Job Description

Details

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Reference number

433753

Salary

32,624 - 37,737
per annum, pro rata
A Civil Service Pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%
GBP

Job grade

Executive Officer

Contract type

Fixed term

Loan

Secondment

Length of employment

18 months (From start date)

Business area

Microbiology, Science, Laboratory, Public Health

Type of role

Science

Other

Working pattern

Flexible working, Full-time, Job share, Part-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 office/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

The National Collection of Type Cultures (NCTC) is one of four Culture Collections operated by the UK Health Security Agency. As the longest-running bacterial collection in the world, NCTC has over 6,000 type and reference strains meticulously archived and maintained. This role will work with the collection and involve bacterial cultivation, inactivation and Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) extraction from 3,000 strains in the NCTC bacterial collection to allow for whole-genome sequencing.

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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

To take delegated duties from NCTC senior staff, following agreed protocols and policies in accordance with the UKHSA policies and procedures, seeking advice where appropriate from senior staff.


The post holder will:

Enable and implement all NCTC laboratory operations including: the cultivation, manufacturing and freeze-drying banking of all NCTC strains; the testing and qualification of manufactured batches; the maintenance of manufacturing and test records; the reception and banking of incoming, new strains. Support other NCTC operations as required from time to time including: DNA extraction, materials acquisition; product packaging and shipping and general product support. Partake in developmental work involving NCTC strains to enable the successful completion of a large-scale sequencing project.

This list is not exhaustive.

Communication

Internal

To work under the supervision of the NCTC Supervisors and Operation Lead. To work as part of the NCTC laboratory team and UKHSA Culture Collections operations. To liaise with staff throughout Colindale and Porton as appropriate

External

To liaise with customers of, and suppliers to, the NCTC, as and when necessary.

Personal and people development

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. Participate in all mandatory training as required, i.e. fire safety, information governance and all other mandatory training

Health, Safety & Security

In collaboration with the Laboratory Safety Officer and complying with safety policies and procedures:

Ensure that health, safety and welfare is an afforded priority over other issues and demonstrate a commitment to health, safety and welfare regarding self, staff and visitors Comply with safety policies, procedures, Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) and risk assessments. Work in a safe manner Report/notify all accidents and incidents or near misses, dangerous situations or shortcomings in health and safety training instructions via the appropriate management structure Comply with safety policies, procedures, COSHH and risk assessments. Co-operate on matters of health and safety to enable UKHSA to comply with its health and safety responsibilities Promote wellbeing

Your attention is drawn to the Health and Safety at Work Act of 1974 which requires you to take reasonable care for the health and safety of yourself and others who may be affected by your acts and omissions at work; and co-operate with the UKHSA on any matters of health and safety.

Service Improvement

Work with other staff to improve working practices

Quality

In collaboration with the Quality Team:

Maintain a high standard of work and contribute to developing the service of the laboratory so that service delivery is safe, effective and economical and follows best practices Participate in internal and external quality assurance programmes. Ensure compliance with accreditation to ISO17025 and certification to ISO9001 standards. Participate in internal and external audit programmes Effectively transcribe and translate information succinctly Take every effort to suggest quality improvements.

Technical/Scientific/Operational Duties

Prepare NCTC freeze-dried/reference material cultures for banking and stock replenishment. The testing and authentication of NCTC banks for release to inventory The reception, cultivation and banking of incoming, new bacterial strains Carry out duties in Containment Level 3 (once suitably trained) and support operations accordingly. The maintenance of manufacturing batch records. Upholding, originating and maintaining written Standard Operating Procedures Contributing to process development and process improvement. The preparation, acquisition and qualification of laboratory materials. Assisting with technical investigations and enquiries prompted by customer queries and / or internal failure investigations.

Culture Media and Laboratory Materials

Assistance with ordering of culture media and glassware from media production department. Preparation of specialised, sterile culture media, as required from time to time. The reception, storage and maintenance of media and laboratory reagents. Assisting with the tracking of laboratory expenditure against budget.

Laboratory and Product Support

To assist with essential laboratory and product support activities, as required from time to time, including:

The safe disposal of laboratory waste The maintenance and organisation of Personal Protective Equipment The organisation and processing of laboratory glassware Preparation of Products for shipment Stock-takes and audits Office support

To participate in and support Research and Development (R&D) activities as required from time to time.

Information and knowledge

Assist in the development of information technology systems and databases as required.

Procurement & Commissioning

Place orders on the Finance and Resource Management (FARM) system for consumables from Stores, also laboratory items and equipment servicing from outside suppliers. Liaise with the Porton FARM team and resolve any issues arising over such orders Prepare orders for media and deliver same to Media Production Department once signed.

People Management

Ensure junior staff members are competent to carry out the tasks and provide suitable and sufficient supervision. Support the induction, education, training and professional development of junior staff.

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. 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.

Person specification

Essential criteria:

Bachelor's degree in Microbiology, Biomedical Science, Molecular Biology or equivalent experience in molecular microbiology Relevant experience of working in a microbiology laboratory Experience of working to written SOP within a formal quality management system

Desirable criteria:

Maintains professional competence in biomedical sciences Able to deal with problems in a calm and efficient manner and cope under pressure Able to concentrate for long periods of time

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 Behaviours, Experience and Technical Skills.

Stage 1: Application & Sift

Success profiles

You will be required to complete an application form. You will be assessed on the listed 3 essential criteria, and this will be in the form of a:

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.


The Application form and supporting statement will be marked together.


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:

Relevant experience of working in a microbiology laboratory.

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 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. If face to face interviews are planned, in exceptional circumstances, we may be able to offer a remote interview.


Behaviours and Technical Skills will be tested at interview.


The Behaviours tested during the interview stage will be:

Working at Pace

(Lead behaviour)

Communicating and Influencing Working Together Managing a Quality Service

You will also be asked technical 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).


For

Temporary Appointments

, if you are not currently a civil servant, you will take up the post on a Fixed Term appointment. You may be able to take this role up as a Secondment. If you are an existing Civil Servant, based outside of the UKHSA, you will take up the post as a loan which you will need your department to agree. You cannot take the post up as a fixed term. If you are an existing UKHSA member of staff, you will take up the post as either a level transfer or a temporary promotion as per the UKHSA's Pay policy.

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.

Location

This role is being offered as office/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.

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