Job Description

Location: Porton Down, Salisbury

Hours: 37.5 hours/week

Contract: Temporary (24 months)

We currently have an exciting opportunity to recruit four Laboratory Assistant Apprentices within the Diagnostic and Pathogen Characterisation (DPC) and Emerging Pathogen Serology (EPS) teams based on site at Porton Down.

The successful candidates will have the opportunity to rotate around different departments within DPC and EPS, gaining a breadth of experience, supporting a range of scientific specialities.

The Diagnostics & Pathogen Characterisation department is based at Porton and has approximately 130 staff, performing a range of research activities, including high containment level work. The department\'s work covers a broad range of projects involving pathogen characterisation; virology and pathogenesis; diagnostics, innovation and evaluation, and biosafety and environmental microbiology.

The department is part of the UKHSA ambition to be world-leading in capabilities and contribution to vaccines/therapeutics and diagnostics.

The job holder will be required to carry out the following responsibilities, activities and duties:

• To learn to operate a range of laboratory equipment and instruments such as centrifuges, microbiology safety cabinets, and pipettes.
• Utilise a range of techniques to support project associated activities, as directed by senior scientist(s).
• To develop skills and understanding in the fields of microbiology, virology, immunology, high throughput serology and general laboratory skills.
• Produce data for checking by Senior Scientist(s) to assist in the preparation of project reports, presentations, and publications.
• Assist laboratory supervisors to ensure laboratory equipment and instruments are suitably checked, maintained, and calibrated, as well as ensuring laboratory documentation is kept up to date.
• Assist teams in the provision of reagents and consumables required for project area, supporting ordering and inventory management.
• Undergo any training requirements relevant to the post.
• To perform any other duties required by the Line manager commensurate with grade.
• To ensure that the project team undertakes work in accordance with applicable UKHSA Safety and Quality systems.
• To maintain health and safety competence and comply with all UKHSA policies and procedures.
• To fulfil the requirements of UKHSA Values and the Civil Service Code.

Essential

• GCSE in Maths, English and Science at Grade C or above or Educated to NVQ 2 level in a relevant subject or equivalent level of qualification or significant equivalent previous proven experience.
• Experience of working in a laboratory or healthcare environment acquired through previous employment, placements or taught course such as GCSE Science, and a good understanding and experience of safe working practices.

Please click on the \'Apply\' button above to apply

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