Job Description

The work of the UKHSA Genomics Sequencing Service is to support UKHSA's surveillance programmes, to aid detection of outbreaks and transmission of infections, to characterize and correlate Pathogen Genomics to virulence and antimicrobial resistance mechanisms efficiently and effectively, and generate evidence to support effective interventions, all within the wider UKHSA objective, to significantly reduce the overall public health burden.



The Infection Sciences department at North Bristol NHS Trust is formed from a collaboration between the UK Health Security Agency and North Bristol NHS Trust. This is a busy and forward-looking laboratory that receives 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 North Bristol NHS Trust 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 and the proximity of the motorway network makes an ideal base for travel to London, the Midlands, Wales and the coastal resorts of the Southwest. The UKHSA/NBT collaboration employs approximately 200 staff performing a range of diagnostic, public health and research activities, including high containment level work.

The postholder will be responsible for:

Providing senior scientific input in the development and delivery of next generation sequencing (NGS) services in the recently established sequencing laboratory in Bristol.



Providing supervision for the day-to-day running of the sequencing (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.



Maintaining and applying their up-to-date knowledge of genomic sequencing technologies & science to support the delivery of high-quality services and a cycle of continuous improvement.



Supporting 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.



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

Your key responsibilities will include:

To provide professional leadership for those members of staff for whom s/he is accountable, leading the staff by example and in a manner which will encourage the development of a positive working attitude by each member.



To follow agreed protocols and policies in accordance with the UKHSA policies and procedures.



Perform manual and automated laboratory techniques following Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), with leading expertise in NGS.



To provide line management for staff within the Bristol service.



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 a particular expertise and leadership in health and safety.



To provide advice and prepare proposals that contribute to enhancing the effectiveness of the work and achieving laboratory objectives.



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.



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. This will include collaboration with other parties for the efficient delivery of services to all customers.



Senior Healthcare Scientist grade staff have responsibility for organising and supervising laboratory workflows, these supervisory and laboratory management roles will be assigned on a rotational basis in line with service demands.



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.



Essential criteria - you will be assessed on the below 10 essential criteria, which have been selected from the Document.



Post-graduate degree in relevant subject i.e., microbiology or biological science or equivalent experience in the supervision of the day to day running of an NGS laboratory



Educated to degree in relevant subject i.e., microbiology, biological science, molecular biology



Extensive knowledge and experience in at least one of the specialist areas of the laboratory - specialist areas include Next Generation Sequencing or Oxford Nanopore sequencing



Proven record of supporting next generation sequencing NGS services, and automation in relevant areas



Able to provide/receive highly complex information, negotiate and present to peers/customers/others



Problem solving skills and ability to respond to sudden unexpected demands



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



Selection process details



This vacancy is using Success Profiles and will assess your Behaviours, Strengths, Ability and Technical skills.

Stage 1 - Application & Sift:

You will be required to complete an application form. You will be assessed on the 10 essential criteria listed, and this will be in the form of a :



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



1000-word Statement of Suitability



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 Statement of Suitability will be marked together.



Please note that you will only be assessed on the 10 essential criteria listed within the advert and not all those listed in the job description.

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



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:



Proven record of supporting next generation sequencing NGS services, and automation in relevant areas.



Please do not exceed 1000 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 (success profiles)



You will be invited to a (single) face to face interview. If face to face interviews are planned, in exceptional circumstances, we may be able to offer a remote interview.



Behaviours, Technical, Ability and Strengths will be tested at interview.

The Behaviour's tested during the interview stage will be:

Changing and improving (lead)



Seeing the Big Picture



Managing a Quality Service



Delivering at pace



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



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



Security Clearance Level Requirement



Successful candidates must pass a disclosure and barring security check.