UK Health Security Agency

Healthcare Scientific Support Worker

Information:

This job is now closed

Job summary

UKHSA has commissioned its Microbiology service for the Yorkshire & the Humber region from Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust (LTHT). The LTHT Microbiology Department is one of the largest in the country and provides comprehensive microbiology, mycology and virology services to the health communities of Leeds and Bradford. It provides a number of highly specialised services on a regional and national basis. The Leeds Regional Laboratory is also the national laboratory for the Clostridium difficile Ribotyping Network (CDRN) and UKHSA funds this service. In addition, UKHSA plans to deploy new technologies and services, such as Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) to the Clostridium difficile services.

As a UKHSA-employed HSSW you will be expected to assist Biomedical and Clinical Scientists deliver UKHSA services, particularly laboratory-based surveillance activities in conjunction with the Yorkshire & Humber Field Epidemiology service but potentially also genotyping, surveillance work and research projects. This may include the need to operate new technologies, such as NGS equipment.

Main duties of the job

Your main duties would include:

  • Sample receipt and handing.
  • Sample preparation and reagent preparation following protocols.
  • Clerical duties, including use of computers, and data entry, telephone enquiries.
  • Provision of results to wards, GP's and other hospitals as directed by senior colleagues
  • Dealing with visitors and deliveries.
  • Monitor and maintain appropriate stock levels, receipt of deliveries and preparation of orders.
  • Cleaning and disinfection of equipment and laboratory areas.
  • Monitoring and routine maintenance of equipment.
  • Perform manual, semi-automated and automated tests according to protocols.
  • Disposal of patient samples in accordance with relevant guidelines
  • Autoclaving of waste material and patient samples (involves moderate lifting).
  • Work in a safe manner in accordance with Laboratory Health and Safety policies and procedures.
  • Processing specimens, sub culturing of specimens, cleaning and maintenance of equipment, assisting Biomedical and Clinical Scientists in analytical techniques, and use of automated equipment.

About us

We pride ourselves as being an employer of choice, where Everyone Matters promoting equality of opportunity to actively encourage applications from everyone, including groups currently underrepresented in our workforce.

UKHSA ethos is to be an inclusive organisation for all our staff and stakeholders. To create, nurture and sustain an inclusive culture, where differences drive innovative solutions to meet the needs of our workforce and wider communities. We do this through celebrating and protecting differences by removing barriers and promoting equity and equality of opportunity for all.

Please visit our careers site for more information https://gov.uk/ukhsa/careers

Details

Date posted

13 February 2025

Pay scheme

Other

Salary

£23,489 to £25,394 a year per annum, pro rata

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time, Part-time, Job share, Flexible working

Reference number

919-LT-300534-EXT

Job locations

Leeds

Beckett St

Harehills, Leeds

LS9 7TF


Job description

Job responsibilities

You will need:

  • to deal with routine enquiries in a pleasant and helpful manner communicating information to stakeholders, referring to others as appropriate.
  • to answer telephone calls, taking messages and passing on accurately to the relevant departments/person. Supporting the monitoring of general office and laboratory supplies.
  • a standard level of keyboard skills and be able to use Microsoft Office programs. Inputting into, monitoring and printing reports from computerised systems if required. You would be expected to demonstrate systems and department requirements to new starters.
  • to have a flexible/adaptable approach to work in order to meet various deadlines.

Applicants must be aware that this job could involve frequent exposure to unpleasant bodily fluids including sputum, faeces, blood etc, and to micro-organisms which have the potential to cause disease.

Please be aware that we will assess on the 7 essential criteria stated on the advert rather than the full list on the job description document.

Selection Process Details

This vacancy will be assessed using a competency-based framework which will assess your qualifications, knowledge and experience, skills and abilities outlined in the essential criteria.

Stage 1: Application & Sift (Competency-based)

You will be required to complete an application form. You will be assessed on the listed 7 essential criteria, which have been selected from the job description, and this will be in the form of a:

  • Application form (Employer/ Activity history section on the application)
  • 500 word 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.

In the event of a large number of applications we will longlist into 3 piles of:

  • Meets all essential criteria
  • Meets some essential criteria
  • Meets no essential criteria

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

  • Previous practical experience of working in a microbiology laboratory.

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

Please do not exceed 500 words. We will not consider any words over and above this number.

Feedback will not be provided at this stage.

Stage 2: Interview (Competency-Based)

You will be invited to a (single) face to face interview. In exceptional circumstances, we may be able to offer a remote interview.

Knowledge, experience, skills & abilities will be tested at interview

There will be an assessment of laboratory skills with a short test carried out in the lab. This will assess skills with pipettes and general dexterity, also interpretation of written instructions.

Interviews dates to be confirmed.

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

Selection Process

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.

Location

This role is based at St. James Hospital, Leeds. Please note hybrid working is not available for this role.

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.

This role is being offered as lab based at our site in St James Hospital, Leeds. If based at one of our labs, 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 and applicants should contact the Vacancy Holder/Recruiting Manager listed in the advert for further advice.

