Job responsibilities
This is a laboratory-based job working to improve a test that uses the Bioplex platform to detect soluble antigen using monoclonal antibodies bound to fluorescent beads. Your role will be to incorporate new monoclonal antibodies into the test and assess their sensitivity and specificity to detect the antigens they are designed to bind to. You will be supervised by a senior scientist, but once familiar with the methodology, you will be expected to prepare reagents, design experiments to test them, analyse the results and plan follow up experiments (with guidance). You will also have to contribute to the general running of the laboratory.
General duties
- To undertake training, including mandatory training as requisite for your role.
- To adhere to laboratory SOPs, risk assessments and other Quality Management and Health and Safety requirements.
- To assist with the preparation of SOPs, risk assessments and other documentation where required.
- To perform laboratory immunoassay tests required for the project, read and interpret their results.
- To plan experiments under the supervision of senior staff.
- To maintain a high standard of professional competence and technical skill in the performance of all tests and investigations carried out in the laboratory.
- To assist in the maintenance of equipment.
- To use equipment in a safe and responsible manner.
- To perform general laboratory duties e.g. checking and cleaning instruments/equipment, recording temperatures, preparing reagents and assistance with stock control.
- Assist in the training of other staff where appropriate.
- To ensure the correct disposal of laboratory waste.
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
- Participate in all mandatory training as required, i.e. fire safety, information governance and all other mandatory training.
Key working relationships
- The post holder will develop working relationships and communicate regularly with a wide range of individuals, clinical and non-clinical, internal and external to UKHSA. This will include;
Internal
- Medical, scientific and biomedical staff across the Public Health Microbiology - Reference Microbiology Division.
- Attend and participate in relevant meetings and updates on an ad hoc basis.
External
- Hospital and Trust staff serviced by the laboratory, other clinical and primary care staff.
- Staff from external bodies including accreditation bodies, NHS, local authority, university, MHRA and other users/collaborators, national and enforcement bodies, commercial companies and professional groups as required.
This list is not exhaustive.
Essential criteria:
- BSc in Biomedical Sciences or Microbiology or equivalent qualification
- Experience of working in a microbiology laboratory at containment level 2
- Experience of routine bacteriology techniques and immunoassays
- Significant postgraduate experience in a relevant field
- Able to work on own initiative, organising and prioritising own workload to set deadlines
- Ability to work effectively as part of a team
- Good computer skills and sound knowledge of common IT programmes (e.g. Microsoft Office)
- Able to analyse experiment results and provide judgement on next steps
- Able to communicate complex information with peers and senior staff
- An understandingof and commitmenttoequalityofopportunityandgoodworkingrelationships.
Desirablecriteria:
- A good levelof theoretical and practical microbiological,serologicaland molecular testing knowledge
- Evidence of continuing professional development (CPD)
- Experience of working in a healthcare environment
- Evidence of ability to train others
- Knowledge of health and safety and safe working practices
Selection Process Details (Competency based)
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
You will be required to complete an application form. You will be assessed on the listed 10 essential criteria, and this will be in the form of a:
- Application form (Employer/ Activity history section on the application)
- 1250 word supporting statement.
This should outline how you consider your skills, experience and knowledge provide evidence of your suitability for the role, with reference to the essential criteria. 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 C.V 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.
Healthjobs UK has a word limit of 1500, but your supporting statement must be no more than 1250 words. We will not consider any words over 1250 words.
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 used, the piles Meets all essential criteria and Meets some essential criteria will proceed to shortlisting.
Shortlisting: In the event of a large number of applications we may conduct an initial sift, on the lead criteria of:
- BSc in Biomedical Sciences or Microbiology or equivalent qualification
- Experience of working in a microbiology laboratory at containment level 2
- Experience of routine bacteriology techniques and immunoassays
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 singleremoteinterview.
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.
Location This role is based at Colindale, London. Please note hybrid working is not available for this role.
Security Clearance Level RequirementSuccessful candidates must pass standard disclosure and barring security check before they can be appointed.Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is Counter-Terrorist Check. This role is being offered as office/lab based at our Scientific Campus in Colindale, London. Based at our scientific campus, 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 Criteria External: Open to all external applicants (anyone) from outside the CivilService (including internal applicants).
Salary Information If you are successful at interview, and are moving from another governmentdepartment, 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. Higher Executive Officer (HEO) £37,749- £45,353 (Inner London)
