Job summary
Salary and grade: AfC 8a £50952 - £57349 per annum.
The Infection Sciences department at North Bristol NHS Trust is formed from a collaboration between the UK Health Security Agency and North Bristol NHS Trust (Severn Pathology). This is a busy and forward-looking laboratory that receives in excess of 1.3 million specimens a year from a large number of clinical specialities located within Bristol and Bath hospital trusts, and beyond, which contribute to an interesting and varied workload.
The laboratory is located within North Bristol NHS Trust and is a new, modern and fully automated laboratory incorporating state of the art equipment. It lies within easy reach of the city of Bath and surrounding villages. We have close links with our host Trusts as well as both Universities in Bristol and the proximity of the motorway network makes an ideal base for travel to London, the Midlands, Wales and the coastal resorts of the Southwest.
The UKHSA/NBT collaboration employs approximately 200 staff performing a range of diagnostic, public health and research activities, including high containment level work. The virology department has recently established a partnership with Colindale to re-establish a national bacterial STI reference laboratory.
Main duties of the job
You will act as STI Reference Laboratory Operational Lead and deputise for the Virology Laboratory Manager with delegated responsibility to lead the day-to-day management of the work of the Virology department and associated STI Reference Laboratory functions in cooperation with the Virology Laboratory Manager. You all also assist with liaison between the Bristol and Colindale laboratories and other units of UKHSA, NHS organisations and local authorities.
You 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.
We do this through world-leading science, knowledge and intelligence, advocacy, partnerships and the delivery of specialist public health services. We are an executive agency of the Department of Health and Social Care, and a distinct delivery organisation with operational autonomy. We provide government, local government, the NHS, Parliament, industry and the public with evidence-based professional, scientific and delivery expertise and support.
Location
This is a lab based role located at Severn Pathology, Southmead Hospital, 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.*
About us
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
As the STI Reference Laboratory Operational Lead (Deputy Virology Lab Manager), you will be required to carry out the following responsibilities, activities and duties:
- To deputise in the absence of the Regional Head of Laboratory Operations / Laboratory Managers and other Senior Team Managers staff
- Assist the Virology Laboratory Manager in the recruitment and selection of appropriate staff and in the induction, education and training and professional development of staff.
- Maintain professional competence and be aware of relevant developments in microbiology and other biomedical sciences
- To maintain the physical skills and knowledge obtained through practice to work in order to support the working of the laboratory as a whole when required
- To carry out and interpret highly complex tests, including a variety of molecular techniques.
- To be responsible for analysis of biological samples involving complex/specialist investigations
- Manage the provision of an efficient and timely Clinical Virology and STI Reference Laboratory service and monitor the service against the standards agreed with users
- Lead the introduction, maintenance and improvement of methodologies and innovations within Clinical Virology and the STI Reference Laboratory in cooperation with the Service Development and Clinical Scientists and working with the Consultant Virologist and clinical leads to develop the service according to clinical need
- Review the performance and appropriateness of laboratory methods at regular intervals ensuring technical standards are maintained
- Take a lead role in advising staff regarding technical difficulties
- Advise external service users regarding Clinical and STI Reference Laboratory technical issues
- Validate and authorise reports as required
- Responsible for the receipt and processing of samples requiring legal chain of evidence documentation
- Lead in the evaluation and assessment of new equipment and consumable items
- Actively participate as a member of the Virology protocols group
- Lead in the production, review and update of Standard Operating procedures for the Clinical Virology and STI Reference Laboratory
- Participate in and support the R&D activities within the laboratory and UKHSA
- Perform any other duties required by the line manager commensurate with the grade
- Manage the surveillance and epidemiological activity within Clinical Virology and STI Reference Laboratory
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.
For the full list of responsibilities and duties, please see the full job description.
Selection process details
STAGE 1 - APPLICATION & SIFT:
You will be required to complete an application form and a 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 by video or face to face.
Please note that you may be asked to undertake a test or presentation at 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.
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:
- Seeing the Big Picture
- Making Effective Decisions
- Leadership
- Working Together
- Developing Self and Others
- Managing a Quality Service
- Analytical
- Challenger
- Decisive
- Organiser
- Problem Solver
- Responsible
- Strategic
Expected Timeline:
Advert close: 23:55hrs on 14th February 2024 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 2024
Interviews: w/c TBC 2024
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 NHS 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/
Job description
Job responsibilities
As the STI Reference Laboratory Operational Lead (Deputy Virology Lab Manager), you will be required to carry out the following responsibilities, activities and duties:
- To deputise in the absence of the Regional Head of Laboratory Operations / Laboratory Managers and other Senior Team Managers staff
- Assist the Virology Laboratory Manager in the recruitment and selection of appropriate staff and in the induction, education and training and professional development of staff.
