Job responsibilities
The post holder will be required to:
- undertake a range of diagnostic assays and techniques as required, meeting the needs of RIPL service provision.
- identify to management any potential conflicts of interest which may impinge on their ability to perform their duties effectively as defined by UKHSA Conflict of Interest Policy.
- produce and maintain reagents to support current testing strategies and for the development of new assays.
- assist in the identification, evaluation and adaptation of new technologies and diagnostic tests to enhance the laboratories capabilities and to ensure the project area works to a high scientific standard.
- supply data to agreed timescales required by RIPL service level agreement.
- undertake general laboratory duties including disposal of waste, equipment maintenance, stock control and ensuring a safe working environment.
- undergo any training requirements as required for the post.
- participate in the RIPL on-call rota to provide 24/7 cover.
- ensure all work in undertaken in accordance with the UKHSAs Code of Safety Practice and to work within ISO15189 quality standards
- comply with UKHSA policy and procedures.
- perform any other duties required by the line manager commensurate with grade.
- prioritise, co-ordinate and organise specialist investigations and supervise the workload of a team of staff.
- deputise as appropriate for senior staff
- maintain HCPC registration as a condition of employment
- maintain high professional standards by continual professional development keeping up to date with advances in medical microbiology
- ensure health, safety and welfare are afforded priority and to demonstrate commitment to health, safety and welfare of self, staff and visitors and comply with relevant UKHSA health and safety policies at all times
- escalate risks that cannot be controlled to the Section Head.
- notify accidents, near misses, dangerous situations and shortcomings in health and safety via the appropriate management structure
- act as bench lead for a specific laboratory area with responsibility for investigating and resolving associated quality, training and housekeeping issues.
- participate in a joint annual review of their work. The process is described in the Human Resources Handbook found on the UKHSA Intranet
Please see the job description for the full list of duties and responsibilities.
Essential Criteria
- HCPC registered as a Biomedical Scientist
- HCPC accredited degree
- IBMS Specialist portfolio
- Experience of diagnostic molecular biology testing, molecular methods including real time PCR
- Recent experience in a diagnostic or reference virology laboratory
- Experience of working in a regulated environment with quality systems and knowledge of UKAS ISO15189
- Working knowledge of LIMS
- Demonstrate a strong desire to improve performance and make a difference by focusing on goals.
- Ability to analyse and interpret information, pre-empt and evaluate issues, and recommend and appropriate course of action to address the issues.
- Clear communicator with excellent writing, report writing and presentation skills; capable of constructing and delivering clear ideas and concepts concisely and accurately for diverse audiences.
- Good knowledge and experience of serological methods including ELISA and IFA
Selection Process Details
This vacancy will be assessed using a competency-based framework which will assess your qualifications, knowledge and experience and / or skills and abilities outlined in the essential criteria.
Stage 1: Application & Sift
You will be required to complete an application form. You will be assessed on the listed 11 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)
- 750 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.
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.
Longlisting: 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
Please note only those meeting all essential criteria will be taken through to shortlisting.
Shortlisting: In the event of a large number of applications we will shortlist on:
- IBMS Specialist portfolio
Desirable criteria may be used in the event of a large number of applications / large amount of successful candidates.
If you are successful at this stage, you will progress to interview & assessment.
Please do not exceed 750 words. 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. In exceptional circumstances, we may be able to offer a remote interview.
Knowledge, experience, skills & abilities will be tested 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 (including by definition internal applicants).
Location
This role is being offered as lab based at UKHSA Porton Down. 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. The level of security needed is Counter-terrorist Checks.
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 3years as the role requires Counter Terrorism Check (CTC) clearance.
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.
