Job responsibilities
The Antimicrobial Resistance and Healthcare Associated Infections (AMRHAI) Reference Unit is the national reference laboratory for investigation of antibiotic resistance in, and characterization of, healthcare associated pathogens. AMRHAI undertakes surveillance of resistance, advises on outbreak investigation, antimicrobial agents that may be appropriate for therapy, and on any public health risk. It is also the national reference laboratory for pathogens from patients with cystic fibrosis (CF).In addition, we provide specialist identification services for unknowns, which includes atypical, difficult to isolate or emerging bacterial pathogens detected in culture-negative clinical samples and for isolates with no national reference facility.
Technical and Scientific Duties
- Process specimens, sub-culture, perform nucleic acid extractions and routine phenotypic and genotypic microbiology diagnostic methods, run controls and IQC samples according to given protocols as required following training to undertake and assist in cross unit wide MALDI-TOF rota for the identification of a range of bacterial pathogens for AMRHAI
- Work within the AMRHAI Reference Unit to deliver reference services and to participate in surveillance projects
- Assist in carrying out laboratory testing, including molecular techniques such as NA extraction, PCR (including real-time PCR) and DNA sequencing and standard microbiological procedures e.g. bacterial identification from isolates and clinical samples
- Undertake basic microbiology and molecular laboratory duties under supervision guided by standard operating procedures, protocols or systems of work based on training provided, and taking into account the operational, safety and quality requirements of the laboratory
- Make judgements, plan activities and contribute to service development, and may have responsibility for supervision of some staff. You will have knowledge of how to deal with a range of non-routine activities, such as work allocation, problem solving for a team or area of work.
- Responsible for the reading and analysis of test results generated and entry of results onto the LIMS system and to score typing results and technically validate the results
- Collate and present data for discussion
- Undertake responsibilities related to UKAS accreditation requirements and Safety regulations through Technical Manager such as IQA submission/review, equipment activities, follow up on internal/external audit findings
- 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 to set standards
Research and development
- Participate in and support the R&D activities within the laboratory and the organisation
Health and Safety
In accordance with UKHSA policies and procedures, the post holder will be responsible of the following:
- 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
- Notify any accidents, incidents or near misses, dangerous situations or shortcomings in health and safety training instructions via the appropriate management structure
Quality
- Ensure compliance of work with UKAS ISO15189
- Participate in internal and external audits and implementing corrective actions
Information Technology
- Apply computer technology to the management of biological information
- Data entry, spreadsheet analysis and managing the flow of paperwork
Support Services and Equipment
- Ensure that routine services are maintained/designed to a satisfactory standard
- Take responsibility for maintenance and acquisition of stock to ensure adequate service provision and continuity
- Monitor the performance and maintenance of laboratory equipment
General Employment Responsibilities
- 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
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, while maintaining appropriate awareness of service provider requirements
Essential criteria:
- BSc or equivalent in biological science
- HCPC Registration, CPD registration and certification
- Post-qualification laboratory experience in handling microbial pathogens
- Experience of working in a laboratory including using pre-analytical techniques applicable to bacteriology, serology or molecular methods
- Experience in use of LIMS, and a range of common software (Microsoft Office, Access)
- Good communicator and team worker with leadership skills. Able to organise own workload and delegate priorities to junior staff.
- Confident in presentation of ideas and information with excellent analytical skills. Good organisational skills, with particular attention to detail.
- Self-motivating, organised and meticulous, and able to problem solve in a calm and efficient
- 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 RT-PCR and sequencing technologies, serological assays and MALDI-TOF
- Experience and/or understanding of working at containment level 3
Selection Process Detail
This vacancy will be assessed using a competency-based framework which will assess your qualifications, knowledge and experience and skills and abilities outlined in the essential criteria.
Stage 1: Application & Sift
Competency-based assessments
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)
- 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.
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.
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 into the 'Meets all' and 'Meets some essential criteria' piles will progress to shortlisting.
Shortlisting:
In the event of a large number of applications we will shortlist on the following essential criteria:
- HCPC Registration, CPD registration and certification
- Post-qualification laboratory experience in handling microbial pathogens
- Experience of working in a laboratory including using pre-analytical techniques applicable to bacteriology, serology or molecular methods
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.
Please 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 face to face interview. In exceptional circumstances, we may be able to offer a remote interview.
Knowledge, experience, skills & abilities will be tested at interview.
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.
Location
This role is being offered as lab based at our Scientific Campus in Colindale, London.
Please note: Hybrid working is not available for this role.
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 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 CriteriaOpen to all external applicants (anyone) from outside the Civil Service (including internal applicants).
Salary
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.
