Job Description

Details

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Reference number

413842
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Salary

68,568 - 81,652
Per annum, pro rata. Grade 6 (68568-78886) or Afc Band 8c (76965-81652)
A Civil Service Pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%
GBP
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Job grade

Grade 6
Per annum, pro rata. Grade 6 or NHS Afc: Band 8c###

Contract type

Fixed term###

Length of employment

Fixed term contract until 30th November 2025. 18.75 hours per week.###

Type of role

Science###

Working pattern

Flexible working, 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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Bristol, South West England, BS10 5NB

About the job

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Job summary

In partnership with the UKHSA Public Health Microbiologists (PHM) and the Southwest Consultant in Public Health Infection (CPHI), Lead Consultant Severn Pathology Laboratory, Clinical Lead for Mycology Reference Laboratory and Laboratory Manager; the post holder will provide vision, leadership and direction to the Public Health Laboratory Southwest. Additionally, the post holder will provide microbiology support to the Southwest Health Protection Teams and Local Authorities, as well as provide expert microbiology advice during outbreaks and incidents of communicable disease.


The post-holder will have overall responsibility for the efficient and effective operational management of the UKHSA Bristol Laboratory. This is currently done in conjunction with the CPHI for the Southwest, Clinical Lead for UKHSA Bristol.

Salary information:

Grade 6 (68568-78886) or Afc Band 8c (76965-81652)


It is anticipated that the post holder will take a leading role in support of UKHSA activities across the Southwest.


In conjunction with senior bacteriology and virology colleagues, the appointee will be expected to participate in and support the provision of a comprehensive diagnostic and advisory service to local clinicians and other users of the UKHSA Bristol. This will include regular site visits and consultations with key stakeholders across the Southwest which will form a key component of the job. Additionally, the post holder will have a role in teaching and training, audit, surveillance, and research.


The UKHSA Public Health Laboratory, Bristol is situated on the Southmead Hospital main site and provides services to the North Bristol NHS Trust, UHBristol and Weston Hospitals and the Royal United Hospital Bath in Collaboration with North Bristol NHS Trust as Severn Pathology. The UKHSA laboratory has provided public health services for Bristol for more than 40 years and currently also provides microbiology services to approximately 250 general practitioner surgeries. Public Health services are also provided to the Southwest, and mycology reference services to the UK. The laboratory provides important business continuity for the rest of the UKHSA regional network and Southwest Region.

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Job description

Your key responsibilities will include:

Having overall responsibility for the efficient and effective operational management of the UKHSA Bristol Laboratory, in accordance with UKHSA and Laboratory policies and procedures, and in line with the relevant accreditation schemes. This work is done in conjunction with the Lead Consultant UKHSA Bristol Laboratory, and CPHI for the Southwest. In partnership with the senior teams to provide vision, leadership and direction to the Public Health Laboratories and to lead in strategic development, including identification, prioritisation of, and support for specific service developments and research areas Be the budget holder for the public health laboratories, taking primary responsibility for the financial management of the services. This includes having responsibility for budget setting in collaboration with the senior leadership teams and UKHSA Senior Finance Officers and ensuring compliance with UKHSA Standing Financial Instructions. In collaboration with UKHSA clinical scientists, ensure that the standing financial instructions, professional standards of conduct and other UKHSA policies and procedures including health and safety are observed and operated within the UKHSA managed sections of the laboratory. Providing technical and professional support to the Lead Consultant and CPHI as well as the Deputy Director and Head of Technical and Scientific Services of the UKHSA Specialist Microbiology Services and represent the CPHI as required. Ensure full compliance with clinical governance and clinical effectiveness requirements of the UKHSA and Trust sites where co-located. To support the Lead Consultant in the performance monitoring of UKHSA Microbiology assets within UKHSA Bristol. In partnership with the CPHI, organise a comprehensive microbiological service to support UKHSA Health Protection Teams, Consultants in Communicable Disease Control, Local Authority Directors of Public Health and Chief Environmental Health Officers in in the Southwest. In partnership with the Lead Consultant and CPHI organise the provision of laboratory support for other agencies involved in potential infection hazards e.g. FSA, BWI, Environment Agency, VLA, HSE, MBA, DEFRA, and the Armed Forces. Be expected, with the Lead Consultant, CPHI and Laboratory Manager, to lead in any UKHSA coordinated response or activity of a national/international nature, such as a bioterrorism incident or a major disease outbreak. Work with the Trust and UKHSA information analysts to ensure adherence to the requirements of the Data Protection Act and conformity to the Caldecott Guardian requirements of both the UKHSA and any host Trust. Facilitate the implementation of regional and national UKHSA strategy as specified in relevant Business Plans. Participate in UKHSA national and regional scientific and managerial activities, as required by the Lead Consultant and CPHI for the Southwest and Deputy Director, Network Laboratories. Liaise with NHS and commercial microbiology laboratories throughout the Southwest. Provide technical and financial support for other laboratories, where appropriate, in development of clinical and public health networks and project groups. In collaboration with the laboratory manager, organise the arrangements for routine surveillance and reporting from UKHSA Bristol, including participation in enhanced surveillance programmes and "look-back" surveys. Liaise closely with the Southwest CPHI, UKHSA Information Analysts and Field Epidemiologists and report promptly any local information which may affect the function of the UKHSA. Collaborate with UKHSA reference and epidemiological facilities in the reporting and investigation of infections, control of outbreaks, assessment of vaccines, development of the laboratory methods and involvement in surveys. Be involved in research activities consistent with the priorities of the Public Health Laboratory, subject to the availability of funding and resources. Be involved in the training of medical, nursing, clinical scientist, biomedical scientist and administrative staff. Contribute, as required, to the teaching of medical microbiology and epidemiology to undergraduates and postgraduate students in the Southwest region Clinical Governance, audit and professional activities To participate in clinical audit. Fulfil the requirements of a recognised scheme of continuing professional development (CPD) such as that of the Institute of Biomedical Science or Royal College of Pathologists in accordance with any relevant professional registration or statutory requirements, while maintaining appropriate awareness of service provider requirements. Participate in annual appraisal and in the UKHSA Job Planning and Appraisal schemes.

