Commercial Biosafety Scientist

Job description

Job responsibilities

The post holder must have at least a BTEC level 3 qualification and significant experience (>2 years) in a microbiology topic or commercial testing environment. With proven abilities to undertake a broad range of aerobiology practices, standard bacteriological and bacteria phage techniques. A high degree of flexibility is expected, as the project is closely linked to other programmes of work within Biosafety.

This post holder will primarily be responsible for the delivery of testing for commercial customers using microbiology laboratory assays, laboratory housekeeping and maintenance, recording and reporting of results and ensuring the work is carried out to high scientific, safety and quality standard.

The successful applicant will also be expected to:

• Utilise a range of methods/assays/techniques (aerosol generation, air sampling, bacterial culture, etc.) in support of all activities associated with the projects aimed to ensure project targets are met on time and within budget.
• Conduct testing of biocontainment equipment, such as HEPA filters and centrifuge rotors to standard testing procedures.
• Write draft reports for the work. Results will be disseminated to commercial stakeholders through discussion and written reports.
• Take responsibility for the control and stockpile of reagents for their own area of the project.
• Assist the project team to identify, evaluate and report new procedures where appropriate and to ensure that the project operates to a high scientific level.
• Supply data to agreed timescales to enable the preparation of project reports, presentations and publications.
• To develop skills and understanding in the fields of microbiology, aerobiology and biocontainment.

Essential criteria

You will be assessed on the below 9 essential criteria, which have been selected from the Job Description

• At least a BTEC level 3 qualification and significant experience (>2 years) in a microbiology topic or commercial testing environment
• Experience in relevant methods (bacteriology, aerobiology, containment equipment) acquired through previous employment, placements or taught course relevant for project
• Good understanding and experience of safe working practices in microbiology.
• Good understanding and experience of safe working practices
• Good communication skills
• Self-motivating, organized & meticulous
• Able to work flexibly to meet varying needs
• Willing to undertake further training
• Demonstrated ability to work in teams and independently

Stage 1: Application & Sift

Success profiles

Please note you will not be able to upload your CV. You must complete the application form in as much detail as possible. Please do not email us your CV.

This vacancy is using success profiles and will assess your behaviours, experience, and strengths. You will be required to complete an application form. You will be assessed on the above listed 9 essential criteria above, and this will be in the form of a:

• Application form (Employer/ Activity history section on the application)
• 1250word Statement of Suitability.

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

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

Longlisting:

In the event ofa large number ofapplications we willlonglistinto 3 piles of:

• Meets all essential criteria

• Meets some essential criteria

• Meets no essential criteria

In order to be shortlisted you must meet all and some of the essential criteria listed above.

Shortlisting: In the event of a large number of applications we will shortlist on:

• Experience in relevant methods (bacteriology, aerobiology, containment equipment) acquired through previous employment, placements or taught course relevant for project

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

Please do not exceed1250words. We will not consider any words over and above this number.

Feedback will not be provided at this stage.

Stage 2: Interview (success profiles)

You will be invited to a face to face interview

Behaviours, Technical skills and strengths will be tested at interview.

The Behaviours tested during the interview stage will be:

• Managing a Quality Service
• Working Together
• Developing Self and Others
• Delivering at Pace

A technical question will be asked at interview

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

Eligibility Criteria

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

Location

This role is being offered as office/lab based at our Scientific Campus in Porton.If based at one of our scientific campuses, you will be required to have a Counter Terrorism Check security vetting check as a minimum. For meaningful National Security Vetting checks to be carried out individuals need to have lived in the UK for a sufficient period of time. You should normally have been resident in the United Kingdom for the last 3 years as the role requires Counter Terrorism Check (CTC) clearance. In exceptional circumstances UK residency less than the outlined periods may not necessarily bar you from gaining national security vetting andapplicants should contact the Vacancy Holder/Recruiting Manager listed in the advert for further advice.

Security Clearance Level Requirement

Successful candidates must pass a disclosure and barring security check.

For meaningful National Security Vetting checks to be carried out individuals need to have lived in the UK for a sufficient period of time. You should normally have been resident in the United Kingdom for the last 3 / 5 / 10 years as the role requires Counter Terrorism Check (CTC)

Person Specification

Application form and Statement of Suitability

Essential

• Application form and Statement of Suitability

Behaviours

Essential

• Delivering at Pace
• Developing Self and Others
• Working Together
• Managing a Quality Service

Technical

Essential

• Technical

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 Porton

Manor Farm Road

Salisbury

SP4 0JG

Employer's website

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