- Maintain professional competence and be aware of relevant developments in microbiology and other biomedical sciences
- To maintain the physical skills and knowledge obtained through practice to work in order to support the working of the laboratory as a whole when required
- To carry out and interpret highly complex tests, including a variety of molecular techniques.
- To be responsible for analysis of biological samples involving complex/specialist investigations
- Manage the provision of an efficient and timely Clinical Virology and STI Reference Laboratory service and monitor the service against the standards agreed with users
- Lead the introduction, maintenance and improvement of methodologies and innovations within Clinical Virology and the STI Reference Laboratory in cooperation with the Service Development and Clinical Scientists and working with the Consultant Virologist and clinical leads to develop the service according to clinical need
- Review the performance and appropriateness of laboratory methods at regular intervals ensuring technical standards are maintained
- Take a lead role in advising staff regarding technical difficulties
- Advise external service users regarding Clinical and STI Reference Laboratory technical issues
- Validate and authorise reports as required
- Responsible for the receipt and processing of samples requiring legal chain of evidence documentation
- Lead in the evaluation and assessment of new equipment and consumable items
- Actively participate as a member of the Virology protocols group
- Lead in the production, review and update of Standard Operating procedures for the Clinical Virology and STI Reference Laboratory
- Participate in and support the R&D activities within the laboratory and UKHSA
- Perform any other duties required by the line manager commensurate with the grade
- Manage the surveillance and epidemiological activity within Clinical Virology and STI Reference Laboratory
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.
For the full list of responsibilities and duties, please see the full job description.
Selection process details
STAGE 1 - APPLICATION & SIFT:
You will be required to complete an application form and a 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 by video or face to face.
Please note that you may be asked to undertake a test or presentation at 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.
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:
- Seeing the Big Picture
- Making Effective Decisions
- Leadership
- Working Together
- Developing Self and Others
- Managing a Quality Service
- Analytical
- Challenger
- Decisive
- Organiser
- Problem Solver
- Responsible
- Strategic
Expected Timeline:
Advert close: 23:55hrs on 14th February 2024 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 2024
Interviews: w/c TBC 2024
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 NHS 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/
Person Specification
Qualifications and Experience
Essential
- Registered with the HCPC as a Biomedical Scientist or Clinical Scientist.
- IBMS Specialist Portfolio or relevant experience
- An MSc (or a degree and relevant experience) in Microbiology or Biological Science or related subject
- Health and Safety qualification IOSSH or equivalent
- Laboratory experience in working within the field of STI diagnostics
- Knows and understands laboratory safety requirements and procedures
- Understands quality assurance principles and procedures
- Ability to work individually and as part of a team
- Ability to prioritise work in a timely manner
- Evidence of using technical experience to assess new and existing systems and initiate change in laboratory practice
- Evidence of in depth technical and theoretical knowledge of molecular techniques
- Able to demonstrable organisational and managerial skills. Plan own time and that of others effectively
- Able to respond positively to change
- Able to convey ideas and opinions clearly, concisely, orally and in writing
- Evidence of negotiating skills
- An ability to maintain confidentiality and trust
Desirable
- Relevant management training and qualification to certification level
- Understanding of training programmes and training assessment
- Evidence of motivating others
- Experience in marketing and liaising with customers
Person Specification
Qualifications and Experience
Essential
- Registered with the HCPC as a Biomedical Scientist or Clinical Scientist.
- IBMS Specialist Portfolio or relevant experience
- An MSc (or a degree and relevant experience) in Microbiology or Biological Science or related subject
- Health and Safety qualification IOSSH or equivalent
- Laboratory experience in working within the field of STI diagnostics
- Knows and understands laboratory safety requirements and procedures
- Understands quality assurance principles and procedures
- Ability to work individually and as part of a team
- Ability to prioritise work in a timely manner
- Evidence of using technical experience to assess new and existing systems and initiate change in laboratory practice
- Evidence of in depth technical and theoretical knowledge of molecular techniques
- Able to demonstrable organisational and managerial skills. Plan own time and that of others effectively
- Able to respond positively to change
- Able to convey ideas and opinions clearly, concisely, orally and in writing
- Evidence of negotiating skills
- An ability to maintain confidentiality and trust
Desirable
- Relevant management training and qualification to certification level
- Understanding of training programmes and training assessment
- Evidence of motivating others
- Experience in marketing and liaising with customers
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).
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.
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).
