Job summary
Grade and Salary: AFC Band 5 £27,055 - £32,934
Location: Rare & Imported Pathogens Laboratory, UKHSA Porton Down,Salisbury, SP4 0JG
Please note there are 2 x permanent opportunities and 1 x FTC to 31.06.2024 available.
The Rare and Imported Pathogens Laboratory (RIPL) provide a front-line diagnostic service for the detection of Viral Haemorrhagic Fever (Ebola, Lassa, CCHF, Marburg), Arboviruses, Rickettsiae, and a range of ACDP Hazard Group 3 bacteria including Bacillus anthracis and Francisella tularensis. RIPL is also the provider of the Leptospira acute diagnostic service and the Lyme disease specialist unit diagnostic service. We are UKAS ISO15189 accredited and hold approval to provide IBMS registration and Virology specialist portfolios.
The post holder will perform a wide range of diagnostic assays utilising both serological and molecular techniques. The highest standards of quality and safety are essential.
Main duties of the job
The job holder will be required to carry out the following responsibilities, activities and duties:
- To undertake a range of diagnostic assays and techniques as required, meeting the needs of RIPL service provision.
- To undertake microbiological analysis of environmental samples.
- Produce and maintain reagents to support current testing strategies and for the development of new assays.
- Assist in the identification, evaluation and adaptation of new technologies and diagnostic tests to enhance the laboratories capabilities and to ensure the project area works to a high scientific standard.
- To conform to the working standards outlined by UKAS ISO 15189
- To identify to management any potential conflicts of interest which may impinge on their ability to perform their duties effectively as defined by UKHSA Conflict of Interest Policy.
- Supply data to agreed timescales required by RIPL service level agreement.
- Undertake general laboratory duties including disposal of waste, equipment maintenance, stock control and ensuring a safe working environment.
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.
About us
We pride ourselves as being an employer of choice, where Everyone Matters promoting equality of opportunity to actively encourage applications from everyone, including groups currently underrepresented in our workforce.
UKHSA ethos is to be an inclusive organisation for all our staff and stakeholders. To create, nurture and sustain an inclusive culture, where differences drive innovative solutions to meet the needs of our workforce and wider communities. We do this through celebrating and protecting differences by removing barriers and promoting equity and equality of opportunity for all.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Your main responsibilities would include:
- To undertake a range of diagnostic assays and techniques as required, meeting the needs of RIPL service provision.
- To undertake microbiological analysis of environmental samples.
- Produce and maintain reagents to support current testing strategies and for the development of new assays.
- Assist in the identification, evaluation and adaptation of new technologies and diagnostic tests to enhance the laboratories capabilities and to ensure the project area works to a high scientific standard.
- To conform to the working standards outlined by UKAS ISO 15189
- To identify to management any potential conflicts of interest which may impinge on their ability to perform their duties effectively as defined by UKHSA Conflict of Interest Policy.
- Supply data to agreed timescales required by RIPL service level agreement.
- Undertake general laboratory duties including disposal of waste, equipment maintenance, stock control and ensuring a safe working environment.
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.
Please ensure that your statement of suitability contains no personal identifiers e.g. name in either the file name or content of the document and is uploaded in MS Word format.
STAGE 2 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.
Please note, as part of the selection process, you may be asked to prepare to deliver a presentation or take a test.
Expected Timeline:
Advert close: 23:55hrs on 23rd 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.
Interviews: TBC
Please note these dates could be subject to change.
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.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Your main responsibilities would include:
- To undertake a range of diagnostic assays and techniques as required, meeting the needs of RIPL service provision.
- To undertake microbiological analysis of environmental samples.
- Produce and maintain reagents to support current testing strategies and for the development of new assays.
- Assist in the identification, evaluation and adaptation of new technologies and diagnostic tests to enhance the laboratories capabilities and to ensure the project area works to a high scientific standard.
- To conform to the working standards outlined by UKAS ISO 15189
- To identify to management any potential conflicts of interest which may impinge on their ability to perform their duties effectively as defined by UKHSA Conflict of Interest Policy.
- Supply data to agreed timescales required by RIPL service level agreement.
- Undertake general laboratory duties including disposal of waste, equipment maintenance, stock control and ensuring a safe working environment.
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.
Please ensure that your statement of suitability contains no personal identifiers e.g. name in either the file name or content of the document and is uploaded in MS Word format.
STAGE 2 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.
Please note, as part of the selection process, you may be asked to prepare to deliver a presentation or take a test.
Expected Timeline:
Advert close: 23:55hrs on 23rd 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.
Interviews: TBC
Please note these dates could be subject to change.
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.
Person Specification
Education & Qualification
Essential
- Experience of working in a regulated environment with quality systems and knowledge of UKAS Experience of supporting the delivering of change and transformation initiatives from end to end, into a live operation
- Experience in immunofluorescence assays
- Experience of working at CL3
- Substantive experience of diagnostic virology
- Working knowledge of LIMS
- Ability to work in a team and individually
- Good communication, organizational and time management skills
- Intermediate keyboard skills
- Ability to prioritize activities and workload against conflicting demands
- Evidence of training and mentoring other staff
Desirable
- 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%
Person Specification
Education & Qualification
Essential
- Experience of working in a regulated environment with quality systems and knowledge of UKAS Experience of supporting the delivering of change and transformation initiatives from end to end, into a live operation
- Experience in immunofluorescence assays
- Experience of working at CL3
- Substantive experience of diagnostic virology
- Working knowledge of LIMS
- Ability to work in a team and individually
- Good communication, organizational and time management skills
- Intermediate keyboard skills
- Ability to prioritize activities and workload against conflicting demands
- Evidence of training and mentoring other staff
Desirable
- 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%
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).
