Biomedical Scientist

Job summary

This post is positioned within the Clinical Services Unit (CSU) of Reference Microbiology Services.

Microbiology reference laboratories undertake complex and highly skilled techniques which often require nationally or internationally unique capabilities or facilities. Reference laboratories are required to provide authoritative, final and validated analysis for complex clinical or food microbiological problems and be innovative in driving microbiological methodology developments and standards. They have a key role in the provision of expert advice to government and other national and international agencies, risk assessment for new and emerging microbiological threats and play an important role in teaching and training organism specific and subject matter expertise to all grades of professional medical, nursing, scientific and technical staff. Design of national microbiological surveillance programmes and sampling strategies and outbreak detection and control are part of day-to-day work of reference laboratories.

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

• Perform serological and molecular tests using both commercially available kits and assays developed in-house
• Contribute to incident or outbreak investigations
• Contribute to the development of new protocols/procedures for tests/reagents/methods, as required
• Evaluate test procedures/equipment relevant to the work of the unit
• Contribute to the laboratory’s diagnostic and surveillance work
• Contribute to the proper storage and management of the laboratory specimens
• Ensure that the services are maintained to a satisfactory standard
• Use databases and software packages including Excel, Word and PowerPoint
• Enter results onto MOLIS the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS)
• Prepare documents and draft SOPs relevant to the work performed/developed
• Oversee the laboratory maintenance, engineering and similar services
• Maintain a high standard of work
• Ensure, with others, that junior staff and assigned visitors or trainees are competent to carry out the tasks given to them, ensuring levels of sufficient supervision
• Maintain professional competence and be aware of relevant developments in microbiology and other biomedical sciences

Main duties

• Contribute towards the Clinical Services Unit (CSU) reference and surveillance functions
• Perform laboratory testing as required
• Flag specimens for appropriate tests
• Perform technical validation of laboratory results
• Support delivery of service functions of unit

Communication and key working relationships:

Internal

• Medical, Scientific, Biomedical and support staff in RM and within NIS

External

• External bodies including NHS staff and other national and international users, commercial companies and professional groups, as required

Please note this list is not exhaustive.

Person specification

Essential role criteria:

• BSc in Biological Sciences or Biomedical Sciences
• Maintains professional competence in Biomedical Sciences
• HCPC registration with CPD registration and certification
• Experience with quality assurance principles and procedures
• Knows and understands laboratory safety requirements and procedures
• Experience of working in a microbiological/molecular diagnostic (preferably virological) laboratory
• Experience of supervision and training of technical staff
• Able to work carefully, with precision and be able to balance laboratory duties with accurate record keeping
• Computer literate, ability to analyse data, create reports and present findings to others
• Ability to work individually and as part of a team
• 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
• Able to convey ideas and opinions clearly and concisely, orally and in writing
• Professional in dealing with external laboratories and other contacts to facilitate receipt of clinical samples and highly sensitive clinical information
• High level of motivation and commitment to high standards
• Able to analyse and evaluate data based on evidence
• Ability to troubleshoot both laboratory-based and project-based problems effectively
• Able to deal with problems in a calm and efficient manner
• Able to work to prioritise workload, work to deadlines and remain focussed

Desirable role criteria:

• Experience of liaising with customers
• Evidence of using technical experience to assess new and existing systems and processes to innovate and initiate change in laboratory practice
• Evidence of negotiating skills
• Live within a reasonable distance of the laboratory
• Evidence of wider interest in public health/ research

Benefits

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

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.

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 and experience and / or 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 18 essential criteria, and this will be in the form of a:

• Application form (‘Employer/ Activity history’ section on the application)
• 1500 word supporting statement

Healthjobs UK has a word limit of 1500.

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. (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

We will take pile ‘Meets all essential criteria’ through to shortlisting. Feedback will not be provided at this stage.

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

• Experience of working in a microbiological/molecular diagnostic (preferably virological) 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 our site in Colindale. 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.

Additional Information

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.

Please be aware that the salary is based on the office location.

Location

This role is being offered as lab based at our Scientific Campus in Colindale. Based at our scientific campus, 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.

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

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

Qualifications and Registrations

For roles where specific qualifications or registrations are required, successful applicants will be asked to provide appropriate evidence. Employment cannot commence until satisfactory documentation has been received and verified.

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

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.

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

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 : Tom Geldeard
• Email : tom.geldeard@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