Job Description

Details

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Reference number

434017
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Salary

56,185 - 66,581
per annum, pro rata
A Civil Service Pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%
GBP
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Job grade

Grade 7#

Contract type

Fixed term

Loan

Secondment#

Length of employment

FTA until 31/3/2026 with potential for extension#

Type of role

Science

Other#

Working pattern

Flexible working, 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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Porton Down, Salisbury (Scientific Campus)

About the job

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Job summary

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.

THE UK PUBLIC HEALTH RAPID SUPPORT TEAM (UK-PHRST)

The UK-PHRST is an innovative government-academic partnership funded by the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) and co-led by UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), with a consortium of academic and implementing partners in the UK and internationally. Launched in 2016, the UK-PHSRT is comprised of a multidisciplinary team of public health professionals and researchers with a novel integrated triple-remit of outbreak response, research and capacity strengthening to prevent and control epidemics of infectious diseases in countries eligible for UK Official Development Assistance (ODA).



The UK-PHRST has the following objectives:

Support partners in low- and middle- income countries (LMICs) to prepare for, prevent, detect, and respond rapidly to disease outbreaks, with the aim of stopping a public health threat from becoming a health emergency Identify research questions with partners and deliver rigorous research with partners that improves the evidence base for best practice in disease outbreak prevention, detection, and response in LMICs Support the strengthening of in-country capacity for an improved and rapid national response to prepare for, prevent, detect, and respond to disease outbreaks #

Job description

The Public Health Microbiologist post will support the UK-PHRST Microbiology Lead to deliver the operational diagnostics, research, and capacity development objectives to Official Development Assistance-eligible (ODA) countries. The post-holder will work within the UK-PHRST Microbiology team at UKHSA.


As a member of the Core Deployable Team, the post will be required to deploy for outbreak response or to advise on the provision of public health microbiology services directly, or through WHO, to the Ministries of Health in ODA Countries. The post holder will develop and manage a robust research and capacity strengthening portfolio, in alignment with UK-PHRST strategic goals across its triple remit. The post-holder should expect to spend up to 40 percent of their time overseas. Successful overseas operations are dependent on good team dynamics; effective communication skills will be needed to support team function and to maintain and develop good working relations with multiple partners both in the UK and overseas.

PUBLIC HEALTH MICROBIOLOGY

Responsible for advising on the provision of public health microbiology services directly, or through WHO, to the Ministries of Health in ODA Countries including development of policies, planning and implementation strategies for laboratory services during outbreak responses. Support or lead the implementation of laboratory improvement and training programmes in ODA countries. Act as a scientific expert for diagnostic microbiology pathways and techniques between UK-PHRST and stakeholders during outbreak response, research, and capacity strengthening projects. Support the Microbiology Lead with the continuous development of the necessary mobile laboratory capabilities required for outbreak preparedness. During deployments of the UK-PHRST mobile laboratory, act as team lead responsible for the provision of diagnostic services in line with the processes and protocols authorized by the Microbiology Lead. Ensure that all activities across the mobile lab deployment cycle are conducted in adherence to the WHO Minimum Operational Standards and Typology for Rapid Response Mobile Laboratories. Responsible for the line management of the UK-PHRST Outbreak Response Scientist (SEO). Perform any other duties required by the Microbiology Lead.

RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

Support the development and implementation of a robust and dynamic research and capacity strengthening portfolio with ODA eligible partners, harnessing new and innovative techniques and platforms, in line with the strategy as defined by the Microbiology Lead. Actively network in the research and capacity strengthening community (both at LSHTM, UKHSA and beyond) to identify and develop potential areas of collaboration. Ensure that the assigned research projects are appropriately coordinated, and in line with UK-PHRST goals. Secure UK and overseas ethical approval via LSHTM or UKHSA Ethics applications and ensure compliance with relevant regulatory requirements for all projects. Contribute to the expansion of regional and in-country capability through training, coaching and research dissemination, in line with requirements outlined by partners and relevant international and regional public health organisations. Develop and nurture key relationships with a wide range of individuals and stakeholders as required for role.

GENERAL MANAGEMENT

Together with the Public Health Microbiologist Genomics) and the wider Microbiology team, contribute to the day-to-day operational management of UK-PHRST mobile laboratory, including HR matters such as recruitment, career development and discipline. To ensure that the UKHSA's standing financial instructions, professional standards of conduct and other UKHSA policies and procedures, including health and safety, are observed. Using analytical and judgement skills, to take a leading role in planning and formulating strategy as applied to business and action plans, equipment and facilities associated with all projects assigned by the Microbiology Lead. Ensure the allocated UK-PHRST Microbiology programmes/projects/initiatives maintain momentum through robust and effective management (flagging-up potential issues and proactively troubleshooting where possible). To ensure confidentiality and conformity with the requirements of the UK General Data Protection Regulation and Data Protection Act. Where appropriate, contribute to team discussions aimed at creating and delivering innovative approaches enhancing the effectiveness of the Microbiology work for UK-PHRST.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Pursue a programme of continuous professional development in accordance with any relevant professional registration or statutory requirements. Undergo mandatory pre-deployment training and other appropriate training courses as required by members of the UK-PHRST Core Deployable team Maintain professional credibility, autonomy, and accountability in line with professional code of conduct.

