Research Scientist

Job description

Job responsibilities

Key Responsibilities:

• Deliver project goals as indicated by SEO & SPTL
• Utilise a range of sample collection, processing, and analysis methods in support of all activities associated with the project, ensuring that project targets are met, as directed by senior scientist.
• Produce data for review by Senior Scientists for input into reports.
• Provide reports through analysis of data using software and databases as necessary, for preparation of presentations and publications.
• Lead in laboratory supervision, ensuring appropriate equipment is available and calibrated.
• Take responsibility for the provision of reagents and consumables required for project area
• Provide project support as indicated by senior scientist and senior project team leader.
• To perform any other duties required by the Line manager commensurate with grade.
• To ensure that the project team undertakes work in accordance with applicable UKHSA Safety and Quality systems.
• To maintain health and safety competence.
• To fulfil the requirements of UKHSA Values and the Civil Service Code.
• To comply with all UKHSA policies and procedures.
• The post holder will be required to hold a valid driving licence of use in the UK.
• The post holder may be required to travel overseas.

The above is only an outline of the tasks, responsibilities and outcomes required of the role. You will carry out any other duties as may reasonably be required by your line manager. The job description and person specification may be reviewed on an ongoing basis in accordance with the changing needs of the department and UKHSA.

It should be noted that the work of the department is of a confidential nature and must not be communicated to other persons except where required for authorised purposes.

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 an interview by video/face-to-face.

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.

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 Success Profiles framework will be used to assess and recruit the most suitable candidate. The following behaviours will be used at the interview:

• Making Effective Decisions
• Communicating and Influencing
• Working Together
• Delivering at Pace

For further information on the selection process, please refer to the attached Candidate Pack.

Expected Timeline:

Advert close: 23:55hrs on 18th of 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: w/c 23rd October 2023

Interviews: TBC

Please note these dates could be subject to change.

It is important through your application and Statement of Suitability of up to 1000 words that you give evidence and examples of proven experience mentioned here in the Person Specification section.

Person Specification

Education

Essential

• Degree or equivalent years' experience in subject area and methods used; ex disease ecology, eco-epidemiology, entomology, molecular biology, serology, related field work, meta-data analysis

Desirable

• MSc or equivalent years' experience in or higher qualification in subject area and methods used; ex disease ecology, eco-epidemiology, entomology, molecular biology, serology, related field work, meta-data analysis

Experience

Essential

• Experience or knowledge of vector, wildlife and/or sentinel research or surveillance, including field and laboratory-based techniques
• Knowledge and practical experience of ELISA and RT-PCR techniques, including application of methods for high volume sample processing
• Experience of biobank database development and maintenance, data manipulation and management, data visualisation (including GIS) and statistical analysis methods
• Good understanding and experience of safe working practices
• Strong skills in quality control and quality assurance for sample handling
• Experience in the screening and maintenance of various sample types for the presence of viral infections
• Clear, confident communicator with excellent writing, report writing and presentation skills; capable of constructing and delivering clear ideas and concepts concisely and accurately for diverse audiences, including members of the public
• Problem solving skills and ability to respond to sudden unexpected demands
• Evidence of success in efficient and effective project participation
• Ability to work on own initiative and organise own workload without supervision working to tight and often changing timescales
• Ability to work as part of team, liaising with staff of all levels
• Adaptability, flexibility and ability to cope with uncertainty and change
• Commitment to continuing professional development
• Professional calm and efficient manner
• Effective organiser with the ability to multitask
• Demonstrate a strong desire to improve performance and make a difference by focusing on goals.
• An 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

Desirable

• Experiences of contributing to large scale vector-borne disease and/or zoonosis surveillance programmes using a variety of methods, including citizen science.
• Skills in statistical analysis of quantitative data, coding in 'R' or other statistical programming language.
• Previous experience in similar role in public sector
• Skills for communication on complex matters and difficult situations, requiring persuasion and influence.
• Skills for troubleshooting data analysis pipelines

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 Porton Down

Porton Down, Salisbury

SP4 0JG

Employer's website

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