Biomedical Scientist

Job summary

The Antimicrobial Resistance and Healthcare Associated Infections (AMRHAI) Reference Unit is the national reference laboratory for investigation of antibiotic resistance in, and characterization of, healthcare-associated bacterial pathogens. We seek to define outbreaks and identify transmission pathways. We use established and developmental phenotypic and genotypic methods to type isolates, to identify markers of virulence, fitness and epidemicity, and to determine their susceptibility to relevant antibiotics. Likely mechanisms of antimicrobial resistance are inferred by interpretive reading, and we offer molecular detection and confirmation of the genetic determinants of key resistances and monitor their dissemination. AMRHAI undertakes surveillance of resistance, advises on outbreak investigation, antimicrobial agents that may be appropriate for therapy, and on any public health risk. It is also the national reference laboratory for pathogens from patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). In addition, we provide specialist identification services for ‘unknowns’, which includes atypical, difficult to isolate or emerging bacterial pathogens detected in culture-negative clinical samples and for isolates with no national reference facility.

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 duties

• To undertake training, including mandatory training as requisite for your role.
• To receive, sort, unpack, label and process specimens in the laboratory.
• To use of the laboratory information system (LIMS) to undertake data entry, electronically request and receive tests and look up results etc.
• To supervise or perform reference microbiological, and molecular laboratory tests, as required, according to local standard operating procedures (SOPS) and other quality documentation.
• To read and interpret laboratory results.
• To be aware of anomalous results, recognising these when they occur and reporting them appropriately.
• To ensure that important or unusual reports are drawn to the attention of senior staff and to report complaints or anomalies as soon as possible.
• To assist in the production and dissemination of laboratory reports, data and statistics, including the issuing of authorised reports by telephone and being aware of the priority of reports.
• To liaise with medical, scientific and other healthcare staff in all matters relating to diagnosis.
• To liaise with service users for general enquiries.
• To assist in the calibration and maintenance of equipment.
• To maintain a high standard of professional competence and technical skill in the performance of all tests and investigations carried out in the laboratory.
• To prepare and adhere to laboratory SOP’s, risk assessments and other documentation.
• To assist in the research and evaluation of new methods and equipment.
• To assist in the introduction of new and amended methodology.
• To use equipment in a safe and responsible manner.
• To perform general laboratory duties e.g. checking and cleaning instruments/equipment, recording temperatures, preparing reagents and assistance with stock control.
• Assist in the training of other staff and visitors to the laboratory.
• To cover the duties of other healthcare staff in their absence where possible.
• To assist in preparing reagents for use in the laboratory.
• To help prepare and dispatch items/samples for referral, transport and posting.
• To ensure the correct disposal of laboratory waste.
• To support the requirements of the quality management system by taking part in internal and external assessments and audits, and corrective actions.
• Line manage junior members of staff, as required.

The department will be able to support further specialist training, e.g. working at containment level 3.

Other

The above is only an outline of the tasks, responsibilities and outcomes required of the role. You will carry out any other duties as may reasonably be required by your line manager.

The job description and person specification may be reviewed on an ongoing basis in accordance with the changing needs of the laboratory and UKHSA.

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

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Identify, discuss and action own professional performance and training / development needs with your line manager through appraisal / individual development plan. Attending internal / external training events

To participate in all mandatory training as required, i.e. fire safety, information governance and all other mandatory training.

KEY WORKING RELATIONSHIPS

The post holder will:

• Develop working relationships and communicate regularly with a wide range of individuals, clinical and non-clinical, internal and external to UKHSA.

This will include;

• Internal - Medical, scientific and biomedical staff across the Public Health Microbiology Division. To attend and participate in relevant meetings and updates on an ad hoc basis.
• External - Hospital and Trust staff serviced by the laboratory, other clinical and primary care staff.Staff from external bodies including accreditation bodies, NHS, local authority, university, MHRA and other users/collaborators, national and enforcement bodies, commercial companies and professional groups as required.

The post holder will work within the laboratory team in Bacterial Identification Section within AMRHAI to assist with all aspects of the Section’s diagnostic and reference functions, in support of the efficient day to day performance of the laboratory, under the supervision of the Senior Biomedical Scientist and Clinical Scientist staff.

This post is to undertake specialist bacterial identification for unknowns which includes atypical, difficult to isolate or emerging bacterial pathogens detected in culture negative clinical samples and for isolates with no national reference facility. Techniques employed are both phenotypic and genotypic methods, such as MALDI-ToF and 16S rRNA gene PCR and sequencing.

This includes performing or supervising: the efficient processing of specimens, performance of the necessary laboratory tests, the validation or results, the reporting of results and providing advice to the customer (as appropriate).

It also involves (with other senior staff), participation in the supervision, training and development of staff in the department and visitors to the laboratory.

The post holder would be expected to assist in any UKHSA co-ordinated response or activity of a national/international nature.

Please note, the above is not exhaustive.

