Job Description

Details

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Reference number

434548

Salary

41,983 - 48,128
per annum, pro rata
A Civil Service Pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%
GBP

Job grade

Senior Executive Officer

Contract type

Permanent

Type of role

Administration / Corporate Support

Project Delivery

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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Porton

About the job

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Job summary

The Pre-clinical Evaluation Team is a translational research group within the wider Countermeasures Development, Evaluation, and Preparedness Division (CDEP), at UKHSA Porton Down, investigating high consequence human pathogens.


Research undertaken in the team includes development and application of in vivo models, assays to advance the testing of vaccines, and investigation of organ-on-chip technology as an adjunct to our existing capabilities. A range of roles are available within the department. These include leading on the implementation of organ on chip models for the study of severe methods infections and the efficacy of candidate therapeutics, managing the delivery of in-vivo studies some of which may be performed to a higher quality standard or directing the development of assays to measure immunogenicity and/or efficacy in samples collected during in vivo studies.


The post holder will:

lead their own projects, contribute to other projects on a collaborative basis (both in the team and with external collaborators) and be responsible for the delivery of the scientific and technical activities within the Pre-clinical Evaluation Team have a relevant PhD (or equivalent and/or experience) in virology, cell biology or immunology. They will demonstrate the ability to develop and undertake a broad range of cell biology, virological and immunological techniques (specifically assessment of cellular immunity) that support the characterisation of in vivo or in-vitro models of disease have good communication skills, good attention to detail, and strong documentation and organisation skills Previous experience of managing individuals or a small team, working with external collaborators/customers and/or working at containment level 3 would be desirable although full training and support will be given be expected to be flexible to the demands of the project, have excellent communication skills and use their technical experience to lead a small team and ensure delivery of their project area

We are currently recruiting for 1 post with the potential for further posts becoming available in the near future.

Job description

Managing projects and studies to meet agreed deadlines. Implementing and using a range of methods/assays in support of all activities associated with the project Monitoring direct reports objectives and performance to ensure project targets are met. Taking the responsibility for checking, compiling and reporting project data to stakeholders including external customers. Leading a project team in identifying, evaluating, and adapting new technologies and methods where appropriate and to ensure that the project operates to a high scientific standard using current methods. Establishing links and collaborations within and outside UKHSA as necessary to benefit the project and/or department. Supporting members of the project team to meet their PDP objectives and take lead responsibility for the supervision and training of junior staff allocated to the project. Ensuring that the project team undertakes work in accordance with UKHSA's Code of Safety Practice and working within any Quality Systems that are applicable to the site. Maintaining health and safety competence to the national occupational standard 'Make sure your actions reduce risks to health and safety' (NOS HSS1). Identifying, discussing, and actioning own professional performance and training / development needs with line manager Performing any other duties required by the Line manager commensurate with grade. Undertaking risk assessor role, with associated training and ongoing competency

Person specification

Essential role criteria

PhD, or BSc/MSc with several years' experience in biological science/virology/immunology subject. Experience working with primary cells on transwells and/or organ-on-chip devices or in vivo models of infectious disease or developing and troubleshooting virology/immunological assays. Good understanding and experience of analytical methods that are relevant to the project area e.g., bioassays, immunological assays (flow cytometric/cellular) and/or virological assays. Experience of leading projects/project teams and training less-experienced members of staff. Knowledge and experience of practices and principles of working at ADCP containment level 3 or willing to undertake training to become competent to work at ACDP containment level 3. Strong communicator capable of constructing and delivering clear ideas and concepts concisely and accurately for diverse audiences. Ability to prioritise the workload of the team and anticipate the needs of the projects you manage to ensure that project targets and deadlines are met. Ability to exercise good judgement in solving problems and making effective decisions, using knowledge, intuition and comprehensive situational awareness. Excellent team working skills with the ability to motivate and support the project team to effectively complete project objectives as well as their own personal development objectives. Ability to cope, and help others cope, with uncertainty, change and often tight timelines. Be adaptable and work flexibly to meet deadlines. An understanding of and commitment to equality of opportunity and good working relationships. Experience of complex data analysis, presentations, reports, and publications.

Desirable role criteria:

Experience in the use of organ-on-chip technologies/ex vivo 3D culture systems, delivering in-vivo studies or developing assays such as performing polychromatic flow cytometric assays. Demonstrable experience of having worked within a regulated environment (e.g., GCP, ISO9001) and undergoing audits Skills in networking with the ability to nurture and maintain key relationships both within the organisation and with external customers.

Benefits

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Alongside your salary of 41,983, UK Health Security Agency contributes 12,162 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%
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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.

Things you need to know

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Selection process details

This vacancy is using Success Profiles and will assess your Behaviours and Experience.

Stage 1: Application & Sift

You will be required to complete an application form. You will be assessed on the listed (12) essential criteria, and this will be in the form of a:

Application form ('Employer/ Activity history' section on the application) up to 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.

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 Meets some essential criteria

Shortlisting:

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

PhD, or BSc/MSc with several years' experience in biological science/virology/immunology subject. Experience working with primary cells on transwells and/or organ-on-chip devices or in-vivo models of infectious disease or developing and troubleshooting virology/immunological assays. Good understanding and experience of analytical methods that are relevant to the project area e.g., bioassays, immunological assays (flow cytometric/cellular) and/or virological assays. Experience of leading projects/project teams and training less-experienced members of staff.

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 & assessment


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.


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


Behaviours, and experience will be tested at interview.


The Behaviours tested during the interview stage will be:

Leadership Making effective decisions Communicating and Influencing - Lead behaviour Developing self and others

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 an office based role at UKHSA Porton. Please note hybrid working is not available for this role.


Our core HQ offices are modern and newly refurbished with excellent city centre transport link and benefit from benefit from co-location with other government departments such as the Department for Health and Social Care (DHSC).Our core HQ offices are modern and newly refurbished with excellent city centre transport link and benefit from benefit from co-location with other government departments such as the Department for Health and Social Care (DHSC).

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 Security Clearance.


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 5 years as the role requires Security Check (SC) 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 security 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 : Gurkamal Bhambra Email : gurkamal.bhambra@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