Job Description

Details

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Reference number

435185

Salary

32,624 - 37,737
Please note: 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.
A Civil Service Pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%
GBP

Job grade

Executive Officer

Contract type

Permanent

Type of role

Health Professionals

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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London, London (region), NW9 5EQ

About the job

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Job summary

The postholder will work in the Colindale Sequencing Laboratory (CSL) in Colindale and contribute to ensuring the provision of genomic services to our customers, including Next Generation Sequencing (NGS), Sanger sequencing, and fragment analysis using a variety of instruments and technologies.

Team Information

CSL provides a variety of nucleic acid sequencing services using Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) and Sanger technology to sequence genomic DNA, PCR amplicons, or short DNA fragments, as well as providing DNA-based fragment analysis to size fluorescently labelled PCR products. For Sanger sequencing and fragment analysis, the unit receives nucleic acid, plasmids, and PCR products from UKHSA and external customers. CSL also offers various levels of NGS for genomic DNA (usually bacterial DNA extracts) and PCR amplicons (usually generated from viral samples) to our service users. NGS is currently performed using Illumina or Oxford Nanopore Technology (ONT) sequencing technologies, using the Illumina NextSeq, Miseq or ONT GridION. Sequence and fragment analysis data are checked by CSL staff against internal standards and quality scores before electronically notifying and reporting the results to our customers, who analyse their data. CSL has a strong service delivery focus and commitment to continuously improving methods for rapid and high-throughput genomics to enhance its function.


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.

Job description

Main duties of the job

Key Responsibilities

To provide and support molecular routine service delivery within the remit of CSL. To carry out NGS on Sequencing platforms using automated liquid handling procedures and equipment. Job Holder is expected to work under the supervision of a HEO/Biomedical Scientist, following defined SOP/protocols and would be expected to refer non-routine issues to their supervisor. Use the NGS LIMS system to carry out sample tracking throughout the procedure. To ensure the smooth flow of samples through the laboratory, from receipt to testing. To carry out routine quality control procedures to ensure that samples are being prepared, recorded, and archived to a high standard. To maintain equipment, including routine monitoring, calibration and safety checks and maintain records of these. To facilitate the day-to-day running of the laboratory by ensuring the availability of stock and reagents. To assist in the instruction and training of other staff and visitors, and to ensure compliance with safety and quality systems. To encourage the development of a flexible team by supporting training, development, and rotation. Any other duties within the framework of the job summary.

Communication and Key Working Relationships

Internal

To liaise with the Unit head and all staff within CSL and with staff from other departments as appropriate. To liaise with other staff within the service and to assist as appropriate.


External

To liaise with collaborators and external CSL customers. To liaise with staff in other diagnostic and research laboratories outside of UKHSA.

Quality


In collaboration with the Quality Team & local management, to:

Maintain a high standard of work and appraise and contribute to developing services so that they are safe, effective, and economical and follow best practice. Work towards ensuring an efficient quality management system. Contribute to internal and external quality assurance programmes. Ensure compliance with UKAS and other accreditation and certification standards. Ensure the continual development and compliance of internal and external audit programmes and corrective actions.

Information Technology

To use software packages as appropriate for word processing, as well as specialist packages as required. To be competent in the use of the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) and use the LIMS system to carry out sample tracking throughout the procedure.

Safety


To agree on safety objectives and to review performance at appraisal, and support the Senior Management Team in performing duties with respect to:

Ensuring health, safety and welfare of self, staff, and visitors. Ensuring relevant UKHSA health and safety policies and laboratory safety committee recommendations and actions are implemented. Ensure implementation of remedial actions resulting from safety inspections and audits.

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

Personal Development

You should pursue a programme of continuous professional development in accordance with any relevant professional registration or statutory requirements, while maintaining appropriate awareness of service provider requirements. 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. Undertake specialist training in NGS and molecular techniques.

Please be aware this list is not exhaustive.

Person specification

Role Criteria and Other Requirements

Essential role criteria (including qualifications, licenses and registrations):

Experience in Next Generation sequencing, Sanger sequencing or experience working with robotic platforms. Degree in a relevant biological science. Knowledge of automated liquid handling. Knowledge and understanding of laboratory safety requirements and procedures. Skills for communication on complex information and administrative matters, requiring developed interpersonal and oral/ written communication skills. Problem-solving skills and ability to respond to sudden, unexpected demands. Advanced keyboard skills, use of a range of software. Ability to work on own initiative and organise own workload with minimal supervision, working to tight and often changing timescales.

Desirable role criteria:

Experience in NGS Platforms. Excellent time management skills with the ability to reprioritise. Ability to pull together comprehensive draft reports, networking and persuasive skills.

Benefits

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Alongside your salary of 32,624, UK Health Security Agency contributes 9,451 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 Experience, Behaviours and Technical Skills.

Stage 1: Application & Sift

You will be required to complete an application form. You will be assessed on essential criteria, and this will be in the form of

An Application form ('Employer/ Activity history' section on the application) a 1,000 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.


Healthjobs UK has a word limit of 1,500 but your supporting statement must be no more than 1,000.


The application and Supporting Statement 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

The following will be taken through to the next stage

: Meets all essential criteria

Shortlisting

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

Experience in Next Generation sequencing, Sanger sequencing or experience working with robotic platforms.

Desirable criteria listed above.

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

Please do not exceed 1,000 words. We will not consider any words over and above this number.

Feedback will not be provided at this stage.


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.

Stage 2: Interview (success profiles)

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


This vacancy is being assessed using

Success Profiles

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During the interview we will assess you against Experience, Behaviours and Technical Skills.


Behaviours:

Making effective decisions Working together Developing self and others Working at pace

Previous Skills and Experience in relation to:

Knowledge of automated liquid handling. Knowledge and understanding of laboratory safety requirements and procedures.

Technical skill:

Knowledge of automated liquid handling.

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 - External

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

Location

This role is based at Colindale Sequencing Laboratory. Please note hybrid working is not available for this role.


Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. If based at one of our labs, 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.

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.

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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The Civil Service welcomes applications from people who have recently left prison or have an unspent conviction. Read more about prison leaver recruitment (opens in new window).
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 : Sharmila Naidoo Email : sharmila.naidoo@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 here.


http://www.healthjobsuk.com/vacancy/7543683