Job responsibilities
Continued from above
- Liaison with, and data transfer between, collaborative groups and organisations outside of the UK NEQAS or UKHSA as instructed by the Director or Deputy Director, UK NEQAS.
- Knowledge of MS SQL and Access databases to support several databases in the department. Knowledge of Transact-SQL and VB.
- Knowledge of backup procedure and Veeam backup system, internally and in the cloud environment. Being able to restore files from internal and external backup.
- Knowledge of VMWare and VCentre to support VMWare host and VMs.
Communication and key working relationships
Internal
- Liaise with Senior Staff and work colleagues within EQA services and UKHSA
External
- Relevant suppliers of hardware, software and services
- Maintenance organisations
- All external system users
- External Network/VMware/Server support team
- External database support team
- External bodies as instructed
Communication
- With UK NEQAS for Microbiology colleagues and staff throughout UKHSA Colindale
- With the line manager on work-related matters
- Reporting to the line manager and senior staff on anomalies with procedures
- Assist in the maintenance of good customer relations
Personal & People Development
- Actively participate in annual performance and development reviews.
- Develop and maintain good working relationships with staff
- To assist in the training of new members of the LSS staff
Health, Safety & Security
In accordance with UKHSA policies and procedures:a. To ensure that health, safety and welfare is an afforded priority over other issues and to demonstrate a commitment to health, safety and welfare regarding self, staff and visitors.b. To work in a safe manner.c. To report all accidents and incidents.d. To comply with safety policies, procedures, COSHH and risk assessments.e. To participate in the internal and external safety audits, as required.f. To co-operate on matters of health and safety to enable UKHSA to comply with its health and safety responsibilities.g. To notify any accidents, incidents or near misses, dangerous situations or shortcomings in health and safety training instructions via the appropriate management structure.
Your attention is drawn to the Health and Safety at Work Act of 1974 which requires you to take reasonable care for the health and safety of yourself and others who may be affected by your acts and omissions at work; and co-operate with the UKHSA on any matters of health and safety.
Quality
In collaboration with the Quality Team:
- Maintain a high standard of work and contribute to developing the service of the laboratory so that service delivery is safe, effective and economical and follows best practice.
- Contribute to internal and external quality assessment programs.
- Ensure compliance with the appropriate accreditation and certification standards.
- Contribute to internal and external audit programs and corrective actions.
- Take every effort to suggest quality improvements.
Service Improvement
- Work with other staff to improve working practices.
Equality & Diversity
- Be aware of the relevant legislation and behave in a manner acceptable to all groups of staff
Estates & Facilities
- Contribute to the care, maintenance and security of laboratory premises and equipment.
- Monitor equipment as required, reporting deficiencies or discrepancies to supervisory/senior staff.
Information & Knowledge
- Use QPulse to retrieve controlled documentation
- Basic use of IT applications
Development & Innovation
- Assist with the development and introduction of new specimen types.
Procurement & Commissioning
- Maintain stores, including stock control and receiving goods in the department.
Other
- The above is only an outline of the tasks, responsibilities and outcomes required of the role. You will carry out any other duties as may reasonably be required by the directorate.
- The job description and person specification may be reviewed on an ongoing basis in accordance with the changing needs of the organisation.
Professional development
You should pursue a programme of continuous professional development in accordance with any relevant professional registration or statutory requirements, while maintaining appropriate awareness of service provider requirements.
Essential Criteria:
- Degree (or equivalent qualification) in relevant subject (e.g. IT, bioinformatics) or equivalent level of experience of working at a similar level in a specialist area
- Experience in a first- or second-line technical support role, supporting end user device hardware and software, both face-to-face and remotely
- Experience in infrastructure support, such as network or server management
- Experience/knowledge of Microsoft operating systems and associated infrastructure
- Experience/knowledge of Microsoft application software, including Office 365
- Experience in troubleshooting and supporting specialist systems
- Programming skills in VBA and SQL, and able to create macros and queries.
- Experience in Asset and Configuration Management.
- Previous experience within an ITIL environment and using ITIL tools, such as Service Now
- Clear communicator, able to use a range of methods, whilst ensuring communication has a clear purpose, taking into account people's individual needs.
- Evidence of excellent customer service skills and a commitment to improving services and performance for end users.
- Ability to analyse and interpret information, remain alert to emerging issues, and recommend appropriate course of action.
- Problem-solving skills and the ability to respond to sudden, unexpected demands.
- Ability to work on own initiative and organise own workload without supervision, working to tight and often changing timescales.
- An understanding of, and commitment to, equality of opportunity and good working relationships, as well as promoting diversity in the workplace.
Selection Process Details:
This vacancy will be assessed using a competency-based framework which will assess your qualifications, knowledge, 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 15 essential criteria, and this will be in the form of a:
- Application form (Employer/ Activity history section on the application)
- 750 word supporting statement.
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 supporting statement 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
The pile 'meets all essential criteria' will proceed to shortlisting.
Shortlisting: In the event of a large number of applications we will shortlist on the lead criteria of:
- Experience in infrastructure support, such as network or server management
- Programming skills in VBA and SQL, and able to create macros and queries
If you are successful at this stage, you will progress to interview & assessmentPlease 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
Competency-based
You will be invited to a single face to face to face interview.
Knowledge, experience, skills & abilities will be tested at interview.
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.
Eligibility Criteria
External Open to all external applicants (anyone) from outside the Civil Service (including by definition internal applicants).
Location
This role is being offered as hybrid working based at our Scientific Campus in Colindale. We offer great flexible working opportunities at UKHSA and operate using a hybrid working model where business needs allow. This provides us with greater flexibility about how and where we work, to get the best from our workforce. As a hybrid worker, you will be expected to spend a minimum of 60% of your contractual working hours (approximately 3 days a week pro rata, averaged over a month) working at our Colindale site.
Security Clearance Level Requirement
Successful candidates must pass a disclosure and barring security check.
If based at one of our scientific campuses, you will be required to have a minimum of 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.
Face to Face interviews
In exceptional circumstances, we may be able to offer a remote interview.
