Medical Laboratory Assistant

Job description

Job responsibilities

The MRU works closely with other parts of the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), particularly the Immunisation and Countermeasures Department based at Colindale, to optimise meningococcal disease ascertainment through enhanced surveillance, often with direct communication with UKHSA Health Protection teams.

Accredited to ISO 15189, the MRU has been a world leader in developing and making nationally available tests for non-culture case confirmation of meningococcal infection by PCR. Initially designed to identify the major disease-causing serogroups (A, B, C, W and Y), the test repertoire has been extended to provide more detailed additional characterisation utilising molecular techniques including DNA sequencing from cultured isolates and directly from clinical specimens, where possible. Since July 2010 all invasive disease isolates undergo whole genome sequence analysis.

Essential criteria:

• Educated to GCSE level (or equivalent) in Science and Maths
• Evidence of training & development within a relevant pathology discipline
• Basic keyboard skills
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team
• Problem solving skills
• Ability to follow written protocol
• Able to work on own initiative, organising and prioritising own workload to set deadlines
• Good time keeping
• Flexible approach to work

Desirable criteria:

• Good communication skills

Selection Process Detail

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

Stage 1:Application & Sift

Success profiles

You will be required to complete an application form. You will be assessed against the listed 9essential criteria and against 3 Success Profile behaviours. Your application will be in the form of:

• An application form (Employer/ Activity history section on the application)
• A 750 word Supporting Statement based on the 9 essential criteria,outlining how your skills, experience, and knowledge, provide evidence of your suitability for the role
• Three statements on how you meet the following Success Profile Behaviours:- Working Together (250 words max.)- Managing a Quality Service (250 words max.)- Working at Pace (250words max.)

Please include headings in your application to show the panel which aspect above you are referring to.

The Application form and Supporting Statement will be marked separately to the Behaviour Statements mentioned above.

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.

Shortlisting:

In the event of a large number of applications we will conduct an initial shortlist on the following:

• Lead Essential Criteria:- Evidence of training & development within a relevant pathology discipline.
• Lead Behaviour:- Managing a Quality Service

Desirable criteria maybe 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.

Please do not exceed 750 words for your Supporting Statement and 250 words per Behaviour Statement. 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 remote interview.

Behaviours and Strengths will be tested at interview.

The Behaviours tested during the interview stage will be:

• Managing a Quality Service (Lead behaviour)
• Working Together
• Working at Pace

You will also be asked strength based questions during the interview.

Interviews 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 Laboratory in Manchester.

Please note hybrid working is not available for this role.

Salary

If you are successful at interview, and are moving from another government department, NHS, or Local Authority, the relevant starting salary principles for level transfers or promotions will apply. Otherwise, roles are offered at the pay scale minimum for the grade, but in exceptional circumstances there may be flexibility if you are able todemonstrateyou are already in receipt of an existing, higher salary. Pay increases are through the relevant annual pay award for the role and terms.

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

Application Form and Supporting Statement

Essential

• Application Form and Supporting Statement

Behaviours

Essential

• Working Together
• Managing a Quality Service
• Working at Pace

Behaviours

Essential

• Managing a Quality Service (Lead behaviour)
• Working Together
• Working at Pace

Strengths

Essential

• Strength based questions

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

Laboratory

Manchester

M13 9WZ

Employer's website

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