Job Description

Details

-----------

Reference number

436630

Salary

47,810 - 54,710
+ HCAS (Outer) per annum, pro rata
GBP

Job grade

Other
NHS AfC: Band 7

Contract type

Permanent

Type of role

Science

Other

Working pattern

Full-time

Number of jobs available

1

Contents

------------

Location About the job Benefits Things you need to know Apply and further information

Location

------------


Colindale (Scientific Campus)

About the job

-----------------

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.

Job description

At the Public Health Microbiology Reference Microbiology (PHMRM) Division - Colindale, laboratory teams undertake services of complex and highly skilled techniques which often require nationally or internationally unique capabilities or facilities. PHM are required to provide authoritative, final and validated analysis for complex clinical or food microbiological/virological problems and be innovative in driving microbiological/virological methodology developments and standards. They have a key role in provision of expert advice to government, national and international agencies, risk assessment for new and emerging microbiological/virological threats and play an important role in teaching and training organism specific and subject matter expertise to all grades of professional medical, nursing, scientific and technical staff. Design of national microbiological/virological surveillance programmes and sampling strategies and outbreak detection and control are part of day-to-day work of reference laboratories.


The Bacteriology Reference Service (BRD) within PHMRM assists in pathogen detection, confirmation and epidemiology, defining outbreaks and identifying transmission pathways. We use established and developmental phenotypic and genotypic methods to identify and type isolates and identify virulence markers. We offer molecular detection and confirmation of the genetic determinants of key genetic targets. BRD undertakes surveillance, advises on outbreak investigation and on public health.


This post is positioned within Staphylococcus & Streptococcus Reference Section (SSRS) in Antimicrobial Resistance and Healthcare Associated Infection unit (AMRHAI -, Colindale site), BRD.


As a Senior Biomedical Scientist, the post holder will deliver services in the Staphylococcus and Streptococcus Reference Section (SSRS) supporting the Section Head and the Lead Scientist (SSRS) in i) delivering a national reference service for staphylococcus and Lancefield Streptococcus species that meets agreed Quality standards; ii) providing scientific and technical leadership on pathogen specialist area, iii) developing, validating and introducing novel technologies into references services and iv) delivering R&D of AMRHAI and HCAI-AMR.


As a senior member of BRD, the post holder will have line-management responsibilities for a range of staff including: biomedical scientists, healthcare scientists, and the supervision of PhD students.


Delegated responsibility from the SSRS Lead Scientist, Section Head, Technical Manager and other senior Clinical and Technical staff in accordance with UKHSA policies and procedures and contribute to the day-to-day reference and surveillance activities of SSRS.


Day to day responsibility for assisting in the management and implementation of SSRS reference laboratory work, surveillance, scientific development, and specialist service activities.. To undertake development and application of laboratory methods, including whole-genome sequencing of SSRS. The post holder will be closely working with another SEO in delivering both Staphylococcus & Streptococcus Reference service routine. The post holder will also be required to collaborate with internal, external and international scientists on projects relevant to SSRS pathogens.


Comply with UKHSA and AMRHAI safety regulations, guidelines and quality standards in relation to work carried out.

Technical Services

Responsible for the review of molecular tests as well as further development and validation of molecular typing services at SSRS Facilitating/assisting with delivery of surveillance programmes for Group A Streptoccus Responsible for providing an efficient, effective and timely management of workload in SSRS, ensuring sufficient staffing levels Conduct staff appraisals and manage performance issues as required Perform laboratory tests applicable to the services provided Interpret and record test results according to given protocols, including scrutiny of controls and standards and troubleshooting of assay/test failure Responsible for maintaining a high standard of work Assist with the organisation of, and participation in, suitable training programmes for staff, postgraduate students and visitors Collate/present data for discussion Evaluate state of the art test procedures/equipment and produce reports Validate and authorise reports as required Provide advice to internal/external laboratories/users Prepare documents including SOPs and COSSH/risk assessments. Participate in laboratory-based research projects and analyse the results.

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:

Set work programmes for other staff Supervise day to day laboratory work at SSRS, as required, ensuring sufficient staffing levels Assist with the organisation of, and participation in, suitable training programmes for staff and visitors, ensuring that all staff competency is assessed as often as required Act as Laboratory Training Officer Develop and maintain good working relationships with staff Take responsibility for maintenance/acquisition of stock in order to ensure adequate service provision and continuity Ensure confidentiality and conformity to the requirements of the Data Protection Act in collaboration with the designated Caldicott Guardian, Data Protection Officer and Security Information Officer Maintain professional competence and be aware of relevant developments in microbiology and other biomedical sciences Develop professional/management expertise by undertaking further appropriate training as required.

Management of Support Services and Equipment

Have shared responsibility for the acquisition, control and utilisation of stock and consumables In collaboration with the Technical Lead, assist in the acquisition of agreed equipment purchases and ensuring maintenance of equipment Contribute towards the development and maintenance of the MOLIS LIMs Help maintain the departmental web site.

Quality / Governance

In collaboration with the Technical Manager and Quality Manager to:

Be responsible for maintaining a high standard of work so that service delivery is safe, efficient, effective and economical and follows best practice Ensure compliance with ISO15189 and other accreditation and certification standards To assist in the processing and reporting of External Quality Assessments for SSRS Take part in the identification and implementation of ongoing quality improvements Ensure the continual development and compliance of internal and external audit programmes and corrective actions Be responsible for preparing and maintaining relevant methodologies, SOPs and risk assessments Suggest quality improvements, including helping to set up and coordinate a UK-wide antimicrobial resistance EQA programme in collaboration with UKNEQAS.

Person specification

Essential Criteria

HCPC State registration as a biomedical scientist

BSc (Hons) (or equivalent qualification) in Biomedical science or related subject, 2:1 or above

MSc (or equivalent qualification) in Medical Microbiology or Bioinformatics or related subjects OR equivalent relevant experience

Maintains professional competence in biomedical sciences by attending lectures and seminars

Minimum of 3 years' experience of working in a microbiology laboratory

Good understanding of WGS data and experience of working with Bioinformatics pipelines Good in-depth knowledge and experience in the development and validation of molecular and phenotypic methods in the analysis of microbial pathogens Knows and understands quality assurance and laboratory safety requirements and procedures Experience in managing surveillance and/or research-based activities and projects Experience in communication and collaboration at national and international level with a track record of peer-reviewed publications and oral presentations Experience in training others An understanding of and commitment to equality of opportunity and good working relationships, both in terms of day-to-day working practices, but also in relation to management systems

Desirable criteria:

Good understanding of Staphylococcal and Streptococcal Microbiology

Benefits

------------

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

---------------------------

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 are required to complete an application form and will be assessed on the listed 12 essential criteria, in the form of a:

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


Shortlisting: In the event of a large number of applications we may complete an initial sift on the 3 essential criteria in bold above.


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. Do not exceed 1000 words. We will not consider any words over and above this number. Feedback will not be provided at this stage.

Stage 2: Interview

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


You will be asked to prepare and present a 5-10 minute presentation at the start of your interview. The subject of this will be sent to you prior to interview.


Interview 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.

Location

This role is being offered as hybrid working based at our Scientific Campus in Colindale. 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) based at Colindale.

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 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

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

Face to Face Interviews

In exceptional circumstances, we may be able to offer a remote interview.

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

NHS Pension

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.


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 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

---------------------------------


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/7600059