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Healthcare Scientist Support Worker
UK Health Security Agency
Greater London
On-site
GBP 23,000 - 28,000
Full time
2 days ago
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Job summary
An established industry player is seeking dedicated individuals to join their microbiology team. This role involves providing essential support in the analysis of food, water, and environmental samples to ensure public health safety. The successful candidate will work collaboratively in a laboratory environment, utilizing cutting-edge technology and methodologies to detect and respond to health threats. With a commitment to quality and safety, this position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to vital health security initiatives while enjoying a supportive work culture that values diversity and inclusion.
Benefits
Civil Service Pension Scheme
Flexible Working Options
Learning and Development Opportunities
Inclusive Work Culture
Qualifications
- Good standard of general education with GCSEs in English, Maths, and Science.
- Previous experience in a laboratory or customer-facing environment.
Responsibilities
- Contribute to analytical microbiology service for food, water, and environmental samples.
- Assist in the receipt of samples and complete pre-analysis processing.
Skills
Laboratory Skills
Data Entry
Communication Skills
Problem Solving
Education
GCSEs in English, Maths and Science
Tools
Microsoft Office
Laboratory IT Systems
Job description
Idmiston, South West England, SP4 0JG
Job Summary
The United Kingdom Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is a system leader for health security; taking action internationally to strengthen global health security, providing trusted advice to government and the public and reducing inequalities in the way different communities experience and are impacted by infectious disease, environmental hazards, and other threats to health.
UKHSA’s Remit, As An Agency With a Global-to-local Reach, Is To Protect The Health Of The Nation From Infectious Diseases And Other External Threats To Health. As The Nation’s Expert National Health Security Agency UKHSA Will
- Prevent: anticipate threats to health and help build the nation’s readiness, defences and health security
- Detect: use cutting edge environmental and biological surveillance to proactively detect and monitor infectious diseases and threats to health
- Analyse: use world-class science and data analytics to assess and continually monitor threats to health, identifying how best to control and mitigate the risks
- Respond: take rapid, collaborative and effective actions nationally and locally to mitigate threats to health when they materialise
- Lead: lead strong and sustainable global, national, regional and local partnerships designed to save lives, protect the nation from public health threats and reduce inequalities.
The post holder will provide a range of routine tasks, including:
- Sampling reception and preparation
- Working as part of a team to perform routine examination of samples and update laboratory IT systems.
- Developing working relationships and communicate regularly with a wide range of individuals, clinical and non-clinical, internal and external to UKHSA.
Job Description
Your key responsibilities will include:
Service Delivery
- Contribute to the provision of an analytical microbiology service for food, water and environmental samples
- Under supervision, assist in the receipt of samples into the laboratory and complete pre-analysis processing of specimens
- Work as part of a team to undertake routine preparation and examination of a wide range of samples under supervision
- Become competent in the use of laboratory equipment including balances and pipettes
- Re-stock laboratory consumables, sterile equipment and glassware
- Assist with waste disposal following local procedures
- Respond to requests and accurately communicate information and results to other laboratory staff, as required
- Refer queries to other, more senior staff, as appropriate
- Participate in activities necessary for the maintenance and development of the Quality System in accordance with UKAS requirements
- Support the laboratory’s accreditation to ISO 17025 and ensure compliance with UKAS and other accreditation and certification standards
- Ensure efficient running and contribute to routine maintenance of all equipment, which will include high cost, complex equipment requiring calibration and regular maintenance
- Take responsibility for stock control in the FW&E laboratory, ensuring sufficient stock levels are maintained for efficient service provision
- Contribute to the care, maintenance and security of laboratory premises and equipment in order to ensure efficient and safe operation
- Support the implementation of new methods and technologies into the laboratory, in order to maximise quality and efficiency of testing
- Support appropriate income generation activities for the laboratory, in accordance with the National FW&E objectives, in conjunction with the Laboratory Management Team
- Become competent in the use of the laboratory’s IT systems and assist with the basic inputting of data into the system
- Ensure confidentiality and conformity to the requirements of the Data Protection Act, Caldicott principles and the Laboratory Information Systems and Technology Security policy
- Ensure that health and safety are afforded priority and to demonstrate commitment to health, safety and welfare of self, staff and visitors
- Ensure attendance of self and managed staff on safety training courses as required in the UKHSA Health and Safety Training Policy and other safety policies as appropriate.
