Job Description

Details

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Reference number

436554

Salary

25,651 - 27,220
per annum, pro rata
A Civil Service Pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%
GBP

Job grade

Administrative Officer

Contract type

Permanent

Business area

Laboratory, Assistance, Science

Type of role

Administration / Corporate Support

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 Laboratory in Manchester.




Please note hybrid working is not available for this role.

About the job

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Job summary

The post holder will:

Give technical and clerical support to the scientific services to patients and clients provided by the Meningococcal Reference Unit (MRU). Assist in the receipt and handling of biological samples, manage, and maintain appropriate stock levels. Assist in general housekeeping and equipment maintenance throughout all MRU facilities. Carry out all tasks to United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS) standards. Have great accuracy and attention to detail.

The Meningococcal Reference Unit (MRU) for England and Wales and Northern Ireland is located at the Manchester Royal Infirmary (MRI) and is an integral component of the Manchester Medical Microbiology Partnership (MMMP). Originally established to provide phenotypic characterisation of meningococci isolated from cases of invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) throughout the country, the nature and scope of the confirmation and surveillance activity has widened, as has the range of tests available.

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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 MRU works closely with other parts of the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), particularly the Immunisation and Countermeasures Department based at Colindale, to optimise meningococcal disease ascertainment through enhanced surveillance, often with direct communication with UKHSA Health Protection teams.


Accredited to ISO 15189, the MRU has been a world leader in developing and making nationally available tests for non-culture case confirmation of meningococcal infection by PCR. Initially designed to identify the major disease-causing serogroups (A, B, C, W and Y), the test repertoire has been extended to provide more detailed additional characterisation utilising molecular techniques including DNA sequencing from cultured isolates and directly from clinical specimens, where possible. Since July 2010 all invasive disease isolates undergo whole genome sequence analysis.

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Main duties of the job

Perform sample receipt and handling including archiving of biological samples. Prepare samples and reagents following protocols. Prepare samples prior to transfer to testing laboratories. Monitor and maintain appropriate stock levels. Take receipt of deliveries and prepare orders. Perform general housekeeping tasks including cleaning and disinfection of equipment and laboratory areas. Perform monitoring and routine maintenance of equipment. Transport waste material and patient samples for autoclaving (involves moderate lifting). Perform clerical duties, including use of computers, data entry, telephone enquiries. Dispose of tissue and patient samples in accordance with relevant guidelines. Work in a safe manner in accordance with MMMP and UKHSA Health and Safety policies and procedures. Assist MRU staff in analytical techniques. Participate in Quality Assurance and Quality Control activities and assist the department in maintaining UKAS standards. Participate in audit processes and research projects as required. Work under remote supervision of their supervisor following defined Examination Procedures (EPs)/protocols and would be expected to refer non routine issues to their supervisor. Carry out any other duties as required by the Senior Scientist, deputy head or head of MRU.

This list is not exhaustive.

Person specification

Essential criteria:

Educated to GCSE level (or equivalent) in Science and Maths Evidence of training & development within a relevant pathology discipline Basic keyboard skills Ability to work effectively as part of a team Problem solving skills Ability to follow written protocol Able to work on own initiative, organising and prioritising own workload to set deadlines Good time keeping Flexible approach to work

Desirable criteria:

Good communication skills

Benefits

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Alongside your salary of 25,651, UK Health Security Agency contributes 7,431 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, Strengths and Experience.

Stage 1: Application & Sift

Success profiles

You will be required to complete an application form. You will be assessed against the listed 9 essential criteria

and

against 3 Success Profile behaviours. Your application will be in the form of:

An application form ('Employer/ Activity history' section on the application) A 750 word Supporting Statement based on the 9 essential criteria,outlining how your skills, experience, and knowledge, provide evidence of your suitability for the role. Three statements on how you meet the following Success Profile Behaviours:
+ Working Together (250 words max.)
+ Managing a Quality Service (250 words max.)
+ Working at Pace (250words max.)


Please include headings in your application to show the panel which aspect above you are referring to.


The Application form and Supporting Statement will be marked separately to the Behaviour Statements mentioned above.


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.

Shortlisting:

In the event of a large number of applications we will conduct an initial shortlist on the following:

Lead Essential Criteria:
+ Evidence of training & development within a relevant pathology discipline.
Lead Behaviour:
+ Managing a Quality Service


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 for your Supporting Statement and 250 words per Behaviour Statement. 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 remote interview.


Behaviours and Strengths will be tested at interview.


The Behaviours tested during the interview stage will be:

Managing a Quality Service (

Lead behaviour)

Working Together Working at Pace

You will also be asked strength based questions during the 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.

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 Laboratory in Manchester.


Please note hybrid working is not available for this role.

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.

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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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