Specialist Biomedical Scientist

UK Health Security Agency; Greater London; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a dedicated Specialist Biomedical Scientist to join their Rare and Imported Pathogens laboratory. This role involves providing expert technical support for diagnostic assays, focusing on molecular identification and serological diagnosis. The successful candidate will work in a dynamic environment, contributing to innovative solutions and ensuring high scientific standards. With a commitment to inclusivity, this organization values diversity and offers opportunities for professional development. If you're ready to make a significant impact in public health, this position is perfect for you.

Benefits

Flexible Arbeitsoptionen

Zivildienstpension mit 28.97% Arbeitgeberbeitrag

Lern- und Entwicklungsmöglichkeiten

Qualifications

• HCPC registriert als Biomedizinischer Wissenschaftler.
• Erfahrung in diagnostischer molekularer Biologie und virologischen Laboren.

Responsibilities

• Durchführung diagnostischer Tests und Techniken im Labor.
• Überwachung der Arbeitslast eines Teams von Mitarbeitern.

Skills

Molekularbiologie

ELISA

IFA

Real-Time PCR

LIMS

Analytische Fähigkeiten

Education

HCPC akkreditiertes Studium

IBMS Specialist Portfolio

Tools

Laborgeräte

Job description

UKHSA Porton Down, SP4 0JG

Job Summary

We are looking for an HCPC registered Specialist Biomedical Scientist to join our Rare and Imported Pathogens laboratory (RIPL). The post holder will provide expert technical support for the specialist reference laboratory work undertaken within RIPL in accordance with UKHSA and laboratory policies and procedures with particular focus on areas of serological diagnosis by ELISA and IFA and molecular identification using real-time PCR.

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

The job holder will be expected to:

• undertake a range of diagnostic assays and techniques as required, meeting the needs of RIPL service provision.
• identify to management any potential conflicts of interest which may impinge on their ability to perform their duties effectively as defined by UKHSA Conflict of Interest Policy.
• produce and maintain reagents to support current testing strategies and for the development of new assays.
• assist in the identification, evaluation and adaptation of new technologies and diagnostic tests to enhance the laboratories capabilities and to ensure the project area works to a high scientific standard.
• supply data to agreed timescales required by RIPL service level agreement.
• undertake general laboratory duties including disposal of waste, equipment maintenance, stock control and ensuring a safe working environment.
• undergo any training requirements as required for the post.
• participate in the RIPL on-call rota to provide 24/7 cover.
• ensure all work in undertaken in accordance with the UKHSA’s Code of Safety Practice and to work within ISO15189 quality standards
• comply with UKHSA policy and procedures.
• perform any other duties required by the line manager commensurate with grade.
• prioritise, co-ordinate and organise specialist investigations and supervise the workload of a team of staff.
• deputise as appropriate for senior staff
• maintain HCPC registration as a condition of employment
• maintain high professional standards by continual professional development keeping up to date with advances in medical microbiology
• ensure health, safety and welfare are afforded priority and to demonstrate commitment to health, safety and welfare of self, staff and visitors and comply with relevant UKHSA health and safety policies at all times
• escalate risks that cannot be controlled to the Section Head.
• notify accidents, near misses, dangerous situations and shortcomings in health and safety via the appropriate management structure
• act as bench lead for a specific laboratory area with responsibility for investigating and resolving associated quality, training and housekeeping issues.
• participate in a joint annual review of their work. The process is described in the Human Resources Handbook found on the UKHSA Intranet
  
  

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

The Job Holder Will Be Expected To

• undertake a range of diagnostic assays and techniques as required, meeting the needs of RIPL service provision.
• identify to management any potential conflicts of interest which may impinge on their ability to perform their duties effectively as defined by UKHSA Conflict of Interest Policy.
• produce and maintain reagents to support current testing strategies and for the development of new assays.
• assist in the identification, evaluation and adaptation of new technologies and diagnostic tests to enhance the laboratories capabilities and to ensure the project area works to a high scientific standard.
• supply data to agreed timescales required by RIPL service level agreement.
• undertake general laboratory duties including disposal of waste, equipment maintenance, stock control and ensuring a safe working environment.
• undergo any training requirements as required for the post.
• participate in the RIPL on-call rota to provide 24/7 cover.
• ensure all work in undertaken in accordance with the UKHSA’s Code of Safety Practice and to work within ISO15189 quality standards
• comply with UKHSA policy and procedures.
• perform any other duties required by the line manager commensurate with grade.
• prioritise, co-ordinate and organise specialist investigations and supervise the workload of a team of staff.
• deputise as appropriate for senior staff
• maintain HCPC registration as a condition of employment
• maintain high professional standards by continual professional development keeping up to date with advances in medical microbiology
• ensure health, safety and welfare are afforded priority and to demonstrate commitment to health, safety and welfare of self, staff and visitors and comply with relevant UKHSA health and safety policies at all times
• escalate risks that cannot be controlled to the Section Head.
• notify accidents, near misses, dangerous situations and shortcomings in health and safety via the appropriate management structure
• act as bench lead for a specific laboratory area with responsibility for investigating and resolving associated quality, training and housekeeping issues.
• participate in a joint annual review of their work. The process is described in the Human Resources Handbook found on the UKHSA Intranet
  
  

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

Person specification

Essential Criteria

• HCPC registered as a Biomedical Scientist
• HCPC accredited degree
• IBMS Specialist portfolio
• Experience of diagnostic molecular biology testing, molecular methods including real time PCR
• Recent experience in a diagnostic or reference virology laboratory
• Experience of working in a regulated environment with quality systems and knowledge of UKAS ISO15189
• Working knowledge of LIMS
• Demonstrate a strong desire to improve performance and make a difference by focusing on goals.
• Ability to analyse and interpret information, pre-empt and evaluate issues, and recommend and appropriate course of action to address the issues.
• Clear communicator with excellent writing, report writing and presentation skills; capable of constructing and delivering clear ideas and concepts concisely and accurately for diverse audiences.
• Good knowledge and experience of serological methods including ELISA and IFA
• 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%
  
  

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 11 essential criteria which 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)
• 750 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.

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.

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
  
  

Please note 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:

• IBMS Specialist portfolio
  
  

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.

Please do not exceed 750 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 face to face interview. In exceptional circumstances, we may be able to offer a remote interview.

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

Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.

Eligibility Criteria

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

Location

This role is being offered as lab based at UKHSA Porton Down. Please note that hybrid working is not available for this role.

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 Checks.

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 3years 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