- Agree to implement safety objectives
- Ensure that a Laboratory/Office Safety Code is implemented.
- Ensure that risk assessments are implemented and maintained.
- Report risks that cannot be controlled to the Laboratory Manager
- Notify accidents, near misses, dangerous situations and shortcomings in health and safety via the appropriate management structure
Your Key Responsibilities Will Include
Service Delivery
- Contribute to the provision of an analytical microbiology service for food, water and environmental samples
- Under supervision, assist in the receipt of samples into the laboratory and complete pre-analysis processing of specimens
- Work as part of a team to undertake routine preparation and examination of a wide range of samples under supervision
- Become competent in the use of laboratory equipment including balances and pipettes
- Re-stock laboratory consumables, sterile equipment and glassware
- Assist with waste disposal following local procedures
- Respond to requests and accurately communicate information and results to other laboratory staff, as required
- Refer queries to other, more senior staff, as appropriate
- Participate in activities necessary for the maintenance and development of the Quality System in accordance with UKAS requirements
- Support the laboratory’s accreditation to ISO 17025 and ensure compliance with UKAS and other accreditation and certification standards
- Ensure efficient running and contribute to routine maintenance of all equipment, which will include high cost, complex equipment requiring calibration and regular maintenance
- Take responsibility for stock control in the FW&E laboratory, ensuring sufficient stock levels are maintained for efficient service provision
- Contribute to the care, maintenance and security of laboratory premises and equipment in order to ensure efficient and safe operation
- Support the implementation of new methods and technologies into the laboratory, in order to maximise quality and efficiency of testing
- Support appropriate income generation activities for the laboratory, in accordance with the National FW&E objectives, in conjunction with the Laboratory Management Team
- Become competent in the use of the laboratory’s IT systems and assist with the basic inputting of data into the system
- Ensure confidentiality and conformity to the requirements of the Data Protection Act, Caldicott principles and the Laboratory Information Systems and Technology Security policy
- Ensure that health and safety are afforded priority and to demonstrate commitment to health, safety and welfare of self, staff and visitors
- Ensure attendance of self and managed staff on safety training courses as required in the UKHSA Health and Safety Training Policy and other safety policies as appropriate.
- Agree to implement safety objectives
- Ensure that a Laboratory/Office Safety Code is implemented.
- Ensure that risk assessments are implemented and maintained.
- Report risks that cannot be controlled to the Laboratory Manager
- Notify accidents, near misses, dangerous situations and shortcomings in health and safety via the appropriate management structure
Person specification
Essential Criteria
- Good standard of general education i.e. GCSE’s (grade C or above) in English, maths and science or equivalent level of qualification or significant equivalent previous proven experience working in a laboratory
- Previous experience of working in a laboratory, administrative or customer-facing environment using computerised data systems
- Working knowledge of Microsoft Office including Word and Excel
- Well-developed physical skills including manual dexterity
- Clear communicator with good writing, data entry and telephone skills ensuring accuracy
- Ability to work effectively as part of a team
- Problem solving skills
- Demonstrate a high level of motivation and commitment to high standards
- Good time keeping
- Flexible approach to work
- An understanding of and commitment to equality of opportunity and good working relationships
- 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%
This vacancy is using Success Profiles and will assess your Behaviours, Strengths, Ability, Experience and Technical skills.
Stage 1 - Application & Sift
You will be required to complete an application form. You will be assessed on the 11 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
The Application form and Statement of Suitability will be marked together.
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
Shortlisting: In the event of a large number of applications we will shortlist on:
- Previous experience of working in a laboratory, administrative or customer-facing environment using computerised data systems
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, experience, ability and strengths will be tested at interview.
The Behaviour's Tested During The Interview Stage Will Be
- Working Together (lead)
- Changing and Improving
- Developing self and others
Location
This role is being offered as office/lab based at our site in Porton Down.
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).
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 (opens in a new window).See our vetting charter (opens in a new window).
People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.
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 (opens in a new window).See our vetting charter (opens in a new window).
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) (opens in a new window)
- 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
Working for the Civil Service
The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) 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 (opens in a new window).
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.
The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) 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 (opens in a new window).
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 (opens in a new window) and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy (opens in a new window).
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 : Harry McCullagh
- Email : recruitment@ukhsa.gov.uk
- Email : recruitment@ukhsa.gov.uk
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/
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