Go back
UK Health Security Agency

Healthcare Scientist Support Worker

Information:

This job is now closed

Job summary

£22,194 - £24,184, AO (National)

Location

This is a Lab based role located at FW&E Laboratory, Porton Down, Salisbury, Wiltshire SP4 0JG.

*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 Laboratory operates a 7-day working week and the post holder 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.

The Porton FW&E Laboratory provides a microbiology testing and advisory service to Local Authorities, Port Health Authorities, hospitals and commercial clients in the south of England. The laboratory is accredited to ISO 17025 and is recognised as an Official Food Control Laboratory for the microbiological examination of food and foodstuffs.

Main duties of the job

  • Contribute to the provision of an analytical microbiology service for food, water, and environmental samples.
  • Under supervision, assist in the receipt of samples into the laboratory and completing pre-analysis processing of specimens.
  • Become competent in the use of laboratory equipment.
  • Ensure efficient running and contribute to routine maintenance of all equipment, which will include high cost, complex equipment requiring calibration and regular maintenance.
  • Be responsible for stock control of the FW&E laboratory, ensuring sufficient stock levels are maintained for efficient service provision.
  • Participate in activities necessary for the maintenance and development of the Quality System in accordance with UKAS accreditation requirements.
  • To ensure confidentiality and conformity to the requirements of the Data Protection Act, Caldicott principles and the Laboratory Information Systems and Technology Security policy.
  • To ensure that health and safety are afforded priority and to demonstrate commitment to health, safety and welfare of self, staff and visitors

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.

It should be noted that the work of the division is of a confidential nature and must not be communicated to other persons except where required for authorised purposes.

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

13 November 2023

Pay scheme

Other

Salary

£22,194 to £24,184 a year .

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

AZ-UKHSA00900

Job locations

UKHSA FW&E Laboratory, Porton Down, Salisbury, Wiltshire SP4 0JG

Porton Down, Salisbury

SP4 0JG


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.

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

Please note, as part of the selection process, you may be asked to take a test or deliver a presentation.

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:

  • Working together
  • Developing self and others
  • Delivering at pace
  • Adaptable
  • Analytical
  • Service focused

Expected Timeline:

Advert close: 23:55hrs on 27th 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.

It is important through your application and Statement of Suitability of up to 1250 words that you give evidence and examples of proven experience mentioned here in the Person Specification section.

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.

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

Please note, as part of the selection process, you may be asked to take a test or deliver a presentation.

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:

  • Working together
  • Developing self and others
  • Delivering at pace
  • Adaptable
  • Analytical
  • Service focused

Expected Timeline:

Advert close: 23:55hrs on 27th 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.

It is important through your application and Statement of Suitability of up to 1250 words that you give evidence and examples of proven experience mentioned here in the Person Specification section.

Person Specification

Education

Essential

  • Educated to A Level / NVQ3 standard or equivalent.

Desirable

  • Knowledge and understanding of laboratory safety requirements and procedures.

Experience

Essential

  • Well-developed physical skills, especially in the manipulation of pipettes and other laboratory equipment, also must be adept and precise when handling samples etc.
  • Ability to follow and communicate instructions, ideas and opinions clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
  • Excellent organisational skills and ability to manage own workload.
  • Ability to work as an effective team member and be able to work collaboratively and cooperatively with other team members.
  • Ability to demonstrate a high level of motivation and commitment to high standards.

Desirable

  • Experience of working within a laboratory.
  • Experience of managing and communicating sensitive / confidential information.
  • Ability to liaise with colleagues across departments within UKHSA and work across organisational boundaries.
Person Specification

Education

Essential

  • Educated to A Level / NVQ3 standard or equivalent.

Desirable

  • Knowledge and understanding of laboratory safety requirements and procedures.

Experience

Essential

  • Well-developed physical skills, especially in the manipulation of pipettes and other laboratory equipment, also must be adept and precise when handling samples etc.
  • Ability to follow and communicate instructions, ideas and opinions clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
  • Excellent organisational skills and ability to manage own workload.
  • Ability to work as an effective team member and be able to work collaboratively and cooperatively with other team members.
  • Ability to demonstrate a high level of motivation and commitment to high standards.

Desirable

  • Experience of working within a laboratory.
  • Experience of managing and communicating sensitive / confidential information.
  • Ability to liaise with colleagues across departments within UKHSA and work across organisational boundaries.

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).

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).

Employer details

Employer name

UK Health Security Agency

Address

UKHSA FW&E Laboratory, Porton Down, Salisbury, Wiltshire SP4 0JG

Porton Down, Salisbury

SP4 0JG


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

UKHSA FW&E Laboratory, Porton Down, Salisbury, Wiltshire SP4 0JG

Porton Down, Salisbury

SP4 0JG


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

ukhsa.recruitment@reed.com

Details

Date posted

13 November 2023

Pay scheme

Other

Salary

£22,194 to £24,184 a year .

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

AZ-UKHSA00900

Job locations

UKHSA FW&E Laboratory, Porton Down, Salisbury, Wiltshire SP4 0JG

Porton Down, Salisbury

SP4 0JG


Supporting documents

Privacy notice

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