Job responsibilities
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 Management Systems
- 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 FWEMS 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 FWEMS objectives, in conjunction with the Laboratory Management Team.
IT Infrastructure
- Become competent in the use of the laboratorys IT systems and participate in the basic inputting of data into the system.
Security/Health and 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.
Please note: 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 your line manager. The job description and person specification may be reviewed on an ongoing basis in accordance with the changing needs of the division and UKHSA. It should be noted that the work of the division is of a confidential nature and must not be communicated to other persons except where required for authorised purposes.
Professional Development
- Identify, discuss and action own professional performance and training / development needs with your line manager through appraisal / individual development plan.
- Attending internal / external training events.
- Participate in all mandatory training as required, i.e. fire safety, information governance and all other mandatory training.
Essential criteria:
- Previous experience of working in a laboratory or administrative 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.
- 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 setting
Desirable criteria:
- Knowledge and understanding of laboratory safety requirements and procedures.
- Previous experience of working in a laboratory.
- Experience of managing and communicating sensitive/confidential information.
Selection Process Detail
This vacancy is using Success Profiles and will assess your Behaviours, Strengths and Experience.
Stage 1: Application & Sift
Success profiles
You will be required to complete an application form. You will be assessed on the listed 11 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.
Your supporting statement must be no more than 750 words.
The application form is the kind of information you would put into your C.V please be advised you will not be able to upload your CV. Please complete the application form in as much detail as possible.
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
Those falling in the 'Meets all essential criteria' pile will progress to shortlisting.
Please note feedback will not be provided at this stage.
Shortlisting: In the event of a large number of applications we will shortlist on the following 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 setting
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
Feedback will not be provided at this stage.
Stage 2: Interview
Success profiles
You will be invited to a face to face interview. If face to face interviews are planned, in exceptional circumstances, we may be able to offer a remote interview.
Behaviours and Strengths will be tested at interview.
The Behaviours tested during the interview stage will be:
- Delivering at Pace (Lead behaviour)
- Working Together
- Developing Self and Others
- Managing a Quality Service
Interviews dates are yet 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.
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 office/lab based at our Scientific Campus in York - York Biotech Campus,Sand Hutton, York, YO41 1LZ.
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 Security Clearance.
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 5 years as the role requires Security Check (SC) 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.
