Job summary
Salary & Grade: AfC Band 6 £35,292 - £42,618
Applications are invited for the above post which is based in the Microbiology Laboratory, Birmingham Heartlands Hospital. The department undertakes a wide range of routine and specialist microbiological and molecular investigations. The post is rotational and will involve working in Bacteriology, Serology and Molecular Virology, Molecular Bacteriology and Mycobacteriology.
This is a rotational post through all of the sections of the laboratory including:
- General Bacteriology including respiratory and enterics
- Virology including Viral Serology
- Molecular diagnostics for Bacteriology and Virology
- Regional Centre for Mycobacteriology
- Antiviral susceptibility services
Location
This is a lab-based role that will be located at UKHSA Birmingham, Birmingham Heartlands Hospital, B9 5SS.
Please note that the laboratory operates a 7 day working week and you will be required to work 37.5 hours per week based on a shift system including a requirement to work at weekends and bank holidays.
*Please be aware that this role can only be worked from within the UK and not overseas. Relocation expenses are not available.*
Working Pattern - Full Time
Main duties of the job
Responsibilities section:
The job holder will be required to carry out the following responsibilities, activities and duties:
- To work as part of the laboratory team, providing a high quality microbiology service in order to provide patients with the highest level of diagnosis and treatment.
- To assist in the efficient day-to-day running of an area in a section of the laboratory, to be able to rotate through all the different sections in the laboratory and to assist in the supervision and training of trainee BMSs or HSSWs.
- The post holder would be expected to assist in any UKHSA co-ordinated response or activity of a national/international nature, e.g. a Bioterrorism incident or a major disease outbreak.
- To process the specimens received and to undertake the related tasks in the various sections of the laboratory, leading to the reporting and interpretation of results in accordance with agreed policies and standard operating procedures (SOPs).
- To be responsible for maintenance of maintain automated equipment following manufacturer's guidelines and training.
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 job description for the full list of duties and responsibilities.
About us
Working for the UKHSA
For more information on the UKHSA please visit: UK Health Security Agency - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
Benefits
- Learning and development tailored to your role
- An environment with flexible working options
- A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity
- A Civil Service pension with an average employer contribution of 27%
- Range of health and wellbeing support
Any move to UKHSA from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. This includes moves between government departments. You may however be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax Free Childcare. Determine your eligibility at Childcare Choices | 30 Hours Free Childcare, Tax-Free Childcare and More | Help with Costs | GOV.UK
Job description
Job responsibilities
Selection process details
Stage 1 Application and sift:
You will be required to complete an application form and a statement of suitability. 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 either by video or 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.
Please be aware that you may be asked to undertake a test or presentation at 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 Success Profiles framework will be used to assess and recruit the most suitable candidate. The following behaviours and strengths will be used at the interview:
- Seeing the Big Picture
- Making Effective Decisions
- Communicating and Influencing
- Working Together
- Developing Self and Others
- Managing a Quality Service
- Delivering at Pace
- Adaptable
- Analytical
- Challenger
- Decisive
- Disciplined
- Efficient
- Explainer
- Inclusive
- Learner
- Organiser
- Precise
- Preventer
- Problem Solver
- Responsible
- Strategic
- Team Player
Expected Timeline:
Advert close: 23:55hrs on 23rd 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 30th October 2023
Interviews: TBC
Please note these dates could be subject to change
Essential Criteria:
It is important through your application
and Statement of Suitability of 1250 words that you give evidence and examples
of proven experience of each of the following criteria:
Job description
Job responsibilities
Selection process details
Stage 1 Application and sift:
You will be required to complete an application form and a statement of suitability. 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 either by video or 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.
Please be aware that you may be asked to undertake a test or presentation at 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 Success Profiles framework will be used to assess and recruit the most suitable candidate. The following behaviours and strengths will be used at the interview:
- Seeing the Big Picture
- Making Effective Decisions
- Communicating and Influencing
- Working Together
- Developing Self and Others
- Managing a Quality Service
- Delivering at Pace
- Adaptable
- Analytical
- Challenger
- Decisive
- Disciplined
- Efficient
- Explainer
- Inclusive
- Learner
- Organiser
- Precise
- Preventer
- Problem Solver
- Responsible
- Strategic
- Team Player
Expected Timeline:
Advert close: 23:55hrs on 23rd 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 30th October 2023
Interviews: TBC
Please note these dates could be subject to change
Essential Criteria:
It is important through your application
and Statement of Suitability of 1250 words that you give evidence and examples
of proven experience of each of the following criteria:
Person Specification
Education & Qualification
Essential
- BSc Biomedical Science degree or equivalent academic achievement ratified by the IBMS.
- Health Professions Council (HCPC) registered.
- A minimum of 2 years' experience working in a diagnostic microbiology or virology laboratory.
- Experience of using computerised data systems.
- Ability to work effectively as part of a team.
- Has an understanding of:
- UKAS standards.
- supporting R&D activities.
- Health & Safety.
- Data Protection and Information Governance legislation.
- National Standards.
Desirable
- Has completed the IBMS Specialist Portfolio in either Bacteriology or Virology.
- Experience in training staff.
- Experience of evaluating new techniques/equipment.
- Able to demonstrable organisational and managerial skills. Plan own time and that of others effectively.
Person Specification
Education & Qualification
Essential
- BSc Biomedical Science degree or equivalent academic achievement ratified by the IBMS.
- Health Professions Council (HCPC) registered.
- A minimum of 2 years' experience working in a diagnostic microbiology or virology laboratory.
- Experience of using computerised data systems.
- Ability to work effectively as part of a team.
- Has an understanding of:
- UKAS standards.
- supporting R&D activities.
- Health & Safety.
- Data Protection and Information Governance legislation.
- National Standards.
Desirable
- Has completed the IBMS Specialist Portfolio in either Bacteriology or Virology.
- Experience in training staff.
- Experience of evaluating new techniques/equipment.
- Able to demonstrable organisational and managerial skills. Plan own time and that of others effectively.
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.
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).
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Additional information
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.
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).
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