HEALTH & SAFETY

Ensure health, safety and welfare are afforded priorities. Be responsible for all aspects of health, safety and welfare of self, staff, and visitors including attendance of self and staff on safety training courses in line with the UKHSA Health and Safety Training Policy and other safety policies as appropriate. Ensure that all relevant UKHSA health and safety policies are implemented. Ensure that risk assessments are carried out and reviewed for all new and existing work and that controls are implemented, monitored, and maintained. Escalate risks that cannot be controlled to the Microbiology Lead/ UK-PHRST leadership as required.

FINANCIAL

Ensure compliance with ODA requirements in all UK-PHRST Microbiology activities. Comply with the Microbiology team requirements for budgetary tracking as instructed by the Microbiology Lead (budget manager), the UK-PHRST Finance team and the UK-PHRST Programme Manager (budget holder). Produce financial information, KPIs and business cases, as required. #

Person specification

Essential Criteria

Relevant higher degree (i.e., MSc or PhD in Microbiology/Virology/Molecular Biology/Immunology) or equivalent level of experience working at a similar level. Significant experience of working with clinical samples and diagnostic testing for a wide range of pathogens (inc. biocontainment work at CL3/4) using an array of molecular and serological assays. Demonstrates experience and understanding of work within a regulated environment (e.g., ISO 15189). Experience of working with partners based in low- and middle-income countries or experience of working on previous infectious disease outbreaks. Experience in policy development, planning and management of microbiology / virology services and facilities. Evidence of successful leadership in relation to managing teams and networks of external stakeholders both in the UK and overseas. Adept at problem solving though analysis of complex information and situations to deliver solutions to practical problems in laboratory workflows and workloads. Able to communicate complex and sensitive information, negotiate difficult issues with senior stakeholders and present to large and influential audiences. An understanding of and commitment to equality of opportunity and good working relationships, but also in relation to management systems and working with multi-ethnic and multi-cultural teams.

Desirable Criteria

Experience in various managerial fields, including finance, HR, business, project management, planning, procurement etc. Track record of publications and submitting proposals to promote and develop research areas. Experience of designing and delivering training modules. Ability to communicate (speak/read) at a working level in other languages, such as French, Portuguese, and/or Arabic.

Benefits

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Alongside your salary of 56,185, UK Health Security Agency contributes 16,276 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/or skills and abilities outlined in the essential criteria.

Stage 1: Application & Sift

You will be required to complete an application form and will be assessed on the listed 9 essential criteria. This will be in the form of a:

Application form ('Employer/ Activity history' section on the application) Up to 1500 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 pile 'meets all essential criteria' will proceed to shortlisting.


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.



Feedback will not be provided at this stage.

Stage 2: Interview

Competency-based


You will be invited to a remote interview. Knowledge, experience, skills & abilities will be tested at interview.


Interviews dates 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.

Selection Process

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.

Eligibility Criteria

External: Open to all external applicants (anyone) from outside the Civil Service (including by definition internal applicants).

For Fixed term posts

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.

Location

This role is being offered as hybrid working based at our Scientific Campus in Porton Down. We offer great flexible working opportunities at UKHSA and operate using a hybrid working model where business needs allow. This provides us with greater flexibility about how and where we work, to get the best from our workforce. As a hybrid worker, you will be expected to spend a minimum of 60% of your contractual working hours (approximately 3 days a week pro rata, averaged over a month) at our Scientific Campus in Porton Down.

Security Clearance Level Requirement

If based at one of our scientific campuses, you will be required to have a minimum of a Counter Terrorism Check (CTC) with willingness and capability to work towards Security Check (SC) clearance. You should normally have been resident in the United Kingdom for the last 3 years to obtain CTC and 5 years to obtain Security Check (SC) clearance. UK residency less than the outlined periods may not necessarily bar you from gaining national security vetting at this higher level 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: Reasonable Adjustments , Civil Service Careers

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 UKHSA Hub , Civil Service Careers



Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.#

Security

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
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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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The Civil Service welcomes applications from people who have recently left prison or have an unspent conviction. Read more about prison leaver recruitment (opens in new window).
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

Job contact :

Name : Lisa Tweedie Email : lisa.tweedie@ukhsa.gov.uk

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


http://www.healthjobsuk.com/vacancy/7497548