Job responsibilities
In this role the post holder will be required to develop, direct and manage a team of staff within the Clinical Services Unit. Your responsibilities will include :
- Delivering technical and related services which meet the clinical and scientific requirements, comply with the best laboratory practices and are safe, economical and effective.
- Working with colleagues across UKHSA to foster close collaborative working between the Clinical Services Unit and Research and Development Groups to improve service provision.
- Supporting the provision of an efficient, effective and timely service ensuring maximum efficiency within allocated resources.
- Assiting the validation of patient results ensuring assays reach quality control criteria and appropriate interpretations are made prior to medical sign off .
- Supporting the use of automation of Serological and Molecular services.
- Supporting the training of junior staff.
- Being proactive in suggesting operational improvements within CSU and supporting operational improvement intiatives.
- Deputising for senior staff in the Unit as required and where appropriate.
- Developing yourself and your team to support the work of CSU and to support national laboratory emergency response
Please see the job description for the full list of duties and responsibilities.
Essential Criteria
- BSc in Biological sciences or equivalent.
- Maintains professional competence in biomedical sciences.
- Experience with quality assurance principles and procedures.
- Knows and understands laboratory safety requirements and procedures.
- Experience of working in a microbiological/molecular diagnostic (preferably virological) laboratory, or equivalent.
- Experience of supervision and training of technical staff.
- Able to work carefully, with precision and be able to balance laboratory duties with accurate record keeping.
- Computer literate, ability to analyse data, create reports, and present findings to others.
- Ability to work individually and as part of a team.
- Professional in dealing with external laboratories and other contacts to facilitate receipt of clinical samples and highly sensitive clinical information.
- An understanding of and commitment to equality of opportunity and good working relationships, both in terms of day-to-day working practices, but also in relation to management systems
- Able to convey ideas and opinions clearly and concisely, orally and in writing.
- High level of motivation and commitment to high standards.
- Able to analyse and evaluate data based on evidence.
- Ability to troubleshoot both laboratory-based and project-based problems effectively.
- Able to deal with problems in a calm and efficient manner.
- Able to work to prioritise workload, work to deadlines and remain focussed.
Selection Process Details
This vacancy is using Success Profiles and will assess your Behaviours, experience and technical skills.
Stage 1: Application & Sift
You will be required to complete an application form. You will be assessed on the listed 10 essential criteria that 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)
- 1000 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.
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
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:
- BSc in Biological sciences or equivalent.
- Experience of working in a microbiological/molecular diagnostic (preferably virological) laboratory, or equivalent.
If you are successful at this stage, you will progress to interview and assessment.
Please do not exceed 1000 words. We will not consider any words over and above this number.
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
You will be invited to a face to face interview. In exceptional circumstances, we may be able to offer a remote interview.
Behaviours, technical skills and experience will be tested at interview.
The Behaviours tested during the interview stage will be:
- Making effective decisions
- Managing a quality service
- Changing and improving
- Leadership
- 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 lab based at our Scientific Campus in Colindale, London. Please note that hybrid working is not available for this role.
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.
Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is Counter-terrorist 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 years 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.
