Job responsibilities
Based at UKHSA Porton Down due to the nature of this role, it will be based on-site on a full-time basis
*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, Flexible Working,
Responsibilities section:
The job holder will be required to carry out the following responsibilities, activities and duties:
- Work with the Scientific Lead and other senior group members to consolidate virology associated with the WHO CC and the groups educational training remit
- Lead and develop molecular and recombinant virology-based projects to ensure targets are met, and staff are trained
- Lead and develop capacity building collaborations to ensure project targets are met, working with the Scientific Lead to maintain the engagement of stakeholders
- Lead on other externally funded projects as assigned, meeting targets in line with sponsor requirements, engaging with collaborators and networks as required
- Identify, bid and lead on internal and external funding with a molecular/recombinant virology focus, or other complementary group activities to maintain capability and develop the group in line with VPPC core objectives
- Work with Scientific Lead/Head of Department to coordinate logistics and work of visiting scientists, including post-graduate and undergraduate trainee scientists for necessary periods.
- Provide reports and data as required by the Scientific Lead/Head of Department and external stakeholders as required
- To build external links with collaborators and similar groups to the benefit of VPPC and UKHSA
- To give internal/external presentations, develop, draft, and submit manuscripts on work for peer-reviewed publications
- Lead the project team/area: identify, evaluate, and adapt new approaches where appropriate and to ensure that projects operate to a high scientific standard using current methods
- Provide line and project management as required and indicated by Head of Department and Scientific Lead
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 job description attached for full list of duties and responsibilities.
Essential Criteria:
It is important through your application and Statement of Suitability of 1500 words that you give evidence and examples of proven experience of each of the following criteria:
Essential
- PhD, followed by experience, in relevant subject e.g., Microbiology, Virology, Molecular biology etc
- Demonstratable expertise in setting up and leading scientific research projects meeting targets and complying with safety, quality and financial systems
- Experience in molecular and wet virology
- Evidence of success in efficient and effective project and programme participation/management
- Ability to analyse and interpret information, pre-empt, and evaluate issues, and recommend and appropriate course of action to address the issues
- Skills for communication on complex matters and difficult situations, requiring persuasion and influence.
Desirable
- Relevant HCPC registration (e.g., Clinical Scientist, biomedical scientist)
- Demonstratable expertise in Scientific research with grant writing and publication record
- Previous experience in similar role in public sector
- Experience in working at CL3
- Record of scientific publications in peer-reviewed journals
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 in-person 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.
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 participate in a session where they will be required to prepare and deliver a 5-minute presentation to the panel. This will be followed by a question-and-answer segment. The presentation will be designed to assess each candidates experience in line with the requirements of the role. Full details will be provided prior to the interview.
The Success Profiles framework will be used to assess and recruit the most suitable candidate. The following behaviours will be used at the interview:
- Seeing the Big Picture
- Making Effective Decisions
- Leadership
- Communicating and Influencing
- Working Together
Expected Timeline:
Advert close: 23:55hrs on 27th 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: 29th November 2023
Interviews: from 6th December 2023 onwards
Please note these dates could be subject to change.
Eligibility Criteria
Open to all external applicants (anyone) from outside the Civil Service (including by definition internal applicants)
Nationality requirements
Appointments to roles within UKHSA will be made in accordance with the Civil Service nationality rules. These can be found athttps://www.gov.uk/government/publications/nationality-rulesThis job is broadly open to the following groups:
- UK nationals
- Nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
- Nationals of the Republic of Ireland
- Nationals from the EU, EEA or Switzerland with settled or pre-settled status or who apply for either status by the deadline of theEuropean Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
- Relevant EU, EEA, Swiss or Turkish nationals working in the Civil Service
- Relevant EU, EEA, Swiss or Turkish nationals who have built up the right to work in the Civil Service
- Certain family members of the relevant EU, EEA, Swiss or Turkish nationals
We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's Recruitment Principles.
The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.
The Civil Service welcomes applications from people who have recently left prison or have an unspent conviction. Read more about prison leaver recruitment.
Security clearance level requirement
Successful candidates must pass a disclosure and barring security check. Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is Basic Personnel Security Standard. People working with government assets must complete Basic Personnel Security Standard checks.
For posts on UKHSA Civil Service terms and conditions, new entrants to the Civil Service are expected to start on the minimum of the pay band. For existing Civil Servants and roles advertised across government, the rules of transfer apply, i.e., level transfers move on current salary or the pay range minimum, transfers on promotion move to new pay range minimum or receive a 10% increase. Either case is determined by whichever is the highest.
Please Note
This role is to be appointed under Civil Service Terms & Conditions. Full details on the T&Cs are found https://www.ukhsa.reed.com/
Are you already a civil servant, or employed by a Civil Service Commission accredited public body? Please state home department on your application form.
Do you meet the nationality requirements for this post? https://www.ukhsa.reed.com/
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.
