Job responsibilities
- Extraction of viral nucleic acid from clinical samples by manual and automated methods.
- Performance of RT-PCR for surveillance and diagnosis of influenza and other respiratory viruses.
- Propagation of respiratory viruses and quantitation by methods such as determination of titre by plaque assay.
- Support for serological analysis using neutralization, ELISA and hemagglutination inhibition.
- Growth and maintenance of mammalian cell culture lines.
- Growth, amplification, and characterization of clinical virus isolates.
- Genetic characterisation of respiratory viruses.
- 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.
Essential criteria:
- BSc or equivalent in a biological science.
- Confident in presentation of ideas and information with excellent analytical skills. Good organisation skills with particular attention to detail.
- Self-motivating, organized and meticulous, and able to problem solve in a calm and efficient manner.
- Highly developed physical skills, accuracy important in manipulation of fine tools e.g pipettes. Have good hand eye co-ordination when performing tests.
Desirable criteria:
- Post-qualification laboratory experience in microbiology or virology, cell culture and virus isolation and characterization.
- Knowledge of emerging and zoonotic respiratory virus threats, influenza virology, therapeutics and vaccines.
- Experience in the use of automated platforms for extraction and PCR and automated liquid handlers.
Selection Process Details
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
Competency-based assessments
You will be required to complete an application form. You will be assessed on the listed 4 essential criteria and the 3 desirable criteria and this will be in the form of a:
- Application form (Employer/ Activity history section on the application)
- 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:1. Meets all essential criteria2. Meets some essential criteria 3. Meets no essential criteria Those falling into the Meets all essential criteria pile will progress to shortlisting.Shortlisting:
In the event of a large number of applications we will conduct an initial sift on the following essential criteria:
- BSc or equivalent in a biological science.
- Highly developed physical skills, accuracy important in manipulation of fine tools e.g pipettes. Have good hand eye co-ordination when performing tests.
If you are successful at this stage, you will progress to interview.
Please do not exceed 1500 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 single face to face interview.
Knowledge, experience, skills & abilities will be tested at interview.
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 being offered as office/lab based at our Scientific Campus in 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.
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.
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.
