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UK Health Security Agency

Pathogen Characterisation - Senior Project Team Leader

The closing date is 02 February 2026

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Job summary

The Diagnostics and Pathogen Characterisation (DPC) Division is based at Porton and has approximately 150 staff, focusing on key initial steps in the control of infections, namely pathogen identification, characterisation, and development of diagnostics. Within this division is the Pathogen Characterisation (PC) team which is where this role is situated. The PC team focusses on the increasing use of genomic methods to both detect and characterise the pathogens and host response to infections cause by them, with particular emphasis on ACDP hazard group 3 and 4 agents.

We are seeking a talented and experienced molecular biologist who will take part in and lead pathogen and host genomic related projects within the DPC division, with both expertise in both wet and dry lab aspects of the subject area.

The successful candidate will work closely with the Scientific Leader and Head of Department to ensure group and organisational strategy are satisfied. They will also be required to manage a team of scientists across multiple projects and work closely with other Senior Project Team Leaders to develop the capability in DPC, and obtain further external funding, develop academic links and expand the expertise of the group.

Main duties of the job

  • Lead and develop capacity building collaborations to ensure project targets are met, working with the Scientific Lead to maintain the engagement of stakeholders.
  • Lead on other externally funded projects as assigned, meeting targets in line with sponsor requirements, engaging with collaborators and networks as required.
  • Identify, bid and lead on internal and external funding with a genomics focus, or other complementary group activities to maintain capability and develop the group in line with DPC core objectives.
  • Provide reports and data as required by the Scientific Lead/Head of Department and external stakeholders as required.
  • Build external links with collaborators and similar groups to the benefit of DPC and UKHSA.
  • Give internal/external presentations, develop, draft and submit manuscripts on work for peer-reviewed publications.
  • Lead the project team/area to identify, evaluate and adapt new approaches where appropriate and to ensure that the project operates to a high scientific standard using current methods.
  • Provide line and project management as required and indicated by Head of Department and Scientific Lead.
  • Perform any other duties required by the Line manager commensurate with grade.
  • Ensure that the project team undertakes work in accordance with applicable UKHSA Safety and Quality systems.
  • Maintain health and safety competence.
  • Fulfil the requirements of UKHSA Values and the Civil Service Code.
  • Comply with all UKHSA policies and procedures.

About us

We pride ourselves as being an employer of choice, where Everyone Matters promoting equality of opportunity to actively encourage applications from everyone, including groups currently underrepresented in our workforce.

UKHSA ethos is to be an inclusive organisation for all our staff and stakeholders. To create, nurture and sustain an inclusive culture, where differences drive innovative solutions to meet the needs of our workforce and wider communities. We do this through celebrating and protecting differences by removing barriers and promoting equity and equality of opportunity for all.

Please visit our careers site for more information https://gov.uk/ukhsa/careers

Details

Date posted

09 January 2026

Pay scheme

Other

Salary

£56,185 to £66,581 a year Per annum, pro rata

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time, Part-time, Job share, Flexible working

Reference number

919-SH-302313-EXT

Job locations

Scientific Campus

Porton, Salisbury

SP4 0JG


Job description

Job responsibilities

It should be noted that the work of the department is of a confidential nature and must not be communicated to other persons except where required for authorised purposes.

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 department and UKHSA.

Essential Criteria

  • PhD or equivalent higher qualification and significant experience in an appropriate microbiology or virology field
  • Substantial experience of working and leading on the development of sequencing-based assays, across a variety of platforms
  • Experience of working in pathogen and/or human genomics
  • Experience of external collaboration, with demonstratable expertise in scientific research with grant writing and publication record
  • Experience of developing junior staff members, including line management experience
  • Clear communicator with excellent writing skills, report writing, and presentation skills
  • Evidence of success in efficient and effective project participation and management
  • Conduct behaviours in a manner aligned to the Civil Service Code of Conduct

Desirable Criteria

  • Trained and experienced at working in containment level 3
  • Experience of making decisions on difficult and contentious issues where there may be a number of courses of action
  • Skills for troubleshooting data analysis pipelines

Selection Process Details

This vacancy is using Success Profiles and will assess your Behaviours, Skills, Experience and Knowledge.

Success Profiles - GOV.UK

Application & Sift

At sift stage you will be assessed against the Essential Criteria listed in the job advert.

You will be required to complete an:

  • Application form (Employer/ Activity history section on the application)
  • Up to 1,000 word supporting statement

Healthjobs UK has a word limit of 1,500 but your supporting statement must be no more than 1,000 words. We will not consider any words over 1,000 words.

This should outline how your skills, experience and knowledge provide evidence of your suitability for the role, with reference to the essential criteria listed in this job advertisement.

You will receive a joint score for your application form and statement. The application form is the kind of information you would put into your CV please be advised you will not be able to upload your CV. Please 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 may longlist into 3 piles of:

  • Meets all essential criteria
  • Meets some essential criteria
  • Meets no essential criteria

Only those that 'Meet all essential criteria' will progress to Shortlisting.

Shortlisting In the event of a large number of applications, we may conduct an initial sift on the following essential criteria:

  • Substantial experience of working and leading on the development of sequencing-based assays, across a variety of platforms

Desirable criteria may be used in the event of a large number of applications/successful candidates.

