Job Description

Details

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Reference number

437299

Salary

46,310 - 52,113
per annum, pro rata
A Civil Service Pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%
GBP

Job grade

Senior Executive Officer

Contract type

Fixed term

Length of employment

2 years from start date and with possibility of extension

Business area

Virology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology

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

Development and application of methods for culture of respiratory viruses (e.g. Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), Influenza, seasonal Coronaviruses) in various cell lines - including new culture systems - their optimisation, preservation, quality control and monitoring of viability.



Development and application of serological techniques for analysis of infection with RSV, influenza and other respiratory viruses. This may include development and application of virus neutralisation techniques.



Development and application of methods for antigenic typing and detailed phenotypic characterisation of influenza and other respiratory viruses. This may include reverse genetics techniques to determine the function of target genes or sites and, the impact of mutations on viral traits, including viral replication, infectivity, and cell tropism.



Development and application of molecular methods for the detection and analysis of respiratory virus infections. This may include the development and use of viral protein expression systems.


The post holder must have a PhD in Virology / Biochemistry/ Molecular Biology (or close to completion of PhD). Successful completion of probation is on condition of the PhD being completed and awarded.

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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 Respiratory Virus Unit (RVU) within the Virus Reference Department (VRD) provides:

National surveillance of influenza and other respiratory viruses Antigenic and genetic characterisation of circulating influenza strains Data to the World Health Organisation (WHO) as evidence from the UK to guide the annual formulation of the influenza vaccine Surveillance of antiviral susceptibility of influenza viruses derived from community and hospital sources, with monitoring achieved through genotypic and phenotypic analysis

The unit contributes virological data (antigenic and genetic) to assist determination of seasonal influenza vaccine effectiveness (VE) estimates. Its work also involves the development of diagnostic tests for current and emerging respiratory viruses, and vaccine evaluation studies. The unit is 1 of 4 WHOglobal RSV Reference Laboratories, and as such collaborates with WHO, providing technical support and advice to national laboratories. The unit is a WHO Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) Coronavirus (CoV) Reference Laboratory, providing confirmatory and reference services for MERS CoV, and WHO Reference Laboratory for confirmatory testing for COVID-19.

Technical/Scientific/Reference services/Research and Development

Development, application and expansion of serological, genotypic and phenotypic analysis in the RVU, with emphasis on the detection, surveillance and characterisation of influenza, RSV and other respiratory virus infections in humans. Development of reference laboratory capability for the characterisation of RSV, adenoviruses and rhinoviruses recovered from human infections, including virus culture and microneutralisation, as well as molecular epidemiology and bioinformatics databases. Development and application of molecular tests for the detection of avian influenza. To be responsible for maintaining a high standard of work. To be responsible for introducing and maintaining methodologies in accordance with UKHSA policy.

Quality

In collaboration with the Laboratory Quality Manager and Laboratory Quality Officer:

Ensure compliance with ISO15189 and other accreditation and certification standards. Ensure the continual development and compliance of internal and external audit programmes and corrective actions. Be responsible for maintaining a high standard of work, appraising, and developing the service of the laboratory so that service delivery is safe, effective and economical and follows best practice. Assist in developing and implementing quality programmes. Provide assistance in project management for specific Research and Development (R&D) projects within the laboratory. Maintain quality systems and keep abreast of changing UK regulations and directives to meet
appropriate accreditation, UKHSA safety regulations and guidelines.

Information Technology

Liaise with the VRD Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) super user on the introduction of new assays to the laboratory. Contribute to the development of information technology systems and databases as required.

Staff Management

Training of junior staff and visitors in culture, virological, serological and molecular techniques Supervision of junior staff on a day-to-day basis to ensure work is carried out proficiently and accurately. To develop and maintain a good working relationship with staff.

Support Services and Equipment

Ensure the laboratory structure and services are maintained to a satisfactory standard. With the Unit Technical Manager, ensure the high containment labs are well maintained.

Financial Management

Act as signatory for general lab consumables and reagents. Responsible for negotiating prices with suppliers for reagents, including media, consumables and equipment. Evaluate and purchase new equipment required for the reference service.

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 Information Officer. Represent the UKHSA nationally and internationally as required. Actively participate and maintain a continuing professional development programme and be aware of relevant developments in microbiology and other biomedical sciences. Develop professional/management expertise by undertaking further appropriate training as required.

Communication and key working relationships

Internal

Staff within UKHSA Public Health Microbiology

External

External bodies including NHS staff and other national and international users, academia, commercial companies and professional groups, as required.

Professional development

You should pursue a programme of continuous professional development in accordance with any relevant professional registration or statutory requirements, whilst maintaining appropriate awareness of service provider requirements.

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Main duties of the job

The post holder will take delegated responsibility from the Unit Head in accordance with UKHSA and VRD policies and procedures for the following:

Technical/Scientific/Reference services/Research and Development Quality Information Technology Support Services and Equipment Financial Management General Employment Responsibilities Communication and key working relationships

This list is not exhaustive.

Person specification

Essential criteria:

PhD in Virology / Biochemistry / Molecular Biology (or close to completion of PhD). Knowledge and experience in mammalian cell culture and virus culture. Previous experience in techniques such as Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) and cell-based assays (including neutralisation and agglutination inhibition). Previous experience of cloning and site directed mutagenesis. Demonstrated interest in serology/virology/vaccine development. Experience of laboratory safety requirements and procedures and quality system management.

Desirable criteria:

Health and Care Professions Council Registration (or on target to be achieved within six months of appointment). Experience of mammalian cell or baculovirus expression of proteins, their purification and analysis (e.g Western Blotting etc). Experience in molecular techniques, including sequencing. Experience of work at BSL3. Previous experience in enzymatic methods (i.e. measurement of enzyme activity and kinetics.

Benefits

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Alongside your salary of 46,310, UK Health Security Agency contributes 13,416 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 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 6 essential criteria, and this will be in the form of a:


Application form ('Employer/ Activity history' section on the application) 1500 word Supporting Statement.
The Application form and supporting statement will be marked together.


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.




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

essential criteria' pile will progress to shortlisting.

Shortlisting:

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

PhD in Virology / Biochemistry / Molecular Biology (or close to completion of PhD). Knowledge and experience in mammalian cell culture and virus culture.

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.


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.


You will be asked to prepare and present a 5 to 10 minute presentation during the interview. This will be based on:

My virology laboratory research project

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.

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.


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.

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.

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