- Good understanding of quality assurance principles and procedures
- Able to deal with problems in a calm and efficient manner
- Able to follow Standard Operation Procedures
- An understanding of and commitment to equality of opportunity and good working relationship
Selection Process Detail
This vacancy is using Success Profiles and will assess your Behaviours and Experience.
Stage 1: Application & Sift
This vacancy is using Success Profiles.
You will be required to complete an application form. You will be assessed against the 10 essential criteria listed in the job advert. This will be in the form of an:
- Application form (Employer/ Activity history section on the application)
- 1000-word supporting statement.
This should outline how your skills, experience, and knowledge, provide evidence of your suitability for the role, with reference to the essential criteria.
You will receive a joint score for your application form and statement. (The application form is the kind of information you would put into your C.V please be advised you will not be able to upload your CV. Please complete the application form in as much detail as possible).
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
Those that meet some essential criteria and those that meet all essential criteria will progress to shortlisting.
Shortlisting:
In the event of a large number of applications we will shortlist on the following essential criteria:
- Educated to T level/ A level /NVQ level 3 standard in Science
- Previous experience of working in a laboratory environment using computerized data systems
If you are successful at this stage, you will progress to interview & 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
Success profiles
You will be invited to a face-to-face interview in Colindale, London. In exceptional circumstances, we may be able to offer a remote interview.
Behaviours and Experience will be tested at interview.
The behaviours tested at interview will be:
- Managing a Quality Service (Lead Behaviour)
- Changing and Improving
- Working Together
Interview dates are yet 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.
Eligibility Criteria Open to all external applicants (anyone) from outside the Civil Service (including by definition internal applicants).
Location
This role is being offered as lab based at our Scientific Campus in Colindale, London.
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.
