Job Description

The Gastrointestinal Bacteria Reference Unit (GBRU) is a National Reference Laboratory and provides specialist and reference services for a specific range of hazard group 2 and 3 gastrointestinal and foodborne bacterial pathogens notably Bacillus cereus, Clostridium perfringens, C. botulinum, E. coli, Listeria, Campylobacter, Helicobacter, Salmonella, Shigella, Yersinia and Vibrio species.



GBRU works at local, regional, national and international levels to reduce the impact of food, water and environmentally borne illnesses on people's health. Activities include provision of bacterial typing services to assist national surveillance, the detection and investigation of outbreaks and specialist microbiological services for the examination of clinical, food, water and environmental samples.



Currently, a combination of phenotypic and genotypic methods is used to detect, identify and type bacterial isolates and this increasingly involves the use of whole genome sequencing. We are streamlining workflows for different pathogens across the unit to facilitate implementation of new technology whilst maintaining the capability to perform standard reference methods. GBRU has a high propriety in ensuring the safe running of laboratory services and the safety of all staff.



We are seeking a Healthcare Scientist (EO) or a Biomedical Scientist (AfC Band 5) who is HCPC registered.



This is a laboratory-based role within GBRU with primary focus on service delivery, training staff to undertake laboratory procedures to a high degree of competence and, assisting senior staff members to maintain an excellent Safety and Quality Management Systems within the Unit to ensure compliance with accreditation standards.

The main duties will be:

To provide technical support within the Unit in ensuring that GBRU provides a national and international service in all aspects of the work of the Section; this includes molecular and conventional microbiological analysis on a range of foodborne bacterial isolates and clinical and environment specimens.



To work with senior staff to ensure that both the service and non-service work of the unit is carried out in a safe, effective, timely manner and operates to a quality system.



To participate in research and development activities within GBRU.

Salary bands:

AfC Band 5:

29,970 - 36,483 per annum plus outer London HCAS of up to 15% payable Band 5.

EO (Inner):

31,224 - 36,176 per annum



Candidates holding HCPC registration will be appointed on NHS Terms & Conditions at NHS AfC Band 5. Candidates without HCPC registration will be appointed on Civil Service Terms and Conditions at EO (Executive Officer) grade.



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



The post holder will provide technical support within the Unit in ensuring that GBRU provides a national and international service in all aspects of the work of the Section; this includes molecular and conventional microbiological analysis on a range of foodborne bacterial isolates and clinical and environmental specimens and isolates. 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.



The post holder will 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 work with senior staff to ensure that both the service and non-service work of the unit is carried out in a safe, effective, timely manner and operates to a quality system.



The post holder will participate in research and development activities within GBRU.



Service delivery



To receive, sort, unpack, label and process specimens in the laboratory.



To assist in the provision and organisation of safe, timely, high quality and economical CL2 and CL3 microbiological, serological, and molecular laboratory duties, guided by standard operating procedures (SOPs) within GBRU



To validate clinical results technically.



To undertake DNA-based detection and typing for a range of pathogens with assays and techniques such as real-time polymerase chain reaction and whole genome sequencing (WGS)



To analyse and validate clinical and reference-based results, support the senior scientists in dealing with laboratory queries and maintain professional registration.



Assist in providing a flexible laboratory response to emergency public health needs including investigation of incidents, of deliberate release of pathogenic organisms and to general investigations of illness as appropriate.



Assist with evaluation and implementation of new techniques / methods to the unit that enhance effectiveness of the laboratory work.



Writing and updating SOPs and controlled documentation.



To provide technical support to GBRU Reference Services as appropriate including adjusting day-to-day work priorities to meet changing demands or emergency requirements.



Writing and updating SOPs and controlled documentation.



Dealing with telephone enquires in relation to clinical specimens.



Assist senior staff in the management of supporting staff across GBRU and deputise for the HEO when required.



