Job Description

Details

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Reference number

441176

Salary

47,810 - 54,710
per annum, pro rata
GBP

Job grade

Other
NHS AfC: Band 7

Contract type

Permanent

Type of role

Science

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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Bristol

About the job

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Job summary

The Infection Sciences department at North Bristol NHS Trust is formed from a collaboration between the UKHSA and North Bristol NHS Trust (NBT) part of Severn Pathology. This is a busy and forward-looking laboratory receiving in excess of 1.3 million specimens a year from a large number of clinical specialties located within Bristol and Bath hospital trusts, and beyond, which contribute to an interesting and varied workload. The laboratory is located within NBT and is a new, modern and fully automated laboratory incorporating state of the art equipment. It lies within easy reach of the city of Bath and surrounding villages. We have close links with our host Trusts as well as both Universities in Bristol. The UKHSA/NBT collaboration employs approximately 200 staff performing a range of diagnostic, public health and research activities, including high containment level work.


The post holder will provide senior scientific input in the development and delivery of next generation sequencing (NGS) services in the Bristol sequencing laboratory. They will provide supervision for the day-to-day running of the NGS laboratory, while acting as part of the team, performing the tests being carried out and ensure essential laboratory-based duties are covered and services are adequately maintained.


The post holder will be expected to maintain and apply their up-to-date knowledge of genomic sequencing technologies & science to support the delivery of high-quality services and a cycle of continuous improvement. This role supports the Technical Manager to ensure high standards of safety, quality and training are maintained, supporting the daily workflow of the laboratory, and the recording of results.


This role is working 37.5 hours per week to include work on Saturdays, Sundays and Public Holidays on a rotational basis. To participate in the provision of extended and/or out of hours services when required.

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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.

Job description

To provide professional leadership and line management to staff for whom they are accountable, leading by example and in a manner which will encourage the development of a positive working environment. To follow agreed UKHSA protocols and policies. Perform manual and automated laboratory techniques following Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), with leading expertise in NGS. Supervise the daily workflows of NGS services on a rotational basis, provide supervision of staff or persons seconded to the laboratory. To participate in and carry out formal staff appraisal(s) to agreed UKHSA deadlines. To provide senior scientific support for the Bristol services, with leadership and expertise in Genomics To provide advice and prepare proposals that contribute to enhancing the effectiveness of the work and achieving laboratory objectives. To report finalised sequencing results to service users (HCPC Registered staff only). To support the development of a flexible team by fostering staff training, development and rotation. To assess, initiate and monitor appropriate action when a situation may cause service delivery delay or failure. Foster good relationships with other departments and establishments including supporting staff rotation or secondments. To have responsibility for organising and supervising laboratory workflows, assigned on a rotational basis in line with service demands. With the designated Laboratory Caldicott Guardian, Data Protection Officer and Security of Information Officer, to ensure confidentiality and conformity to the requirements of the Data Protection Act. To identify new and support existing income generation activities. To write, prepare, review and comply with standard documents and draft SOPs as required. To review and analyse data to ensure it is suitable for release to customers.

Management of Staff

- To ensure, with others, efficient and effective management of technical, scientific, support workers and clerical staff as appropriate in accordance with UKHSA policies and procedures, including:

Manage day to day work, ensuring sufficient levels of competency in NGS services are maintained by liaising with the technical manager and other senior staff and supporting a training programme.

Financial management

To assist in the maintenance and development of the Laboratory service within the resources available.

Technical Services

To maintain professional competence and be aware of relevant developments in appropriate technologies. To be responsible for maintaining, reviewing and developing NGS services in accordance with UKHSA policy and for the accurate performance of all procedures. To ensure accurate and timely provision of laboratory results for release to users.

Management of Support Services and Equipment

To be responsible for the acquisition of agreed equipment, software and hardware purchases and ensuring maintenance of equipment and evaluation of new robotic technologies before service use. Support the development and maintenance of the Laboratory Information Management system

Strategy and Leadership

To provide effective scientific leadership particularly with respect to service delivery by supporting the technical manager in the daily provision of services. Contribute to key laboratory and directorate plans and strategies.