Person specification

Essential Criteria

• BSc in Microbiology or relevant biological science or experience in bacteriology or microbiology
• HCPC registration as a Biomedical Scientist
• Experience and knowledge of working in a microbiology laboratory
• Significant postgraduate experience in bacteriology or microbiology
• Experience with LIMS
• Evidence of continuing professional development (CPD)
• Experience in working as part of a team
• Able to work on own initiative, organising and prioritising own workload to set deadlines
• Good computer skills and sound knowledge of common IT
• Evidence of ability to train others
• Knowledge of health and safety and safe working practices
• Able to provide judgement on a range of problems
• Communicate complex and sensitive information with peers and senior staff
• Good understanding of quality and safety principles and procedures
• An understanding of and commitment to equality of opportunity and good working relationships.

Desirable role criteria:

• Practical experience in a microbiology laboratory with demonstrable ability to perform and evaluate a range of tests
• A good level of theoretical and practical microbiological, and molecular testing knowledge
• Experience of working in a healthcare environment

Benefits

• Learning and development tailored to your role
• An environment with flexible working options
• A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity

Things you need to know

Artificial intelligence

Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance (opens in a new window) for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.

Selection process details

This vacancy will be assessed using a competency-based framework which will assess your qualifications, knowledge, experience, skills and abilities outlined in the essential criteria.

Stage 1: Application & Sift

Competency Based

You will be required to complete an application form. You will be assessed on the listed 15 essential criteria, and this will be in the form of a:

• Application form (‘Employer/ Activity history’ section on the application)

• 750 word supporting statement.

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.

You will receive a joint score for your application form and statement. (The application form is the kind of information you would put into your C.V –please be advised you will not be able to upload your CV. Please complete the application form in as much detail as possible). Please do not email us your CV.

Healthjobs UK has a word limit of 1500, but your supporting statement must be no more than 750 words. We will not consider any words over 750 words.

Longlisting:

In the event of a large number of applications we may longlist into 3 piles of:

• Meets all essential criteria
• Meets some essential criteria
• Meets no essential criteria

If used, the piles ‘Meets all essential criteria’ and ‘Meets some essential criteria’ will proceed to shortlisting.

Shortlisting:

In the event of a large number of applications we may conduct an initial sift, on the lead criteria of :

• BSc in Microbiology or relevant biological science or experience in bacteriology or microbiology

• HCPC registration as a Biomedical Scientist
• Experience and knowledge of working in a microbiology laboratory

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.

Feedback will not be provided at this stage.

Stage 2: Interview

Competency Based

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

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

Interviews dates to be confirmed.

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 our Scientific Campus in Colindale. If based at one of our scientific campuses, 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.

Please note hybrid working is not available for this role.

Security Clearance Level Requirement

Successful candidates must pass a basic disclosure and barring security check before they can be appointed.

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

Eligibility Criteria

External:

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

Future location

UKHSA is investing in a new state-of-the-art National Biosecurity Centre in Harlow, Essex, which will eventually bring together teams currently based at Canary Wharf, Colindale and Porton Down. For more details, please see: Huge biosecurity centre investment to boost pandemic protection - GOV.UK.The new facilities will start becoming operational in the mid-2030s, with full completion by 2038. Staff will move in phases as facilities become available. If you're appointed to a role currently based at Canary Wharf, Colindale or Porton Down, please note that we'll continue investing in these sites for the next decade. As we get closer to the transition, we'll provide full information about relocation support available to staff.

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.

Internal Fraud Check

This does not need to be included on EOI adverts.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

NHS Pension

This role is offered under Agenda for Change (AFC) Terms and Conditions.

• If you are already on AFC T&Cs or accept the role on a fixed-term contract,
  you will be enrolled in the NHS Pension Scheme or keep your current AFC
  Pension.
• If you take the role on a loan or temporary promotion, you will retain your
  existing, substantive T&Cs.
• If the role is available under either AFC or Civil Service T&Cs depending on
  your registration, your pension scheme will align accordingly.

Salary Information

If you are successful at interview, and are moving from another government department, NHS, or Local Authority, the relevant starting salary principles for level transfers or promotions will apply. Otherwise, roles are offered at the pay scale minimum for the grade, but in exceptional circumstances there may be flexibility if you are able to demonstrate you are already in receipt of an existing, higher salary. Pay increases are through the relevant annual pay award for the role and terms. This role includes Outer HCAS of 15% of basic salary, subject to a: minimum payment of £4,714 and a maximum payment of £5,941

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.

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.

Diversity and Inclusion

The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see theCivil Service People Plan (opens in a new window) and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy (opens in a new window).

Apply and further information

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 : Charlene Gwekwerere
• Email : charlene.gwekwerere@ukhsa.gov.uk

Recruitment team

• Email : recruitment@ukhsa.gov.uk

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 the UKHSA Complaints team via email at: 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 for
further information: https://civilservicecommission.independent.gov.uk

http://www.healthjobsuk.com/vacancy/7853447