Health and Safety



In collaboration with the GBRU Safety Officer and complying with UKHSA safety policies and procedures to:



Ensure that health, safety and welfare is an afforded priority over other issues and to demonstrate a commitment to health, safety and welfare regarding self, all staff and visitors in the unit



Assist in maintaining a safe working environment within the unit ensuring risk assessments and COSHH are carried out as and when required and safety policy is adhered to



Report all accidents and incidents or near misses, dangerous situations or shortcomings in health and safety training instructions and assist in taking remedial action



Participate in the internal and external safety audits as required and implement any arising corrective actions



Your attention is drawn to the Health and Safety at Work Act of 1974 which requires you to take reasonable care for the health and safety of yourself and others who may be affected by your acts and omissions at work; and co-operate with the UKHSA on any matters of health and safety.



Information Technology



Entry of results into LIMS system and liaison with senior staff in sending laboratory reports.



Answering telephone queries.



Quality



Maintain a high standard of work and contribute to developing the service of the laboratory so that service delivery is safe effective and economical and follows best practice according to ISO15189 and 17025 standards.



Staff Management and Training



Train and supervise other staff, visitors and students.

Support Services & Equipment



Oversee the service and maintenance of equipment



Ensure performance checks on equipment are performed and to take appropriate corrective action if equipment fails to meet specification.



Strategy, Policy and Service Development



Contribute to GBRU strategic policies and encourage innovations and develop practices that enhance the effectiveness of the section's work



Please see the job description for the full list of duties and responsibilities.



Essential Criteria



BSc in Microbiology or relevant biological science or equivalent level of qualification, or equivalent experience of working in a routine microbiology laboratory at containment level 2 including good knowledge of molecular and microbiology techniques and principles.



Evidence of CPD



Experience and knowledge of working in a microbiology laboratory at containment level 2



Good experience and knowledge of multiple laboratory techniques including phenotypic and molecular methods.



Experience in working as part of a team.



Good understanding of quality & safety principles and procedures



Problem solving skills and ability to respond to sudden unexpected demands.



Independent thinker with demonstrated good judgement, problem-solving and analytical skills



Use of micropipettes, sub-culturing organisms - good manual dexterity and attention to detail.



Able to work without supervision - ability to prioritise work in a timely manner - good organisational skills.



Ability to supervise and organise the daily work for self and others - training skills.



An understanding of and commitment to equality of opportunity and good working relationships

Desirable Criteria:

HCPC registration as a Biomedical Scientist.



Selection Process

Stage 1:

Application & Sift



You will be required to complete an application form. You will be assessed on the listed essential criteria which have been selected from the job description, 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.



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.



The Application form and Statement of Suitability will be marked together.

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



Please note that only those applications that meet all essential criteria will be put through to shortlisting.

Shortlisting:

In the event of a large number of applications we will shortlist on:



BSc in Microbiology or relevant biological science or equivalent level of qualification, or equivalent experience of working in a routine microbiology laboratory at containment level 2 including good knowledge of molecular and microbiology techniques and principles.



Good experience and knowledge of multiple laboratory techniques including phenotypic and molecular methods.



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



You will be invited to a face-to-face interview. In exceptional circumstances, we may be able to offer a remote interview.



Behaviours, technical, experience, ability and strengths will be tested at interview.

The Behaviours tested during the interview stage will be:

Changing and improving



Managing a quality service



Working together



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



This vacancy is open to all Civil Service employees and employees of accredited non-departmental public bodies (NDPBs) who were appointed on merit following a fair and open competition; or were appointed to a permanent post through an exception in the Civil Service Commissioners' rules. Prior agreement to be released on a loan basis must be obtained before commencing the application process. In the case of Civil Servants, the terms of the loan will be agreed between the home and host department and the Civil Servant. This includes grade on return.



Location



This role is being offered as lab based in Colindale, NW9 5EQ. Please note that 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 Checks.



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. 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.