Job responsibilities
The work of microbiology reference units includes clinical microbiological advice and diagnosis, complex reference, service delivery, methodology development, microbial epidemiology, investigation of national and uncommon outbreaks, response to international health alerts, and advice on the risks posed by various infections. Clinical samples and isolates are received from public health departments, the National Health Service and commercial laboratories across the UK and internationally for specialist testing, characterisation and susceptibility testing.
In response to threats to business-as-usual (BAU) service delivery and enhanced incidents it is the role of the Operational Response Team (ORT) to be deployed to support reference service units and the operations team. The post holder will provide resilience to the bacteriology or virology reference departments in times of need. When not deployed during an incident, the post holder will concentrate on training, maintaining competency and development of skills required to assist in future incidents.
The post holder will work as part of the host laboratory team to deliver the reference laboratory services.
- To be responsible for the efficient processing of specimens and performing additional laboratory duties to ensure the efficient day to day performance of the laboratory, under the supervision of more senior Biomedical Scientist and Clinical Scientist staff.
- To undertake booking of specimens, inputting of data, filing, answering the telephone, reception work and perform other additional clerical and office duties appropriate to grade.
- The post holder would be expected to assist in any UKHSA co-ordinated response or activity of a national/international nature.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
- To undertake microbiological, serological, and molecular laboratory duties under supervision, guided by standard operating procedures (SOPs), including containment level 2 and 3.
- To be responsible for the reading and analysis of test results generated and entry of results onto the LIMS system.
- Collate and present data for discussion.
- Adhering to external and internal quality control practices.
- Attend meetings, plan, and implement project plans.
- Monitor safety cabinets and carry out routine quality control procedures in order to maintain set standards.
- To participate in and support the R&D activities within BRD & VRD and the organisation.
- To be responsible for health, safety and welfare of self, staff and visitors in your own area, ensuring that health and safety are afforded priority over other issues.
- To ensure a safe and healthy working environment by maintaining adequate safety levels.
- To notify any accidents, incidents or near misses, dangerous situations or shortcomings in health and safety training instructions via the appropriate management structure.
- Ensure compliance of work with UKAS ISO15189.
- Participate in internal and external audits and implementing corrective actions
- Take responsibility for maintenance and acquisition of stock in order to ensure adequate service provision and continuity.
- Use databases and software packages as appropriate.
- Apply computer technology to the management of biological information.
- Data entry, spreadsheet analysis and managing the flow of paperwork.
- Ensure that routine services are maintained/designed to a satisfactory standard.
- Take responsibility for maintenance and acquisition of stock in order to ensure adequate service provision and continuity.
- Monitor the performance and maintenance of laboratory equipment.
- Ensure confidentiality and conformity to the requirements of the Data Protection Act in collaboration with the designated Caldicott Guardian, Data Protection Officer and Security of Information Officer.
- Actively participate and maintain a continuing professional development programme and be aware of relevant developments in microbiology and other biomedical science.
- Develop professional expertise by undertaking further appropriate training as required.
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 your line manager.
- The job description and person specification may be reviewed on an ongoing basis in accordance with the changing needs of the laboratory and UKHSA.
- It should be noted that the work of the laboratory 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
- To participate in all mandatory training as required, i.e., fire safety, information governance and all other mandatory training.
Essential Criteria:
- State registration with HCPC as a Biomedical Scientist and maintains professional competence
- BSc in a Biological Science
- Post-qualification laboratory experience in microbiology
- Knowledge of laboratory safety requirements and quality assurance procedures
- Experience in use of LIMS, and a range of common software (Microsoft Office, Excel)
- Good communicator and team worker with leadership skills. Able to organise own workload and delegated priorities to junior staff.
- Confident in presentation of ideas and information with excellent analytical skills. Good organisation skills with particular attention to detail.
- Self-motivating, organised and meticulous, and able to problem solve in a calm and efficient manner.
- 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.
Desirable Criteria:
- Experience and/or understanding of scientific principles of molecular assays including PCR and sequencing technologies, and serological assays.
Selection Process Details:
This vacancy is using Success Profiles and will assess your Behaviours and Experience.
Stage 1: Application & Sift
Success Profiles - GOV.UK
You will be required to complete an application form. You will be assessed on the listed 9 essential criteria, and this will be in the form of a:
- Application form (Employer/ Activity history section on the application)
- 1000 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 may longlist into 3 piles of:
- Meets all essential criteria
- Meets some essential criteria
- Meets no essential criteria
If longlisting is used, the piles 'meets all essential criteria' and 'meets some 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.Please do not exceed 1000 words. We will not consider any words over and above this number.
Feedback will not be provided at this stage.
Stage 2: Interview
Success profiles
You will be invited to a single face to face interview. If face to face interviews are planned, in exceptional circumstances, we may be able to offer a remote interview.
Behaviours will be assessed at interview.
The Behaviours tested during the interview stage will be:
- Changing and Improving
- Communicating and Influencing
- Working Together
- Working at Pace
- Managing a Quality Service
Interview 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.
Location
This role is based at our Scientific Campus at Colindale. Please note hybrid working is not available for this role.
Security Clearance Level Requirement
Successful candidates must pass a disclosure and barring security check.
This role is being offered as office/lab based at our Scientific Campus in Colindale. 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.
Eligibility CriteriaExternal: Open to all external applicants (anyone) from outside the Civil Service (including internal applicants). Face to Face Interviews
In exceptional circumstances, we may be able to offer a remote interview.Salary Information
If you are successful at interview, and are moving from another government department, NHS, or Local Authority, the relevant starting salary principles for level transfers or promotions will apply. Otherwise, roles are offered at the pay scale minimum for the grade, but in exceptional circumstances there may be flexibility if you are able to demonstrate you are already in receipt of an existing, higher salary. Pay increases are through the relevant annual pay award for the role and terms
