Healthcare Scientist Support Worker

Job description

Job responsibilities

Your key responsibilities will include:

Service Delivery

• Contribute to the provision of an analytical microbiology service for food, water and environmental samples
• Under supervision, assist in the receipt of samples into the laboratory and complete pre-analysis processing of specimens
• Work as part of a team to undertake routine preparation and examination of a wide range of samples under supervision
• Become competent in the use of laboratory equipment including balances and pipettes
• Re-stock laboratory consumables, sterile equipment and glassware
• Assist with waste disposal following local procedures
• Respond to requests and accurately communicate information and results to other laboratory staff, as required
• Refer queries to other, more senior staff, as appropriate

Quality Systems Management

• Participate in activities necessary for the maintenance and development of the Quality System in accordance with UKAS requirements
• Support the laboratorys accreditation to ISO 17025 and ensure compliance with UKAS and other accreditation and certification standards

Asset Management

• Ensure efficient running and contribute to routine maintenance of all equipment, which will include high cost, complex equipment requiring calibration and regular maintenance
• Take responsibility for stock control in the FW&E laboratory, ensuring sufficient stock levels are maintained for efficient service provision
• Contribute to the care, maintenance and security of laboratory premises and equipment in order to ensure efficient and safe operation

Strategy, Policy and Service Development

• Support the implementation of new methods and technologies into the laboratory, in order to maximise quality and efficiency of testing
• Support appropriate income generation activities for the laboratory, in accordance with the National FW&E objectives, in conjunction with the Laboratory Management Team

IT Infrastructure

• Become competent in the use of the laboratorys IT systems and assist with the basic inputting of data into the system

Security / Health & Safety

• Ensure confidentiality and conformity to the requirements of the Data Protection Act, Caldicott principles and the Laboratory Information Systems and Technology Security policy
• Ensure that health and safety are afforded priority and to demonstrate commitment to health, safety and welfare of self, staff and visitors
• Ensure attendance of self and managed staff on safety training courses as required in the UKHSA Health and Safety Training Policy and other safety policies as appropriate.
• Agree to implement safety objectives
• Ensure that a Laboratory/Office Safety Code is implemented.
• Ensure that risk assessments are implemented and maintained.
• Report risks that cannot be controlled to the Laboratory Manager
• Notify accidents, near misses, dangerous situations and shortcomings in health and safety via the appropriate management structure

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.

Essential Criteria

• Good standard of general education i.e. GCSEs (grade C or above) in English, maths and science or equivalent level of qualification or significant equivalent previous proven experience working in a laboratory
• Previous experience of working in a laboratory, administrative or customer-facing environment using computerised data systems
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office including Word and Excel
• Well-developed physical skills including manual dexterity
• Clear communicator with good writing, data entry and telephone skills ensuring accuracy
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team
• Problem solving skills
• Demonstrate a high level of motivation and commitment to high standards
• Good time keeping
• Flexible approach to work
• An understanding of and commitment to equality of opportunity and good working relationships

Selection process details

This vacancy is using Success Profiles and will assess your Behaviours, Strengths, Ability, Experience and Technical skills.

Stage 1 - Application & Sift:

You will be required to complete an application form. You will be assessed on the 11 essential criteria listed, and this will be in the form of a:

• Application form (Employer/ Activity history section on the application

• 1000-word 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 Application form and Statement of Suitability will be marked together.

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

• Meets all essentialcriteria

• Meets some essential criteria

• Meets no essential criteria

Piles Meets all essentialcriteriawill be moved through to the shortlisting stage.

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

• Previous experience of working in a laboratory, administrative or customer-facing environment using computerised data systems

Please do not exceed 1000 words. We will not consider any words over and above this number. If you are successful at this stage, you will progress to an interview. Unfortunately, late applications will not be considered.

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.

Feedback will not be provided at this stage.

Stage 2: Interview (success profiles)

You will be invited to a (single) face to face interview. If face to face interviews are planned, in exceptional circumstances, we may be able to offer a remote interview.

Behaviours, technical, experience, ability and strengths will be tested at interview.

The Behaviour's tested during the interview stage will be:

• Working Together (lead)
• Changing and Improving
• Developing self and others

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

Location

This role is being offered as office/lab based at our site in Porton Down.

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

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

Security Clearance Level Requirement

Successful candidates must pass a disclosure and barring security check.

Person Specification

Application form and Statement of Suitability

Essential

• Application form and Statement of Suitability

Behaviours

Essential

• Working Together
• Changing and Improving
• Developing Self and Others

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 Down

Manor Farm Road

Salisbury

SP4 0JG

Employer's website

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