UK Health Security Agency

Senior Biomedical Scientist - Virology

Information:

This job is now closed

Job summary

£45,753 - £52,067, Band 7 AFC (National)

JOB SUMMARY

To work as part of the laboratory team, providing a high level of virological, molecular and serological analysis in order to provide patients with the highest level of diagnosis and treatment.

To be responsible for the efficient day-to-day running of areas of the laboratory, to be able to rotate through different areas of the laboratory and to supervise and train inexperienced Biomedical Scientists (BMS's), trainee BMS's, Associate Practitioners (AP's) and Healthcare Scientist Support Workers) (HSSW's).

The post holder will take responsibility for the technical performance of the areas involved, ensuring the production of reliable, relevant and timely results and reports.

The post holder would be expected to assist in any UKHSA coordinated response or activity of a national/international nature, e.g. a Bioterrorism incident or a major disease outbreak, e.g. SARS.

To participate in the provision on out-of-hours services.

Location

This is a Lab based role located at Bristol UKHSA, Severn Pathology, Bristol, BS10 5NB.

*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, the department requires staff to support the department in delivering a comprehensive Virology service over 7 days. Staff may be required to work a variety of shifts, including weekends, throughout the 24 hour period if appropriate to the post.

Main duties of the job

  • To lead and organise the processing of the clinical specimens received and the undertaking of 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 perform and monitor quality control tests, to record these results and bring any anomalies to the attention of Quality Manager and Biomedical Lead as soon as is practicable.
  • Where appropriate, to assist and/or initiate research & development and audit projects. To co-ordinate surveillance programs where appropriate, and to evaluate new methods and technology.
  • To assist in the production and dissemination of laboratory reports, data and statistics, including the issuing of results by phone or computer, and being aware of priorities of reports.
  • To perform and monitor quality control tests, to record these results and bring any anomalies to the attention of Quality Manager and Biomedical Lead as soon as is practicable.
  • Where appropriate, to assist and/or initiate research & development and audit projects.
  • To assist in the production and dissemination of laboratory reports, data and statistics, including the issuing of results by phone or computer, and being aware of priorities of reports.

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 the directorate.

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

Details

Date posted

25 October 2023

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 7

Salary

£45,753 to £52,067 a year .

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

AZ-UKHSA00779

Job locations

Bristol UKHSA, Severn Pathology, Bristol, BS10 5NB

Bristol

BS10 5NB


Job description

Job responsibilities

Selection process details

STAGE 1 - APPLICATION & SIFT:

You will be required to complete an application form and 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 face to face or via video.

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.

Please note that you may be asked to undertake a test or presentation at interview.

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:

  • Changing and Improving
  • Making Effective Decisions
  • Leadership
  • Working Together
  • Developing Self and Others
  • Analytical.
  • Change agent.
  • Decisive
  • Efficient
  • Emotionally intelligent
  • Enabler
  • Improver
  • Organiser
  • Problem solver
  • Service focused
  • Team leader
  • Team player

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

Expected Timeline:

Advert close: 23:55hrs on 8th of November 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.

Job description

Job responsibilities

Selection process details

STAGE 1 - APPLICATION & SIFT:

You will be required to complete an application form and 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 face to face or via video.

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.

Please note that you may be asked to undertake a test or presentation at interview.

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:

  • Changing and Improving
  • Making Effective Decisions
  • Leadership
  • Working Together
  • Developing Self and Others
  • Analytical.
  • Change agent.
  • Decisive
  • Efficient
  • Emotionally intelligent
  • Enabler
  • Improver
  • Organiser
  • Problem solver
  • Service focused
  • Team leader
  • Team player

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

Expected Timeline:

Advert close: 23:55hrs on 8th of November 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.

Person Specification

Education

Essential

  • Biomedical Science (BMS) degree or equivalent academic achievement ratified by the IBMS
  • Further study - e.g. MSc or professional qualification (completed or underway) or extensive experience in a Virology laboratory

Experience

Essential

  • To be responsible for the day-today organisation and supervision of the staff and work in a section of the laboratory.
  • To process the clinical specimens received and to undertake the related tasks in the various sections of the laboratory ie. reading, reporting, interpretation and validation of results in accordance with agreed polices and SOPs.
  • To adhere and contribute to the delivery of the Quality Management System.
  • To work in accordance with the regulations and Codes of Practice governing H&S within the department.
  • Participate in staff appraisal according to Trust policies and procedures.
  • Assist the Lead BMS and Laboratory Manager as required in the recruitment of staff.
  • Participate in competency assessment of BMSs and support staff. Monitor and manage performance of technical staff.
  • Participate in evaluation of new methods and equipment and contribute to discussions on workflow and methodology.
Person Specification

Education

Essential

  • Biomedical Science (BMS) degree or equivalent academic achievement ratified by the IBMS
  • Further study - e.g. MSc or professional qualification (completed or underway) or extensive experience in a Virology laboratory

Experience

Essential

  • To be responsible for the day-today organisation and supervision of the staff and work in a section of the laboratory.
  • To process the clinical specimens received and to undertake the related tasks in the various sections of the laboratory ie. reading, reporting, interpretation and validation of results in accordance with agreed polices and SOPs.
  • To adhere and contribute to the delivery of the Quality Management System.
  • To work in accordance with the regulations and Codes of Practice governing H&S within the department.
  • Participate in staff appraisal according to Trust policies and procedures.
  • Assist the Lead BMS and Laboratory Manager as required in the recruitment of staff.
  • Participate in competency assessment of BMSs and support staff. Monitor and manage performance of technical staff.
  • Participate in evaluation of new methods and equipment and contribute to discussions on workflow and methodology.

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).

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.

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).

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Employer details

Employer name

UK Health Security Agency

Address

Bristol UKHSA, Severn Pathology, Bristol, BS10 5NB

Bristol

BS10 5NB


Employer's website

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

Employer details

Employer name

UK Health Security Agency

Address

Bristol UKHSA, Severn Pathology, Bristol, BS10 5NB

Bristol

BS10 5NB


Employer's website

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

Employer contact details

For questions about the job, contact:

Senior RPO Talent Partner

Ana Zgardan

Ana.Zgardan@reed.com

Details

Date posted

25 October 2023

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 7

Salary

£45,753 to £52,067 a year .

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

AZ-UKHSA00779

Job locations

Bristol UKHSA, Severn Pathology, Bristol, BS10 5NB

Bristol

BS10 5NB


Supporting documents

Privacy notice

UK Health Security Agency's privacy notice (opens in a new tab)