The duties/responsibilities listed above describe the post as it is at present and is not intended to be exhaustive. The Job holder is expected to accept reasonable alterations and additional tasks of a similar level that may be necessary.

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Person specification

Essential Criteria:

MSc Biomedical Science, Microbiology or Biological Science or equivalent experience in a laboratory management role State registration with HCPC as a Biomedical Scientist or Clinical Scientist Willingness to continue the learning process through academic or practical experience. Significant postgraduate practical, technical and theoretical experience in Medical Microbiology and Medical Laboratory Sciences. Extensive knowledge and expertise in various managerial fields, including finance, HR, business, project management, planning, leadership, procurement etc., gained both by qualifications and lengthy experience. In-depth working knowledge and competency in laboratory bench areas, as appropriate. Sound knowledge of common IT programme and excellent keyboard and IT skills. Experience of interviewing and recruiting staff Evidence of continuing professional development (CPD) Ability to initiate changes in procedures or policies to induce service development Thorough knowledge of laboratory health and safety legislation and practice. An understanding of microbiology and its application in clinical practice and public health Evidence of using technical experience to assess new and existing systems and processes to initiate change in laboratory. Experience of critically assessing current ways of working and introducing efficient and cost effective practices Experience of performance indicators including workload statistics and costing

Benefits

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Alongside your salary of 68,568, UK Health Security Agency contributes 19,864 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 knowledge and experience, and/or skills and abilities outlined in the essential criteria.


You will be required to complete an application form. You will be assessed on the 15 essential criteria listed, and this will be in the form of a:

Application form ('Employer/ Activity history' section on the application) 1500-word supporting statement

This should outline how you consider 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

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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

Piles Meets all essential criteria will be moved through to the shortlisting stage.

Shortlisting:

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

Significant postgraduate practical, technical and theoretical experience in Medical Microbiology and Medical Laboratory Sciences

Please do not exceed

1500 words.

We will not consider any words over and above this number. If you are successful at this stage, you will progress to an interview. Unfortunately, late applications will not be considered.


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.


Feedback will not be provided at this stage.

Stage 2: Interview (competency based)

You will be invited to a (single) remote interview.


Knowledge, experience, skills & abilities will be tested at interview.


Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.

Location

This role is being offered as office/lab based at our site in Bristol.


If based at one of our labs, you will be required to have a Counter Terrorism Check security vetting check as a minimum. 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. In exceptional circumstances 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.

Eligibility Criteria

This vacancy is open to all Civil Service employees and employees of accredited non departmental public bodies (NDPBs) who were appointed on merit following a fair and open competition; or were appointed to a permanent post through an exception in the Civil Service Commissioners' rules. Prior agreement to be released on a loan basis must be obtained before commencing the application process. In the case of Civil Servants, the terms of the loan will be agreed between the home and host department and the Civil Servant. This includes grade on return.

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/

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Your application may be rejected and/or you may be subject to disciplinary action if evidence of plagiarism is detected. Examples of plagiarism can include presenting the ideas and experience of others, or generated by artificial intelligence (AI), as your own.

Organisation info

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

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.

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.

Security Clearance Level Requirement

Successful candidates must pass a disclosure and barring security check.



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.###

Medical

Successful candidates will be expected to have a medical.###

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

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Job contact :

Name : Harry McCullagh Email : harry.mccullagh@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/