Job responsibilities
Responsibilities section:
The job holder will be required to carry out the following responsibilities, activities and duties:
- Perform cell culture and analysis of cell lines and derived products using a range of methods/assays/techniques in accordance with set protocols and standard operating procedures (SOPs).
- Take responsibility for the provision of reagents and consumables required for project area.
- Maintain databases and the accurate recording of results.
- Liaise professionally with internal and external customers to manage the supply of cells.
- Act as laboratory supervisor for specific ECACC labs.
- When required provide resilience to the ECACC QC operation.
- Liaise with the wider ECACC team to participate in the continuous improvement of cell line characterisation and cell line function.
- Liaise with the wider ECACC team to participate in the continuous improvement of quality operations within the department.
- Instigate failure investigations identified within the ECACC operation, recommending and carrying out appropriate corrective actions as required.
- Work within ISO 9001 and ISO 17025 (where required) Quality Systems and have continuous interaction with the QA team to matters related to this
The duties/responsibilities listed above describe the post as it is at present and is not intended to be exhaustive. The Job holder is expected to accept reasonable alterations and additional tasks of a similar level that may be necessary.
Please see the full duties and responsibilities attached.
Essential Criteria:
It is important through your application and Statement of Suitability of 750 words that you give evidence and examples of proven experience of each of the following criteria:
Essential
- Educated to degree level in a relevant life science subject or equivalent level of experience of working at a similar level in a relevant specialist area.
- Knowledge and practical experience of working in a cell culture or microbiology laboratory showing confidence in working using aseptic techniques.
- Good understanding and experience of safe laboratory working practices.
- Cell culture experience with demonstrable examples of work (including stem cells).
Desirable
- Experience of working within a regulated environment (e.g., ISO9001, ISO17025 etc.)
Selection process details
STAGE 1 - APPLICATION & SIFT:
You will be required to complete an application form. This will be assessed in line with the advertised essential criteria please do provide evidence of how you meet this.
If you are successful at this stage, you will progress to an interview.
STAGE 2 INTERVIEW
This competition will involve a face-to-face Interview.
As part of the process, candidates will be invited to interview which will involve an in-depth discussion of your previous experience and professional competence in relation to the criteria set out in the Person Specification.
As part of the process, candidates will be invited to interview which will involve an in-depth discussion of your previous experience and professional competence in relation to the criteria set out in the Person Specification. Candidates will also be asked to participate in a session where they will be required to prepare and deliver a 10-minute presentation to the panel. This will be followed by a question-and-answer segment. The presentation will be designed to assess each candidates experience in line with the requirements of the role. Full details will be provided prior to the interview.
Your Statement of Suitability should outline your skills, experience, and achievements, providing evidence of your suitability for the role, with reference to the essential criteria (outlined in the person specification section).
You will also be asked to provide information within the Employer/ Activity history section of the application form. This is equivalent to the information you would provide on a CV, setting out your career history.
The Competency based framework will be used to assess and recruit the most suitable candidate.
- Knowledge
- Experience
- Technical Skills
Expected Timeline:
Advert close: 23:55hrs on 9th October 2023 unfortunately, late applications will not be considered. Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.
Shortlist: 17th October 2023
Interviews: w/c 24th October 2023
Please note these dates could be subject to change.
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 Basic Personnel Security Standard. People working with government assets must complete Basic Personnel Security Standard checks.
For posts on UKHSA Civil Service terms and conditions, new entrants to the Civil Service are expected to start on the minimum of the pay band. For existing Civil Servants and roles advertised across government, the rules of transfer apply, i.e., level transfers move on current salary or the pay range minimum, transfers on promotion move to new pay range minimum or receive a 10% increase. Either case is determined by whichever is the highest.
Please Note
This role is to be appointed under Civil Service Terms & Conditions. Full details on the T&Cs are found https://www.ukhsa.reed.com/
Are you already a civil servant, or employed by a Civil Service Commission accredited public body? Please state home department on your application form.
Do you meet the nationality requirements for this post? https://www.ukhsa.reed.com/
Complaint process:
The law requires that selection for appointment to the Civil Service is on merit on the basis of fair and open competition as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's Recruitment Principles. If you feel your application has not been treated in accordance with the Recruitment Principles, and you wish to make a complaint, in the first instance, you should contact UKHSA Public Accountability Unit via email:Complaints1@ukhsa.gov.uk. If you are not satisfied with the response you receive from the Department, you can contact the Civil Service Commission: Visit the Civil Service Commission website.