If you are successful at this stage, you will progress to interview.

Feedback will not be provided at this stage.

Interview

You will be invited to a face-to-face interview.

Interview location and dates to be confirmed.

In exceptional circumstances, we may be able to offer a remote interview.

During the interview we will evaluate you against the below Behaviours:

  • Leadership - lead behaviour
  • Making Effective Decisions
  • Communicating and Influencing
  • Working at Pace

You will also be asked to prepare and present a 10-minute presentation, including slides, on:

  • A scientific project you have led - your presentation should highlight your leadership approach, key decisions, and the outcomes achieved.

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).

Salary

Grade 7 National: £56,185 - £66,581

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.

Location

This role is being offered as lab based at our site in Porton, Salisbury, Wiltshire SP4 0JG.

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. 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 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.

Job description

Job responsibilities

It should be noted that the work of the department is of a confidential nature and must not be communicated to other persons except where required for authorised purposes.

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 department and UKHSA.

Essential Criteria

  • PhD or equivalent higher qualification and significant experience in an appropriate microbiology or virology field
  • Substantial experience of working and leading on the development of sequencing-based assays, across a variety of platforms
  • Experience of working in pathogen and/or human genomics
  • Experience of external collaboration, with demonstratable expertise in scientific research with grant writing and publication record
  • Experience of developing junior staff members, including line management experience
  • Clear communicator with excellent writing skills, report writing, and presentation skills
  • Evidence of success in efficient and effective project participation and management
  • Conduct behaviours in a manner aligned to the Civil Service Code of Conduct

Desirable Criteria

  • Trained and experienced at working in containment level 3
  • Experience of making decisions on difficult and contentious issues where there may be a number of courses of action
  • Skills for troubleshooting data analysis pipelines

Selection Process Details

This vacancy is using Success Profiles and will assess your Behaviours, Skills, Experience and Knowledge.

Success Profiles - GOV.UK

Application & Sift

At sift stage you will be assessed against the Essential Criteria listed in the job advert.

You will be required to complete an:

  • Application form (Employer/ Activity history section on the application)
  • Up to 1,000 word supporting statement

Healthjobs UK has a word limit of 1,500 but your supporting statement must be no more than 1,000 words. We will not consider any words over 1,000 words.

This should outline how your skills, experience and knowledge provide evidence of your suitability for the role, with reference to the essential criteria listed in this job advertisement.

You will receive a joint score for your application form and statement. The application form is the kind of information you would put into your CV please be advised you will not be able to upload your CV. Please 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 may longlist into 3 piles of:

  • Meets all essential criteria
  • Meets some essential criteria
  • Meets no essential criteria

Only those that 'Meet all essential criteria' will progress to Shortlisting.

Shortlisting In the event of a large number of applications, we may conduct an initial sift on the following essential criteria:

  • Substantial experience of working and leading on the development of sequencing-based assays, across a variety of platforms

Desirable criteria may be used in the event of a large number of applications/successful candidates.

If you are successful at this stage, you will progress to interview.

Feedback will not be provided at this stage.

Interview

You will be invited to a face-to-face interview.

Interview location and dates to be confirmed.

In exceptional circumstances, we may be able to offer a remote interview.

During the interview we will evaluate you against the below Behaviours:

  • Leadership - lead behaviour
  • Making Effective Decisions
  • Communicating and Influencing
  • Working at Pace

You will also be asked to prepare and present a 10-minute presentation, including slides, on:

  • A scientific project you have led - your presentation should highlight your leadership approach, key decisions, and the outcomes achieved.

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).

Salary

Grade 7 National: £56,185 - £66,581

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.

Location

This role is being offered as lab based at our site in Porton, Salisbury, Wiltshire SP4 0JG.

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. 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 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.

Person Specification

Essential Criteria

Essential

  • Application form and supporting statement

Interview

Essential

  • Leadership - lead behaviour
  • Making Effective Decisions
  • Communicating and Influencing
  • Working at Pace

Interview

Essential

  • Presentation
Person Specification

Essential Criteria

Essential

  • Application form and supporting statement

Interview

Essential

  • Leadership - lead behaviour
  • Making Effective Decisions
  • Communicating and Influencing
  • Working at Pace

Interview

Essential

  • Presentation

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

Additional information

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

Employer details

Employer name

UK Health Security Agency

Address

Scientific Campus

Porton, Salisbury

SP4 0JG


Employer's website

https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/uk-health-security-agency (Opens in a new tab)

Employer details

Employer name

UK Health Security Agency

Address

Scientific Campus

Porton, Salisbury

SP4 0JG


Employer's website

https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/uk-health-security-agency (Opens in a new tab)

Employer contact details

For questions about the job, contact:

Resourcing Support

Sarah Handy

sarah.handy@ukhsa.gov.uk

Details

Date posted

09 January 2026

Pay scheme

Other

Salary

£56,185 to £66,581 a year Per annum, pro rata

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time, Part-time, Job share, Flexible working

Reference number

919-SH-302313-EXT

Job locations

Scientific Campus

Porton, Salisbury

SP4 0JG


Privacy notice

UK Health Security Agency's privacy notice (opens in a new tab)