Diagnostic Technician Scientist

Job description

Job responsibilities

• Under the direction of senior scientists, utilise a range of molecular, serological and antigenic methods in support of diagnostic evaluation activities for ACDP HG 2/3/4 pathogens, ensuring targets are met according to agreed specifications and timelines.
• Take responsibility for the provision of equipment, reagents and consumables required for the project and documented storage of materials generated.
• Ensure data produced is of a high scientific standard ready to be utilised in project reports and presentations.
• Undertake training to deputise for the diagnostic research scientists in the supervision of CL2 laboratories and support the completion of housekeeping duties in line with site specific procedures.
• Provide support to other laboratory staff, ensuring appropriate consumables and reagents are available for project delivery.
• To perform any other duties required by the Line manager commensurate with grade.
• To ensure that the project team undertakes work in accordance with UKHSAs Code of Safety Practice and to work within any Quality Systems that are applicable to the site.
• To maintain health and safety competence.
• To fulfil the requirements of UKHSA Values and Behaviours and the Civil Service Code.
• To comply with all UKHSA policies and procedures

Essential criteria:

• Degree in relevant subject e.g., Biomedical Science Microbiology/Virology/Molecular Biology/Immunology or equivalent experience of working with a number of relevant analytical techniques in a suitable laboratory with personal responsibility for the quality of results produced.
• Knowledge with some prior experience of microbiological diagnostic test development, evaluation and validation for the diagnosis of bacteria and viruses such as Real-time PCR, ELISA, LFD
• Experience in working at ACDP CL2 with a range of microbial pathogens using techniques including nucleic acid extraction, real-time PCR and antigen preparation.
• Some prior experience of working with clinical samples and commercial diagnostic tests.
• Knowledge with some experience of working within a regulated environment (e.g. ISO 9001;ISO15189, GLP, UKAS).
• Experience of working as part of a successful team with respect to project delivery.
• 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

Desirable criteria:

• Some experience in working at ACDP CL3 with a range of microbial pathogens including culture, nucleic acid extraction, antigen preparation.
• Experience with use of molecular automation including point of care devices, extraction and real-time PCR platforms.
• Awareness of laboratory risk and COSHH assessment and audit.
• Experience of LIMS systems for patient sample management including data analysis and queries on samples, sample types and tests.
• HCPC registration (Biomedical Scientist, Clinical Scientist)

Selection Process Details

This vacancy is using Success Profiles and will assess your behaviours, experience and strengths.

Stage 1: Application & Sift

You will be required to complete an application form. You will be assessed against the 7 essential criteria listed in the job advert; this will be in the form of:

Application form (Employer/ Activity history section on the application) up to 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.

You will receive a joint score for your application form and supporting statement.

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

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

The pile that Meets all the essential criteria will be moved through to the shortlisting stage.

Shortlisting:

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

• Knowledge with some prior experience of microbiological diagnostic test development, evaluation and validation for the diagnosis of bacteria and viruses such as Real-time PCR, ELISA, LFD

Desirable criteria may be used in the event of a large number of applications / large amount of successful candidates.

Please do not exceed 750 words on your supporting statement. We will not consider any words over and above this number. If you are successful at this stage, you will progress to interview.

Unfortunately, late applications will not be considered.

Please note that 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.

Please note feedback will not be provided at this stage.

Stage 2: Interview

Success profiles

You will be invited to a face-to-face interview at our Porton office.In exceptional circumstances, we may be able to offer a remote interview.

Behaviours and Strengths will be assessed at interview.

The behaviours testing during the interview stage will be:

• Delivering at pace (Lead behaviour)
• Making effective decisions
• Communicating and influencing
• Working together

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

Eligibility CriteriaOpen 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 our Scientific Campus in Porton.

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.

If based at one of our scientific campuses, 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.

Person Specification

Application Form and Supporting Statement

Essential

• Application Form and Supporting Statement

Behaviours

Essential

• Delivering at pace (Lead behaviour)
• Making effective decisions
• Communicating and influencing
• Working together

Strengths

Essential

• Strengths

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

Porton Down

Salisbury

SP4 0JG

Employer's website

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