Public Health Services & Acute Bacteriology Manager

UK Health Security Agency; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

The UK Health Security Agency is seeking a Public Health Services & Acute Bacteriology Manager in Birmingham. This role involves managing a Clinical Bacteriology department, ensuring quality standards, and leading technical improvements. Candidates should have a strong background in microbiology, leadership skills, and relevant qualifications. This position offers an opportunity to contribute to public health and work in a collaborative environment focused on innovation and quality service.

Qualifications

• Extensive post-registration experience in a discipline within Microbiology.
• Evidence of continuing professional development in accordance with HCPC guidelines.
• Ability to analyse data and present it meaningfully.

Responsibilities

• Manage the provision of an efficient Clinical Bacteriology department.
• Lead the introduction and improvement of methodologies.
• Coordinate the diagnostic investigation of outbreaks of infection.

Skills

Managing people

Analytical skills

Communication

Problem-solving

Education

Biomedical Science (BMS) degree

MSc or equivalent in relevant subject

Health and Safety qualification IOSSH or equivalent

Job description

Public Health Services & Acute Bacteriology Manager

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UKHSA Birmingham Public Health Laboratory, Birmingham Heartlands Hospital, B9 5SS

Job Summary

The Public Health Laboratory in Birmingham is a UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) microbiology laboratory and is in partnership with University Hospitals Birmingham Trust (UHB).

The microbiology partnership provides comprehensive microbiology services and specialist services to Birmingham Heartlands Hospital, Good Hope Hospital in Sutton Coldfield, Solihull Hospital and general practitioners throughout the area.

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.

Please visit our careers site for more information https://gov.uk/ukhsa/careers

Job Description

Main Responsibilities

• Manage the provision of an efficient and timely Clinical Bacteriology department and monitor the service against the standards agreed with users.
• Lead the introduction, maintenance and improvement of methodologies and innovations within the bacteriology department in cooperation with the Service Development and Clinical Scientists and working with the Consultant Microbiologist and clinical leads to develop the service according to clinical need.
• Review the performance and appropriateness of laboratory methods at regular intervals ensuring technical standards are maintained.
• Take a lead role in advising staff regarding technical difficulties.
• Advise external service users regarding Clinical Bacteriology technical issues.
• Validate and authorise reports as required.
• To be responsible for analysis of biological samples involving complex/specialist investigations.
• Lead in the evaluation and assessment of new equipment and consumable items.
• Actively participate as a member of the Bacteriology Technical committee.
• Lead in the production, review and update of Standard Operating procedures for the Clinical Bacteriology department.
• Participate in and support the R&D activities within the laboratory and UKHSA.
• Manage the surveillance and epidemiological activity within Clinical Bacteriology department.
• Maintain professional competence and be aware of relevant developments in microbiology and other biomedical sciences.
• To maintain the physical skills and knowledge obtained through practice to work to support the working of the laboratory as a whole when required.
• Perform any other duties required by the line manager commensurate with the grade.
  
  

Acute Bacteriology

• Delegated responsibility to lead the day-to-day management of the work of the Clinical Bacteriology department in cooperation with the Laboratory Manager.
• Provides professional leadership for members of staff for whom s/he is accountable, leading staff by example and in a manner which will encourage the development of a positive attitude by each member.
• Delegated responsibility for management of Clinical bacteriology department Out of Hours service.
• Close liaison with bacteriology service development and Clinical scientists
  
  

Public Health

• Delegated responsibility to lead the day-to-day management and coordinate the diagnostic investigation of outbreaks of infection in cooperation with the Laboratory Manager and Consultant staff.
• Close liaison with Epidemiology and Bioinformatics Analyst and all departmental team managers
  
  

Please see the attached job description for the full list of duties and responsibilities.

Main Responsibilities

• Manage the provision of an efficient and timely Clinical Bacteriology department and monitor the service against the standards agreed with users.
• Lead the introduction, maintenance and improvement of methodologies and innovations within the bacteriology department in cooperation with the Service Development and Clinical Scientists and working with the Consultant Microbiologist and clinical leads to develop the service according to clinical need.
• Review the performance and appropriateness of laboratory methods at regular intervals ensuring technical standards are maintained.
• Take a lead role in advising staff regarding technical difficulties.
• Advise external service users regarding Clinical Bacteriology technical issues.
• Validate and authorise reports as required.
• To be responsible for analysis of biological samples involving complex/specialist investigations.
• Lead in the evaluation and assessment of new equipment and consumable items.
• Actively participate as a member of the Bacteriology Technical committee.
• Lead in the production, review and update of Standard Operating procedures for the Clinical Bacteriology department.
• Participate in and support the R&D activities within the laboratory and UKHSA.
• Manage the surveillance and epidemiological activity within Clinical Bacteriology department.
• Maintain professional competence and be aware of relevant developments in microbiology and other biomedical sciences.
• To maintain the physical skills and knowledge obtained through practice to work to support the working of the laboratory as a whole when required.
• Perform any other duties required by the line manager commensurate with the grade.
  
