Diagnostic Research Scientist

Job description

Job responsibilities

As a Diagnostic Research Scientist, you will be:

• Providing your molecular, antigenic and serological expertise to complete diagnostic research and evaluation projects
• Working with both internal and external partners, you will have the opportunity to evaluate laboratory and industry developed PCR and antigen assays to improve the availability of diagnostic tests for prioritised pathogens.
• Expected to participate in training to support the provision of surge PCR capacity in the event of an outbreak.
• you will work concurrently on projects to ensure the scientific objectives of the department and team are met, whilst working under the direction of the Senior Scientists and Senior Project Team leads,
• Expected to be flexible to the demands of accelerator projects, have excellent communication skills and use your technical knowledge and experience to ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget and comply with quality, regulatory and health and safety standards.

This is a rewarding opportunity for individuals with a keen interest in public health microbiology and scientific diagnostic innovation.

Essential Criteria:

• Degree in relevant subject e.g., Biomedical Science Microbiology/Virology/Molecular Biology/Immunology or equivalent experience of working with a number of relevant analytical techniques in a suitable laboratory with personal responsibility for the quality of results produced
• Knowledge and prior experience of microbiological diagnostic test development, evaluation and validation for the diagnosis of bacteria and viruses such as Real-time PCR, ELISA, LFD.
• Experience in working at ACDP CL2 with a range of microbial pathogens using techniques including nucleic acid extraction, real-time PCR and antigen preparation
• Experience of working with clinical samples and commercial diagnostic tests
• Experience of working within a regulated environment (e.g. ISO 9001; ISO15189, GLP, UKAS)
• 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
• Able to evidence personal contribution to successful projects
• Experience of working as part of a successful team with respect to project delivery and liaising with staff of all levels
• Experience of problem solving skills and ability to respond to sudden unexpected demands

Desirable criteria:

• Experience in working at ACDP CL3 with a range of microbial pathogens including culture, nucleic acid extraction, antigen preparation
• Experience with molecular automation including point of care devices, extraction and real-time PCR platforms
• Experience in laboratory risk and COSHH assessment and audit
• Experience of LIMS systems for patient sample management including data analysis and queries on samples, sample types and tests.
• HCPC registration (Biomedical Scientist, Clinical Scientist)

Selection Process Detail

This vacancy is using Success Profiles and will assess your Behaviours, Experience and Strengths.

Stage 1: Application & Sift

You will be required to complete an application form. You will be assessed against the 9 essential criteria listed in the job advert, this will be in the form of:

Application form (Employer/ Activity history section on the application) up to 1,000-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 supporting statement.

Longlisting:

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

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

The pile that Meets all the essential criteria will be moved through to the shortlisting stage.

Shortlisting:

In the event of a large number of applications we will shortlist on the following essential criteria:

Knowledge and prior experience of microbiological diagnostic test development, evaluation and validation for the diagnosis of bacteria and viruses such as Real-time PCR, ELISA, LFD

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

Please do not exceed 1,000 words on your supporting statement. We will not consider any words over and above this number. If you are successful at this stage, you will progress to interview.

Unfortunately, late applications will not be considered.

Please note that 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.

Please note feedback will not be provided at this stage.

Stage 2: Interview

You will be invited to a face-to-face interview in Porton, Salisbury. In exceptional circumstances, we may be able to offer a remote interview.

Behaviours and Strengths will be assessed at interview.

The behaviours testing during the interview stage will be:

• Delivering at pace (Lead Behaviour)
• Making effective decisions
• Communicating and influencing
• Working together

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 Porton, Salisbury.

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.

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.

Person Specification

Application Form and Supporting Statement

Essential

• Application Form and Supporting Statement

Behaviours

Essential

• Delivering at pace (Lead behaviour)
• Making effective decisions
• Communicating and influencing
• Working together

Strengths

Essential

• Strengths

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

Porton

Salisbury

SP4 0JG

Employer's website

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