Eligibility Criteria

External:Open to all external applicants (anyone) from outside the Civil Service (including by definition internal applicants).

Face to Face interviews

In exceptional circumstances, we may be able to offer a remote interview.

Job description

Job responsibilities

You will need:

  • to deal with routine enquiries in a pleasant and helpful manner communicating information to stakeholders, referring to others as appropriate.
  • to answer telephone calls, taking messages and passing on accurately to the relevant departments/person. Supporting the monitoring of general office and laboratory supplies.
  • a standard level of keyboard skills and be able to use Microsoft Office programs. Inputting into, monitoring and printing reports from computerised systems if required. You would be expected to demonstrate systems and department requirements to new starters.
  • to have a flexible/adaptable approach to work in order to meet various deadlines.

Applicants must be aware that this job could involve frequent exposure to unpleasant bodily fluids including sputum, faeces, blood etc, and to micro-organisms which have the potential to cause disease.

Please be aware that we will assess on the 7 essential criteria stated on the advert rather than the full list on the job description document.

Selection Process Details

This vacancy will be assessed using a competency-based framework which will assess your qualifications, knowledge and experience, skills and abilities outlined in the essential criteria.

Stage 1: Application & Sift (Competency-based)

You will be required to complete an application form. You will be assessed on the listed 7 essential criteria, which have been selected from the job description, and this will be in the form of a:

  • Application form (Employer/ Activity history section on the application)
  • 500 word 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.

In the event of a large number of applications we will longlist into 3 piles of:

  • Meets all essential criteria
  • Meets some essential criteria
  • Meets no essential criteria

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

  • Previous practical experience of working in a microbiology laboratory.

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

Please do not exceed 500 words. We will not consider any words over and above this number.

Feedback will not be provided at this stage.

Stage 2: Interview (Competency-Based)

You will be invited to a (single) face to face interview. In exceptional circumstances, we may be able to offer a remote interview.

Knowledge, experience, skills & abilities will be tested at interview

There will be an assessment of laboratory skills with a short test carried out in the lab. This will assess skills with pipettes and general dexterity, also interpretation of written instructions.

Interviews dates to be confirmed.

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

Selection Process

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.

Location

This role is based at St. James Hospital, Leeds. Please note hybrid working is not available for this role.

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.

This role is being offered as lab based at our site in St James Hospital, Leeds. If based at one of our labs, 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 and applicants should contact the Vacancy Holder/Recruiting Manager listed in the advert for further advice.

Eligibility Criteria

External:Open to all external applicants (anyone) from outside the Civil Service (including by definition internal applicants).

Face to Face interviews

In exceptional circumstances, we may be able to offer a remote interview.

Person Specification

Values and Behaviours 1

Essential

  • Commitment to and focused on equality, promotes high standards in all they do

Values and Behaviours 2

Essential

  • Consistently looks to improve what they do, looks for successful tried and tested ways of working, and also seeks out innovation

Values and Behaviours 3

Essential

  • Works well with others, is positive and helpful, listens, involves, respects and learns from the contribution of others

Qualifications 1

Essential

  • GCSE or Equivalent including Maths, English Language and at least one Science grade C or above

Qualifications 2

Essential

  • Educated to NVQ 2 level in a relevant subject or equivalent level of qualification or significant equivalent previous proven experience

Knowledge and Experience

Essential

  • Previous practical experience of working in a microbiology laboratory

Skills and Capabilities

Essential

  • Clear communicator with good writing, data entry and telephone skills ensuring accuracy
Person Specification

Values and Behaviours 1

Essential

  • Commitment to and focused on equality, promotes high standards in all they do

Values and Behaviours 2

Essential

  • Consistently looks to improve what they do, looks for successful tried and tested ways of working, and also seeks out innovation

Values and Behaviours 3

Essential

  • Works well with others, is positive and helpful, listens, involves, respects and learns from the contribution of others

Qualifications 1

Essential

  • GCSE or Equivalent including Maths, English Language and at least one Science grade C or above

Qualifications 2

Essential

  • Educated to NVQ 2 level in a relevant subject or equivalent level of qualification or significant equivalent previous proven experience

Knowledge and Experience

Essential

  • Previous practical experience of working in a microbiology laboratory

Skills and Capabilities

Essential

  • Clear communicator with good writing, data entry and telephone skills ensuring accuracy

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

Leeds

Beckett St

Harehills, Leeds

LS9 7TF


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

Leeds

Beckett St

Harehills, Leeds

LS9 7TF


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:

Resourcing Support Officer

Lisa Tweedie

Lisa.Tweedie@ukhsa.gov.uk

Details

Date posted

13 February 2025

Pay scheme

Other

Salary

£23,489 to £25,394 a year per annum, pro rata

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time, Part-time, Job share, Flexible working

Reference number

919-LT-300534-EXT

Job locations

Leeds

Beckett St

Harehills, Leeds

LS9 7TF


Supporting documents

Privacy notice

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