Job summary
A vacancy exists for a Healthcare Scientist to assist in the delivery of key PRS surveillance data. The post holder will participate in the processing and of virological investigation of clinical samples to meet national and international surveillance targets. Duties will include cell culture, processing biological samples, PCR testing and propagation of viruses at CL3, generating and analysing test data, entry of data onto PRS computer systems contributing to national reference laboratory accreditation.
Location
This is a Lab based role located at UKHSA 61 Colindale Avenue, London NW9 5HT.
*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
The job holder will be required to actively participate and support the delivery of reference, surveillance and environmental work of Polio Refence Services Unit and/or other areas (e.g. SARS-CoV-2 work) as deemed appropriate by the PRS Unit Head via the PRS Technical Manager or Senior Scientist(s).
This post will focus on Polio virus isolation from clinical samples; working directly to fulfil the requirements of the WHO accredited pathway and Polio Inter-Typic Differentiation diagnostic algorithms. Duties will require work at both CL2 & 3 and include preparation of cell culture, sample processing & tracking, virus isolation, Intertypic PCR, data analysis and data management. Staff will be trained to work in accordance with WHO accreditation requirements.
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
Key Responsibilities:
To take delegated responsibility from the PRS unit head in accordance with PHE policies and procedures for the following:
General
- Delivery of reference, surveillance and environmental virology for polio and non-polio enteroviruses, with specific focus on the requirements for compliance with WHO for eradication of polio.
- Provide laboratory support for the delivery of reference virology in other areas (e.g. SARS-CoV-2 work) as deemed appropriate by the Unit Head and Operation Manager via the Technical Manager.
- Carry out scientific procedures for the detection and identification of polio and non-polio enteroviruses for human and environmental sampling.
- Involvement in research and development for improvement of procedures employed for reference services for polio and non-polio virus.
- Assist with supervision of junior members of staff, trainees and visitors.
- Work to deadlines and respond to outbreak incidents.
Technical/scientific/reference services/research and development
- Actively participate in cell culture and virus isolation of polio virus and non-polio enteroviruses at containment level 2 & 3
- To apply molecular methods for the detection and characterisation of viruses (i.e. polio, non-polio enteroviruses, SARS-CoV-2) from cultured and clinical samples, including the development of standard operating procedures (SOPs)
- Contribute to the development of new protocols/procedures for tests/regents/methods as required
- To perform samples processing and to undertake related tasks leading to the reporting and interpretation of results in accordance with agreed policies and SOPs.
- Perform nucleic acid extractions to recover viral nucleic acid from cultured material and clinical specimens and other samples as required.
- Perform analysis of laboratory data
- Maintain and curate laboratory and electronic archives of material including specimens, nucleic acid and sequence data for routine samples and generated during the work
- Prepare reports and summaries of project data
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
- Use databases and software packages including Excel, Word and PowerPoint.
- Enter results onto the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS), and take active steps to ensure complete and accurate information is collected.
- Apply computer technology to the management of biological information, using programmes such as bioinformatics software.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
- Identify, discuss and action own professional performance and training / development needs with your line manager through appraisal / individual development plan. Attending internal / external training events
- To participate in all mandatory training as required, i.e. fire safety, information governance and all other mandatory training.
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 division and UKHSA.
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. Candidates will also be asked to take an assessment at the interview stage. This will be followed by a question-and-answer segment. Full details will be provided prior to the interview.
Expected Timeline:
Advert close: 23:55hrs on 29th 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: TBC
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.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Key Responsibilities:
To take delegated responsibility from the PRS unit head in accordance with PHE policies and procedures for the following:
General
- Delivery of reference, surveillance and environmental virology for polio and non-polio enteroviruses, with specific focus on the requirements for compliance with WHO for eradication of polio.
- Provide laboratory support for the delivery of reference virology in other areas (e.g. SARS-CoV-2 work) as deemed appropriate by the Unit Head and Operation Manager via the Technical Manager.
- Carry out scientific procedures for the detection and identification of polio and non-polio enteroviruses for human and environmental sampling.