  

Acute Bacteriology

• Delegated responsibility to lead the day-to-day management of the work of the Clinical Bacteriology department in cooperation with the Laboratory Manager.
• Provides professional leadership for members of staff for whom s/he is accountable, leading staff by example and in a manner which will encourage the development of a positive attitude by each member.
• Delegated responsibility for management of Clinical bacteriology department Out of Hours service.
• Close liaison with bacteriology service development and Clinical scientists
  
  

Public Health

• Delegated responsibility to lead the day-to-day management and coordinate the diagnostic investigation of outbreaks of infection in cooperation with the Laboratory Manager and Consultant staff.
• Close liaison with Epidemiology and Bioinformatics Analyst and all departmental team managers
  
  

Please see the attached job description for the full list of duties and responsibilities.

Person specification

Essential Criteria

• Biomedical Science (BMS) degree or equivalent academic achievement ratified by the IBMS.
• State registration with Health Professions Council (HPC)
• MSc or equivalent in relevant subject
• FIBMS or equivalent experience
• Health and Safety qualification IOSSH or equivalent
• Evidence of continuing professional development (CPD) in accordance with HCPC guidelines.
• Demonstrate extensive post-registration experience in a discipline within Microbiology.
• Understands quality assurance principles and procedures
• Knows and understands laboratory safety requirements and procedures.
• Aptitude for managing people and assessing performance, for motivating others, encouraging teamwork, delegating and get the best out of people. Planning own time and that of others effectively.
• Relevant experience of working in a range of microbiology laboratories.
• Ability to analyse data and present it in a meaningful way.
• Computer literate.
• Evidence of participating in formal training activities.
• Evidence of using technical experience to assess new and existing systems and initiate change in laboratory practice.
• Evidence of in depth technical and theoretical knowledge of molecular techniques.
• Awareness of a range of Health Services provisions and knowledge of NHS issues.
• Clear communicator and effective interpersonal skills. Articulate and clear thinking. Able to convey ideas and opinions clearly, concisely, orally and in writing.
• Able to respond positively to change.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team.
• Evidence of negotiating skills.
• Evidence of presenting educational material.
• Able to solve problems in a calm and efficient manner.
• Enthusiastic and self-motivated.
• Able to work on own initiative, organising and prioritising own workload to set deadlines.
• An ability to maintain confidentiality and trust.
• Good time keeping.
• 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.
• Learning and development tailored to your role
• An environment with flexible working options
• A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity
  
  

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

Job Description

You will be required to complete an application form. You will be assessed on the listed 28 essential criteria that have been selected from the job description, and this will be in the form of a:

• Application form (‘Employer/ Activity history’ section on the application)
• 1500 word Statement of Suitability.
  
  

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 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
  
  

Only those meeting all essential criteria will be taken through to shortlisting.

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

• Demonstrate extensive post-registration experience in a discipline within Microbiology.
• Knows and understands laboratory safety requirements and procedures.
  
  

If you are successful at this stage, you will progress to interview and assessment.

Please do not exceed 1500 words. We will not consider any words over and above this number.

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

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

Knowledge, experience, skills and abilities will be tested at interview.

There will be a presentation. The details of this will be sent prior to 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 being offered as lab based at UKHSA Birmingham Public Health Laboratory, Birmingham Heartlands Hospital. Please note that hybrid working is not available for this role.

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.

Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is Counter-terrorist Check.

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.

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.

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)

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.

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 (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.

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
  
  

Further information on nationality requirements (opens in a new window)

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).

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 : Jon Payne
• Email : [e-mail]
  
  

Recruitment team

• Email : [e-mail]
  
  

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: [e-mail] 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

Seniority level

• Seniority level

  Mid-Senior level

Employment type

• Employment type

  Full-time

Job function

• Job function

  Other

• Industries

  Hospitals and Health Care

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