Job Description

Details

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Reference number

425233

Salary

27,712 - 28,344
per annum, pro rata (Salary will include a Market Pay Supplement to bring minimum to 30,584)
A Civil Service Pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%
GBP

Job grade

Administrative Officer

Contract type

Permanent

Business area

Science, Laboratory

Type of role

Science

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.

About the job

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Job summary

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 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 priority in ensuring the safe running of laboratory services and the safety of all staff.

This is a laboratory-based role within GBRU

with primary focus on service delivery, 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.

Job description

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.

Service Delivery

To receive, sort, unpack, label and process specimens in the laboratory To assist in the provision of safe, timely, high quality and economical CL2 microbiological, serological, and molecular laboratory duties, guided by standard operating procedures (SOPs) within GBRU 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) 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 To provide technical support to GBRU Reference Services as appropriate including adjusting day-to-day work priorities to meet changing demands or emergency requirements Ensure efficient running and contribute to routine maintenance of all equipment, which will include high cost, complex equipment requiring calibration and regular maintenance is carried out following adequate training and competency assessment Responsible for stock control of the Unit, ensuring sufficient stock levels are maintained for service provision To carry out performance checks on equipment

Quality management

To ensure all quality procedures are followed and adhered to within the laboratory and highlight to the senior staff or Lead Quality Manager any non-compliances as required. Contribute to internal and external audit programmes Ensure compliance with UKAS & ISO 15189 and other accreditation and certification standards. Take every opportunity to suggest quality improvements

Management

Able to make decisions within defined limits of existing policy and operational process in conjunction with best practice and guidance from more senior staff and the lead Technical Laboratory Manager.

Strategy, Policy and Service Development

To support the implementation of new methods and technologies into the laboratory, in order to maximise quality and efficiency of testing.

IT Infrastructure

To be competent in the use of the laboratory's IT systems and provide data to more senior staff as appropriate.

Security, Health & Safety

In collaboration with the lab safety officer and complying with safety policies and procedures:

To ensure confidentiality and conformity to the requirement of the Data Protection Act, Caldicott principles and the laboratory Information Systems and Technology Security policy. To ensure that health and safety are afforded priority and to demonstrate commitment to health, safety and welfare of self, staff and visitors. To ensure attendance of self and managed staff on safety training courses as required in the UKHSA Health & Safety training Policy and other safety policies as appropriate. To agree to implement and follow safety objectives. To ensure that risk assessments are implemented and maintained. To notify accidents, near misses, dangerous situations and shortcomings in health and safety via the appropriate management structure.

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.

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 and External

Laboratory Management team Laboratory staff across BRD Other laboratory staff throughout the MS division and UKHS

Person specification

Essential Criteria

Educated to T level/ A level /NVQ level 3 standard in Science Experience in working in a CL2 laboratory including the use of bacteriology or molecular techniques Knowledge and understanding of laboratory safety requirements and procedures Working knowledge of Microsoft Office including Word and Excel Previous experience of working in a laboratory environment using computerized data systems Well-developed physical skills, especially in the manipulation of pipettes and other laboratory Good understanding of quality assurance principles and procedures Able to deal with problems in a calm and efficient manner Able to follow Standard Operation Procedures An understanding of and commitment to equality of opportunity and good working relationship

Benefits

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Alongside your salary of 27,712, UK Health Security Agency contributes 8,028 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.Learning and development tailored to your role An environment with flexible working options A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity A Civil Service pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%

Things you need to know

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Selection process details

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

Stage 1: Application & Sift

This vacancy is using Success Profiles.


You will be required to complete an application form. You will be assessed against the 10 essential criteria listed in the job advert. This will be in the form of an:

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.


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).

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 that 'meet

some

essential criteria' and those that 'meet

all

essential criteria' will progress to shortlisting.

Shortlisting:

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

Educated to T level/ A level /NVQ level 3 standard in Science Previous experience of working in a laboratory environment using computerized data systems

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

Success profiles

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


Behaviours and Experience will be tested at interview.


The behaviours tested at interview will be:

Managing a Quality Service (Lead Behaviour) Changing and Improving Working Together

Interview 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.

Eligibility Criteria

Open to all external applicants (anyone) from outside the Civil Service (including by definition internal applicants).

Location

This role is being offered as lab based at our Scientific Campus in Colindale, London.

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.


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 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.

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