Teaching

To provide training leadership for staff of the laboratory ensuring all staff are fully competent in relevant areas of work.

Quality

Ensure compliance with UKAS and other accreditation and certificate standards. To help to maintain laboratory accreditation (e.g., with UKAS or its successors) and help maintain other agreed national and international standards.

Information Technology

Manage the use of the laboratory information system (LIMS) and use the LIMS system from sample entry to result entry. To be responsible for the reporting of sequencing results to service users (HCPC Registered staff only). To use software packages as appropriate for word processing, presentations, data analysis.

Safety

Ensure relevant UKHSA health and safety policies and laboratory safety committee recommendations and actions are implemented. Ensuring health, safety and welfare of self, staff, and visitors.

Professional Development

You should pursue a programme of continuous professional development in accordance with any relevant statutory requirements, while maintaining appropriate awareness of service provider requirements. To participate in all mandatory training as required, i.e., fire safety, information governance and all other mandatory training.

Person specification

Essential Criteria

Post-graduate degree in a medical/microbiology/biological science discipline (or equivalent experience working in a laboratory with Next Generation/ Third Generation Sequencing technologies). Relevant professional qualification i.e., registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) as Biomedical Scientist Maintain CPD Portfolio Extensive knowledge and experience of at least one of the specialist areas of the laboratory Proven record of supporting next generation sequencing (NGS) services, and automation in relevant areas Training and supervising a team Able to provide/receive highly complex information, negotiate and present to peers/customers/others Ability to negotiate on difficult and controversial issues including performance and change Problem solving skills and ability to respond to sudden unexpected demands Ability to analyse complex facts and situations and develop a range of options Ability to prioritise work in a timely manner Evidence of using technical experience to assess new and existing technologies and processes to innovate and initiate change in laboratory practice Ability to undertake evaluation of new NGS services to allow efficient service delivery Demonstrated capability to plan over short, medium and long-term timeframes and adjust plans and resource requirements accordingly Ability to prioritise own work effectively and be able to direct activities of others. Experience of managing and motivating a team and reviewing performance of individuals. Working knowledge of Microsoft office with intermediate keyboard skills

Desirable criteria:

Substantive experience in Public Health genetic methods Comprehensive experience of project principal techniques and tools

Benefits

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Learning and development tailored to your role An environment with flexible working options A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity

This role is offered under Agenda for Change (AFC) Terms and Conditions.

If you are already on AFC T&Cs or accept the role on a fixed-term contract, you will be enrolled in the NHS Pension Scheme or keep your current AFC Pension. If you take the role on a loan or temporary promotion, you will retain your existing substantive T&Cs. If the role is available under either AFC or Civil Service T&Cs depending on your registration, your pension scheme will align accordingly.

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

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. You will be assessed on the listed 15 essential criteria, and this will be in the form of a:


Application form ('Employer/ Activity history' section on the application) Up to 1,200 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.


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
The following will be taken through to the next stage:

Meets all essential criteria

Shortlisting:

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

Post-graduate degree in an appropriate medical/microbiology/biological science discipline (or equivalent experience) Relevant professional qualification i.e., registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) as Biomedical Scientist Maintain CPD Portfolio Extensive knowledge and experience of at least one of the specialist areas of the laboratory Proven record of supporting next generation sequencing (NGS) services, and automation in relevant areas Training and supervising a team

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 1,200 words. We will not consider any words over and above this number.

Stage 2: Interview (competency based)

You will be invited to a (single) face to face interview at the Bristol laboratory. In exceptional circumstances, we may be able to offer a remote interview via teams.


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 based at the UKHSA Bristol laboratory. Please note that there is no hybrid working available for this role.


If based at one of our scientific campuses, you will be required to have a minimum of 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.

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 a Counter-terrorist Check.

Eligibility Criteria - External

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

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.

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 : 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