Job responsibilities
PUBLIC HEALTH MICROBIOLOGY
- Responsible for advising on the provision of public health microbiology services directly, or through WHO, to the Ministries of Health in ODA Countries including development of policies, planning and implementation strategies for laboratory services during outbreak responses.
- Support or lead the implementation of laboratory improvement and training programmes in ODA countries.
- Act as a scientific expert for diagnostic microbiology pathways and techniques between UK-PHRST and stakeholders during outbreak response, research, and capacity strengthening projects.
- Support the Microbiology Lead with the continuous development of the necessary mobile laboratory capabilities required for outbreak preparedness.
- During deployments of the UK-PHRST mobile laboratory, act as team lead responsible for the provision of diagnostic services in line with the processes and protocols authorized by the Microbiology Lead.
- Ensure that all activities across the mobile lab deployment cycle are conducted in adherence to the WHO Minimum Operational Standards and Typology for Rapid Response Mobile Laboratories.
- Responsible for the line management of the UK-PHRST Outbreak Response Scientist (SEO).
- Perform any other duties required by the Microbiology Lead.
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
- Support the development and implementation of a robust and dynamic research and capacity strengthening portfolio with ODA eligible partners, harnessing new and innovative techniques and platforms, in line with the strategy as defined by the Microbiology Lead.
- Actively network in the research and capacity strengthening community (both at LSHTM, UKHSA and beyond) to identify and develop potential areas of collaboration.
- Ensure that the assigned research projects are appropriately coordinated, and in line with UK-PHRST goals.
- Secure UK and overseas ethical approval via LSHTM or UKHSA Ethics applications and ensure compliance with relevant regulatory requirements for all projects.
- Contribute to the expansion of regional and in-country capability through training, coaching and research dissemination, in line with requirements outlined by partners and relevant international and regional public health organisations.
- Develop and nurture key relationships with a wide range of individuals and stakeholders as required for role.
GENERAL MANAGEMENT
- Together with the Public Health Microbiologist Genomics) and the wider Microbiology team, contribute to the day-to-day operational management of UK-PHRST mobile laboratory, including HR matters such as recruitment, career development and discipline.
- To ensure that the UKHSAs standing financial instructions, professional standards of conduct and other UKHSA policies and procedures, including health and safety, are observed.
- Using analytical and judgement skills, to take a leading role in planning and formulating strategy as applied to business and action plans, equipment and facilities associated with all projects assigned by the Microbiology Lead.
- Ensure the allocated UK-PHRST Microbiology programmes/projects/initiatives maintain momentum through robust and effective management (flagging-up potential issues and proactively troubleshooting where possible).
- To ensure confidentiality and conformity with the requirements of the UK General Data Protection Regulation and Data Protection Act.
- Where appropriate, contribute to team discussions aimed at creating and delivering innovative approaches enhancing the effectiveness of the Microbiology work for UK-PHRST.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
- Pursue a programme of continuous professional development in accordance with any relevant professional registration or statutory requirements.
- Undergo mandatory pre-deployment training and other appropriate training courses as required by members of the UK-PHRST Core Deployable team
- Maintain professional credibility, autonomy, and accountability in line with professional code of conduct.
HEALTH & SAFETY
- Ensure health, safety and welfare are afforded priorities.
- Be responsible for all aspects of health, safety and welfare of self, staff, and visitors including attendance of self and staff on safety training courses in line with the UKHSA Health and Safety Training Policy and other safety policies as appropriate.
- Ensure that all relevant UKHSA health and safety policies are implemented.
- Ensure that risk assessments are carried out and reviewed for all new and existing work and that controls are implemented, monitored, and maintained.
- Escalate risks that cannot be controlled to the Microbiology Lead/ UK-PHRST leadership as required.
FINANCIAL
- Ensure compliance with ODA requirements in all UK-PHRST Microbiology activities.
- Comply with the Microbiology team requirements for budgetary tracking as instructed by the Microbiology Lead (budget manager), the UK-PHRST Finance team and the UK-PHRST Programme Manager (budget holder).
- Produce financial information, KPIs and business cases, as required.
Essential Criteria
- Relevant higher degree (i.e., MSc or PhD in Microbiology/Virology/Molecular Biology/Immunology) or equivalent level of experience working at a similar level.
- Significant experience of working with clinical samples and diagnostic testing for a wide range of pathogens (inc. biocontainment work at CL3/4) using an array of molecular and serological assays.
- Demonstrates experience and understanding of work within a regulated environment (e.g., ISO 15189).
- Experience of working with partners based in low- and middle-income countries or experience of working on previous infectious disease outbreaks.
- Experience in policy development, planning and management of microbiology / virology services and facilities.
- Evidence of successful leadership in relation to managing teams and networks of external stakeholders both in the UK and overseas.
- Adept at problem solving though analysis of complex information and situations to deliver solutions to practical problems in laboratory workflows and workloads.
- Able to communicate complex and sensitive information, negotiate difficult issues with senior stakeholders and present to large and influential audiences.
- An understanding of and commitment to equality of opportunity and good working relationships, but also in relation to management systems and working with multi-ethnic and multi-cultural teams.
Desirable Criteria
- Experience in various managerial fields, including finance, HR, business, project management, planning, procurement etc.
- Track record of publications and submitting proposals to promote and develop research areas.
- Experience of designing and delivering training modules.
- Ability to communicate (speak/read) at a working level in other languages, such as French, Portuguese, and/or Arabic.
Selection Process:
This vacancy will be assessed using a competency-based framework which will assess your qualifications, knowledge and experience and/or skills and abilities outlined in the essential criteria.
Stage 1: Application & Sift
You will be required to complete an application form and will be assessed on the listed 9 essential criteria. This will be in the form of a:
- Application form (Employer/ Activity history section on the application)
- Up to 1500 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.
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
Competency-based
You will be invited to a remote 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 CriteriaExternal: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 Porton Down.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) at our Scientific Campus in Porton Down.
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 (CTC) with willingness and capability to work towards Security Check (SC) clearance. You should normally have been resident in the United Kingdom for the last 3 years to obtain CTC and 5 years to obtain Security Check (SC) clearance. UK residency less than the outlined periods may not necessarily bar you from gaining national security vetting at this higher level and applicants should contact the Vacancy Holder / Recruiting Manager listed in the advert for further advice.
