Job Description

Details

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Reference number

441240

Salary

33,422 - 40,731
Per Annum, Pro Rata
A Civil Service Pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%
GBP

Job grade

Higher Executive Officer

Contract type

Permanent

Fixed term

Loan

Secondment

Length of employment

1 x Perm & 1 x Fixed Term Appointment - 2 years from start date or until March 28

Business area

Public Health Microbiology

Type of role

Science

Working pattern

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

Number of jobs available

2

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 Scientific Campus site in Porton, Salisbury.

About the job

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Job summary

The Countermeasures Development and Evaluation Centre is based at Porton and has approximately 250 staff, performing a range of research activities, including high containment level work. The department's work covers a broad range of projects involving vaccine and therapeutic, discovery, evaluation, development, and research.


The Antimicrobial Development, Discovery and Diagnostics (AD3) team sits in the Countermeasures Development, Evaluation and Preparedness Division in the Public Health Microbiology Directorate within the Chief Scientific Officer Group. Its work focuses on the discovery, development and evaluation of antimicrobial therapies directed at UKHSA priority pathogens, with a particular focus on AMR/emerging pathogens. The post holder will be involved in screening novel therapies, including non-traditional therapies such as bacteriophage and antimicrobial peptides, for antimicrobial activity against ACDP2 bacteria and fungi.

Experience of working with ACDP2 pathogens such as performing MICs, biofilm models and high throughput screening is essential, while experience in the use of robotics in the lab and programming languages such as R, are desirable. Experience of supervising students is desirable, and it is expected that the post holder will work independently, taking a leading role in research in the lab.

Job description

In this role you will

Carry out laboratory testing of a wide variety of antibacterial and antifungal agents, against a range of pathogens. Work as part of a team delivering a range of projects, sometimes with strict deadlines. Analyse data and provide written and verbal reports to internal and external stakeholders. Participate in the day-to-day management of the laboratory, including stock management. Supervise and support junior members of the team and visitors. Comply with all applicable Quality and Safety standards.

Please note that this list is not exhaustive

Person specification

You will

Utilise a range of methods/assays/techniques in support of all activities associated with the project aimed to ensure project targets are met. Methods include aseptic handling of ACDP2 level pathogens, MICs, time-kills, mechanism of action studies, whole genome sequencing, in vitro and ex vivo biofilm models, high throughput screening using robotics, troubleshooting and design of assays. Support the provision of reagents and consumables required for project area Ensure that the project operates to a high scientific standard using current methods Take responsibility for the training of visiting students allocated to the project as required Provide reports through analysis of data using software and databases as necessary, to meet project targets and for preparation of presentations and publications Perform any other duties required by the line manager commensurate with grade Ensure that the project team undertakes work in accordance with applicable UKHSA Safety and Quality systems Maintain health and safety competence Fulfil the requirements of UKHSA Values and the Civil Service Code. Comply with all UKHSA policies and procedures Good organisational and communication skills are essential, as the post holder will be working as part of a dynamic team, with a range of academic and industrial partners. Appropriate further training and personal professional development will be positively encouraged.

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.


The job description and person specification may be reviewed on an ongoing basis in accordance with the changing needs of the department and UKHSA.


It should be noted that the work of the department is of a confidential nature and must not be communicated to other persons except where required for authorised purposes.

Essential criteria

Degree in biology, microbiology, biochemistry, genetics or similar, or a Higher National Diploma (HND) or Higher National Certificate (HNC) in biological sciences, applied biology, or biomedical sciences and experience in environments such as academic & pathology labs, pharmaceutical companies, food safety labs, or environmental testing facilities. Practical experience in the evaluation of antimicrobial therapies Experience of working in a ACDP containment level 2 laboratory environment, including working with WHO priority pathogens Good understanding and experience of safe working practices. Excellent communication skills Experience of working flexibly and independently within a team

Desirable criteria:

Molecular microbiology skills Experience of working with bacteriophage Bioinformatics skills Experience engaging with external stakeholders Experience in the use of programming languages such as R Experience or understanding of working within a regulated environment (e.g., ISO9001, GCP)

Benefits

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Alongside your salary of 33,422, UK Health Security Agency contributes 9,682 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.
We pride ourselves as being an employer of choice, promoting equality of opportunity to actively encourage applications from everyone, including groups currently underrepresented in our workforce. UKHSA's 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.

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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Artificial intelligence

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.

Selection process details

Stage 1: Application & Sift

This vacancy is using Competency


At sift stage you will be assessed against the essential criteria listed in the job advert.


You will be required to complete an:

Application form ('Employer/ Activity history' section on the application) 1000 word supporting statement.

Healthjobs UK has a word limit of 1500, but your supporting statement must be no more than 1000 words.


This should outline how your skills, experience, and knowledge, provide evidence of your suitability for the role.


You will receive a joint score for your application form and statement. (The application form is the kind of information you would put into your C.V -please be advised you will not be able to upload your CV. Please complete the application form in as much detail as possible)

Longlisting

: In the event of a large number of applications we may longlist into 3 piles of:

Meets all essential criteria Meets some essential criteria Meets no essential criteria

Only those meeting ALL essential criteria will be taken to the shortlisting stage

Shortlisting

: If we receive a large number of applications an initial sift against the lead criteria will be conducted.

Degree in biology, microbiology, biochemistry, genetics or similar, or a Higher National Diploma (HND) or Higher National Certificate (HNC) in biological sciences, applied biology, or biomedical sciences and experience in environments such as academic & pathology labs, pharmaceutical companies, food safety labs, or environmental testing facilities

Desirable criteria may be used in the event of a large number of applications/large amount of successful candidates.


Please note feedback will not be provided at this stage.

Interview stage (competency based):

You will be invited to a face-to-face interview. In exceptional circumstances, we may be able to offer a remote interview.


This vacancy is being assessed using competency framework. During the interview we will assess against the below:

Knowledge Experience Skills and Abilities

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 internal applicants).

Location

This role is being offered as lab based at our site in Porton, Salisbury.


Please note hybrid working is not available for this role


When you are 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.

Salary Information

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 Fixed term posts

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.

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 : John Inglis Email : john.inglis@ukhsa.gov.uk
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Recruitment team

Email : recruitment@ukhsa.co.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