Scientist Technician

UK Health Security Agency; Boscombe; On-site; GBP 29,000; Full time

Job summary

A public health agency in England is seeking a laboratory scientist to support the development and evaluation of countermeasures for infectious diseases. The ideal candidate will have a degree in biological science and experience in virology and molecular biology. Responsibilities include performing laboratory techniques, maintaining accurate records, and ensuring compliance with safety protocols. This lab-based role offers a competitive salary and contributes significantly to pension schemes while fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment.

Benefits

Employer contribution to pension

Learning and development opportunities

Inclusive workplace culture

Qualifications

• Educated to degree level in biological science, virology, or immunology.
• Knowledge of microbiology, molecular biology, and virology techniques.
• Experience working at containment level 2 or 3.

Responsibilities

• Participate in laboratory methods/assays/techniques to meet project targets.
• Maintain accurate documentation and tracking of samples and data.
• Ensure compliance with UKHSA's Code of Safety Practice.

Skills

Virology

Molecular Biology

Immunology

Teamwork

Problem Solving

Education

Degree in Biological Science or related field

Tools

Cell Culture

Elisa

RT-qPCR

Job description

Overview

The Countermeasures Development, Evaluation, and Preparedness Division (CDEP), along with other divisions within the Public Health Microbiology Directorate, provide the laboratory‑based capability for UKHSA's Countermeasures Development, Evaluation, and Preparedness programme.

The Pre‑clinical Evaluation Team is a translational research group within CDEP at UKHSA Porton Down, investigating high consequence human pathogens. Research undertaken includes the pre‑clinical evaluation of counter‑measures and in‑vivo model development to support this work, development of assays to advance the testing of vaccines, and investigation of organ‑on‑chip technology as an adjunct to our existing capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Participate in the provision of a range of laboratory methods/assays/techniques in support of all activities associated with projects to ensure project targets are met.
• Participate in research and/or development work in collaboration with senior staff as required.
• Take responsibility for the provision of laboratory reagents and consumables required for the project and maintain document storage of materials.
• Take responsibility for laboratory housekeeping and supervision of laboratory maintenance.
• Ensure accurate documentation and tracking of samples, data, laboratory records and correctly follow protocols.
• Perform any other duties required by the line manager commensurate with grade.
• Ensure that the project team undertakes work in accordance with UKHSA's Code of Safety Practice and within any applicable Quality Systems.
• Demonstrate flexibility and readiness to carry out additional duties as reasonably requested by the line manager.

Person Specification

The post holder will help support work to develop in vivo and ex vivo models of a range of pathogens. The role is suitable for candidates with experience in virology, molecular biology, and/or immunology. The post holder will be expected to be flexible and adaptable, maintain accurate records of laboratory activities, and collaborate with users from other teams.

It should be noted that the work of the division is of a confidential nature and must not be communicated to other persons except where required for authorised purposes.

• Educated to degree level in biological science, virology, or immunology (or equivalent qualification or experience).
• Good knowledge and practical familiarity with techniques for the project, including standard microbiology, molecular biology and/or virology techniques, cell culture, and working at containment level 2 or level 3.
• Good understanding and experience of safe working practices.
• Excellent team working skills with the ability to understand the importance of teamwork to achieve overall team goals.
• Ability to work using own initiative and organise own workload without supervision, working to tight and often changing deadlines.
• Understanding of and commitment to equality of opportunity and good working relationships.

Desirable Criteria

• Experience in specific methods required for the post and their applications, e.g. neutralisation assays, ELISA, immune cell isolation, flow cytometry, ELISpot, RT‑qPCR, primary ex vivo and differentiated cell culture systems.
• Demonstrable experience of having worked within a regulated environment (e.g. GCP, ISO9001) and undergoing audits.
• Clear communicator with excellent writing and presentation skills; capable of constructing and delivering clear ideas and concepts concisely and accurately for diverse audiences.
• Independent thinker with demonstrated good judgement, problem solving, critical thinking and analytical skills.

Behaviours

• Changing and Improving
• Making Effective Decisions
• Communicating and Influencing
• Working Together

Security Requirements

• 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.
• They must complete baseline personnel security standard checks.

Nationality Requirements

• 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) (including those who have made a valid application for settled or pre‑settled status)
• 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

Salary and Benefits

• Annual salary: £28,547
• UK Health Security Agency contributes £8,270 towards membership of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme.
• Learning and development opportunities tailored to the role.
• Flexible working options (not available for this lab‑based role).
• Culture encouraging inclusion and diversity.
• Employer contribution to pension: 28.97 %.
• The role is lab based at the UK Health Security Agency Scientific Campus in Porton.

Application Process

• Complete the application form (Employer/Activity History section).
• Provide a 1000‑word supporting statement.
• Do not upload a CV; the CV will not be accepted.