Scientist

Job description

Job responsibilities

The post holder will be responsible for:

• Utilise a range of laboratory methods/assays/techniques in support of all activities associated with the project aimed to ensure project targets are met.
• Take responsibility for the provision of laboratory reagents and consumables required for the project and document storage of materials.
• Take responsibility laboratory housekeeping and/or supervision and ensure laboratory maintenance.
• Ensure that the project operates to a high scientific standard using current methods.
• Ensure accurate documentation and tracking of samples and data and laboratory records and correctly follow SOPs.
• Record and provide data, perform analysis as necessary to meet project targets and for preparation of presentations and publications.
• To perform any other duties required by the Line manager commensurate with grade
• To ensure that the project team undertakes work in accordance with the UKHSA Porton Code of Safety Practice and to work within any Quality Systems that are applicable to the site
• To maintain health and safety competence to the national occupational standard Make sure your actions reduce risks to health and safety (NOS HSS1)
• To fulfil the requirements of UKHSA Values and Behaviours commensurate with grade
• To comply with all UKHSA policies and procedures.

Please refer to the attached job description and person specification for further details.

Essential criteria

Please note for this recruitment we will be assessing the below 4 essential criterias. To view all criterias please see the attached job description.

Educated to degree level in relevant subject or equivalent level of experience working at a similar level in a specialist area Demonstrable knowledge and practical experience with techniques for project including standard microbiology, immunology or virology techniques Experience of delivering duties to meet team objectives within set timelines Experience of lab safety practices and/or supervision and/or risk assessment

Desirable criteria MSc in relevant area Experience and knowledge of specialist technique(s) such as recombinant virology, general molecular biology techniques, neutralization assays, assay development Demonstrable knowledge and experience of having worked in a regulated environment (i.e., GxP, ISO) Experience of working at ACDP Containment Level 3 Experience of training others and supervising junior members of staff Some experience in writing documentation (study plan, protocols) as well as data analysis and presentation

Selection Process:

This vacancy is using SuccessProfiles andwill assess your Behaviours, Strengths and Experience.

Stage 1: Application & Sift

You will be required to complete an application form. You will be assessed on the above listed essential criteria, and this will be in the form of:

• a CV/ Application form (Employer/ Activity history section on the application)
• a1000word Statement of Suitability

This should outline how you consider your skills, experience, and knowledge, provide evidence of your suitability for the role, with reference to the essential criteria.

The CV / Application form and Statement of Suitability will be marked together.

If you are successful at this stage, you will progress to interview.

Please do not exceed1000words. We will not consider any words over and above this number.

Feedback will not be provided at this stage.

Stage 2: Interview

You will be invited to a face to face interview at Manor Farm Road, Porton Down, Salisbury, Wiltshire, SP4 0JG.

Behaviours, experience and skills will be tested at interview.

The Behaviours tested during the interview stage will be:

• Making Effective Decisions
• Working Together
• Delivering at Pace

Interview dates TBC.

Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.

Location Information

Please note that Hybrid working is not an option at this site. The location is: Manor Farm Road, Porton Down, Salisbury, Wiltshire, SP4 0JG.

Eligibility Criteria

Open to all external applicants (anyone) from outside the Civil Service (includingby definition internalapplicants).

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.

Working for the Civil Service

TheCivil Service Codesets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.We recruit by meriton the basis offair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission'srecruitment principles.

The Civil Service welcomes applications from people who have recently left prison or have an unspent conviction.Read more about prison leaver recruitment.

Its important to note that there are currently exceptions to applications being considered if your conviction relates to any of the following:

• life sentences

• arson

• sexual offences

• hate and terror offences

Some departments will also consider the specific offence against the nature of the business, i.e., a conviction for fraud may rule you out for a finance role.

If you are interviewed for the post and do not meet the required threshold for the specified grade, your application may be assessed against a similar, lower grade role and you may be offered the post should one be available.

Starting salary

Entrants to the Civil Service are expected to start on the minimum of the pay band.

The internal roles rules apply to existing Civil Servants,i.e.level transfers move on current salary or the pay range minimum, transfers on promotion move to new pay range minimum or receive 10% increase.

Either case isdeterminedby whichever is the highest.

For further details please refer to the Information Sheet- Starting Salaries & Benefits attachment.

Person Specification

CV and Statement of Suitability

Essential

• CV and Statement of Suitability

Behaviour

Essential

• Making Effective Decisions
• Working Together
• Delivering at Pace

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

Manor Farm Road, Porton Down, Salisbury, Wiltshire SP4 0JG

Salisbury

SP4 0JG

Employer's website

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