Job Description

Details

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Reference number

436932

Salary

31,049 - 37,796
per annum, pro rata
GBP

Job grade

Other
NHS AfC: Band 5

Contract type

Permanent

Business area

Science, Biomedical, Laboratory, Microbiology

Type of role

Health Professionals

Science

Other

Working pattern

Full-time

Number of jobs available

1

Contents

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Location About the job Benefits Things you need to know Apply and further information

Location

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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.

About the job

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Job summary

At the Reference Services Division - Colindale (RSDC) laboratory teams undertake services of complex and highly skilled techniques which often require nationally or internationally unique capabilities or facilities. RSDC are required to provide authoritative, final and validated analysis for complex clinical or food microbiological/virological problems and be innovative in driving microbiological/virological methodology developments and standards. They have a key role in provision of expert advice to government, national and international agencies, risk assessment for new and emerging microbiological/virological threats and play an important role in teaching and training organism specific and subject matter expertise to all grades of professional medical, nursing, scientific and technical staff. Design of national microbiological/virological surveillance programmes and sampling strategies and outbreak detection and control are part of day-to-day work of reference laboratories.


This role is only available to candidates with a HCPC Registration.


This role offers NHS AfC Terms & Conditions at Band 5.

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Working for your organisation

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

Job description

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
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Main duties of the job

To take delegated responsibility from the Section Heads and Technical Manager in accordance with UKHSA and MS policies for the following:

Technical and Scientific Duties Research and development Health and Safety Quality Information Technology Support Services Equipment

This list is not exhaustive.

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 other staff throughout the Unit, BRD and Colindale. Communicates within AMRHAI regarding procedures, results, planning and organization.

External

External collaborators and other bodies including NHS staff and other national and international users, commercial companies and professional groups, grant funding bodies and organizations as required.

Person specification

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

Benefits

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Learning and development tailored to your role An environment with flexible working options A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity

Things you need to know

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Selection process details

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.

Future location

UKHSA is investing in a new state-of-the-art National Biosecurity Centre in Harlow, Essex, which will eventually bring together teams currently based at Canary Wharf, Colindale and Porton Down. For more details, please see: Huge biosecurity centre investment to boost pandemic protection - GOV.UK.


The new facilities will start becoming operational in the mid-2030s, with full completion by 2038. Staff will move in phases as facilities become available. If you're appointed to a role currently based at Canary Wharf, Colindale or Porton Down, please note that we'll continue investing in these sites for the next decade. As we get closer to the transition, we'll provide full information about relocation support available to staff.

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 Criteria

Open 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.

NHS Pension

This role is offered under Agenda for Change (AFC) Terms and Conditions.

If you are already on AFC T&Cs or accept the role on a fixed-term contract, you will be enrolled in the NHS Pension Scheme or keep your current AFC Pension. If you take the role on a loan or temporary promotion, you will retain your existing substantive T&Cs. If the role is available under either AFC or Civil Service T&Cs depending on your registration, your pension scheme will align accordingly.

Reasonable Adjustments

The Civil Service is committed to making sure that our selection methods are fair to everyone. To help you during the recruitment process, we will consider any reasonable adjustments that could help you. An adjustment is a change to the recruitment process or an adjustment at work. This is separate to the Disability Confident Scheme. If you need an adjustment to be made at any point during the recruitment process you should contact the recruitment team in confidence as soon as possible to discuss your needs.


You can find out more information about reasonable adjustments across the Civil Service here: https://www.civil-service-careers.gov.uk/reasonable-adjustments/

International Police check

If you have spent more than 6 months abroad over the last 3 years you may need an International Police Check. This would not necessarily have to be in a single block, and it could be time accrued over that period.

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Artificial Intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.


Link below:


Artificial intelligence and recruitment , Civil Service Careers

Internal Fraud check

If successful for this role as one aspect of pre-employment screening, applicant's personal details - name, national insurance number and date of birth - will be checked against the Cabinet Office Internal Fraud Hub and anyone included on the database will be refused employment unless they can show exceptional circumstances. Currently this is only for External candidates to the Civil Service.

Careers website

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



Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.

Security

Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.
Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is counter-terrorist check .



See our vetting charter .
People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.

Nationality requirements

This job is broadly open to the following groups:


UK nationals nationals of the Republic of Ireland nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020 Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service
Further information on nationality requirements

Working for the Civil Service

The Civil Service Code sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.



We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles .
The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.

Diversity and Inclusion

The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see the Civil Service People Plan and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy .

Apply and further information

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Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.

Contact point for applicants

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Job contact :

Name : Carmelita Goodwin Email : carmelita.goodwin@ukhsa.gov.uk
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Recruitment team

Email : recruitment@ukhsa.gov.uk

Further information

The law requires that selection for appointment to the Civil Service is on merit on the basis of fair and open competition as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's Recruitment Principles.




If you feel your application has not been treated in accordance with the Recruitment Principles, and you wish to make a complaint, in the first instance, you should contact UKHSA Public Accountability Unit via email: Complaints@ukhsa.gov.uk




If you are not satisfied with the response you receive from the Department, you can contact the Civil Service Commission: Visit the Civil Service Commission website: https://civilservicecommission.independent.gov.uk