- Involvement in research and development for improvement of procedures employed for reference services for polio and non-polio virus.
- Assist with supervision of junior members of staff, trainees and visitors.
- Work to deadlines and respond to outbreak incidents.
Technical/scientific/reference services/research and development
- Actively participate in cell culture and virus isolation of polio virus and non-polio enteroviruses at containment level 2 & 3
- To apply molecular methods for the detection and characterisation of viruses (i.e. polio, non-polio enteroviruses, SARS-CoV-2) from cultured and clinical samples, including the development of standard operating procedures (SOPs)
- Contribute to the development of new protocols/procedures for tests/regents/methods as required
- To perform samples processing and to undertake related tasks leading to the reporting and interpretation of results in accordance with agreed policies and SOPs.
- Perform nucleic acid extractions to recover viral nucleic acid from cultured material and clinical specimens and other samples as required.
- Perform analysis of laboratory data
- Maintain and curate laboratory and electronic archives of material including specimens, nucleic acid and sequence data for routine samples and generated during the work
- Prepare reports and summaries of project data
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
- Use databases and software packages including Excel, Word and PowerPoint.
- Enter results onto the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS), and take active steps to ensure complete and accurate information is collected.
- Apply computer technology to the management of biological information, using programmes such as bioinformatics software.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
- Identify, discuss and action own professional performance and training / development needs with your line manager through appraisal / individual development plan. Attending internal / external training events
- To participate in all mandatory training as required, i.e. fire safety, information governance and all other mandatory training.
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 division and UKHSA.
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. Candidates will also be asked to take an assessment at the interview stage. This will be followed by a question-and-answer segment. Full details will be provided prior to the interview.
Expected Timeline:
Advert close: 23:55hrs on 29th 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: TBC
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
- BSc in Microbiology/Virology/Molecular Biology/Cell biology (or equivalent)
- MSc in Microbiology/Virology/Molecular Biology (or equivalent).
Experience
Essential
- Experience in Good (Microbiological) Laboratory Practice
- Experience in handling clinical specimens and working with infectious material at CL2.
- Experience or Knowledge of working in a Microbiological Safety Cabinet(s).
- Knows and understands laboratory safety requirements and procedures.
- Experience and knowledge of laboratory quality systems and processes.
- Able to work carefully, with precision accurate record keeping.
- Ability to work individually and as part of a team.
- Clear communicator with good report writing and presentation skills; capable of constructing and delivering clear ideas and concepts concisely and accurately for diverse audiences.
- Computer literacy & basic analytical skills.
- Able to prioritise workload, work to deadlines and remain focused with high level of motivation and commitments to high standards.
- 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
- Understands the application of microbiology in clinical practice and public health.
- Experience in cell culture.
- Experience in working at CL3 biocontainment.
- Experience of Clean Room practice and procedure.
- Experience in using laboratory automation.
Person Specification
Education
Essential
- BSc in Microbiology/Virology/Molecular Biology/Cell biology (or equivalent)
- MSc in Microbiology/Virology/Molecular Biology (or equivalent).
Experience
Essential
- Experience in Good (Microbiological) Laboratory Practice
- Experience in handling clinical specimens and working with infectious material at CL2.
- Experience or Knowledge of working in a Microbiological Safety Cabinet(s).
- Knows and understands laboratory safety requirements and procedures.
- Experience and knowledge of laboratory quality systems and processes.
- Able to work carefully, with precision accurate record keeping.
- Ability to work individually and as part of a team.
- Clear communicator with good report writing and presentation skills; capable of constructing and delivering clear ideas and concepts concisely and accurately for diverse audiences.
- Computer literacy & basic analytical skills.
- Able to prioritise workload, work to deadlines and remain focused with high level of motivation and commitments to high standards.
- 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
- Understands the application of microbiology in clinical practice and public health.
- Experience in cell culture.
- Experience in working at CL3 biocontainment.
- Experience of Clean Room practice and procedure.
- Experience in using laboratory automation.
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).
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).
