Biomedical/Healthcare Scientist Specialist/Clinical Scientist

Job summary

The Gastrointestinal Bacteria Reference Unit (GBRU) is a National Reference Laboratory and provides specialist and reference services for a specific range of hazard group 2 and 3 gastrointestinal and foodborne bacterial pathogens notably Bacillus cereus, Clostridium perfringens, C. botulinum, E. coli, Listeria, Campylobacter, Helicobacter, Salmonella, Shigella, Yersinia and Vibrio species. GBRU works at local, regional, national and international levels to reduce the impact of food, water and environmentally borne illnesses on people’s health. Activities include provision of bacterial typing services to assist national surveillance, the detection and investigation of outbreaks and specialist microbiological services for the examination of clinical, food, water and environmental samples. Currently, a combination of phenotypic and genotypic methods is used to detect, identify and type bacterial isolates and this increasingly involves the use of whole genome sequencing. We are streamlining workflows for different pathogens across the unit to facilitate implementation of new technology whilst maintaining the capability to perform standard reference methods. GBRU has a high propriety in ensuring the safe running of laboratory services and the safety of all staff.

This is a laboratory-based role within GBRU with primary focus on service delivery, training staff to undertake laboratory procedures to a high degree of competence and, assisting senior staff members.

Job description

We are seeking an HCPC registered Biomedical Scientist (AfC Band 6) or Microbiologist/Public health scientist (HEO). Candidates holding HCPC registration will be appointed on NHS Terms & Conditions at NHS AfC Band 6. Candidates without HCPC registration will be appointed on Civil Service Terms & Conditions at HEO grade. (If you are working towards HCPC registration you will start on Civil Service Ts & Cs and can transfer to NHS once registration is attained).

• To assist the Section Manager and other Senior Staff in ensuring that GBRU provides a national and international service in all aspects of the work of the unit. They will work with senior staff to ensure that both the service and non-service work of the unit is carried out in a safe, effective, timely manner and operates to a quality system: this includes molecular and conventional microbiological analysis on a range of gastrointestinal bacterial isolates and clinical specimens
• To work with senior staff to ensure that both the service and non-service work of the unit is carried out in a safe, effective, timely manner and operates to a quality system: this includes molecular and conventional microbiological analysis on a range of gastrointestinal bacterial isolates and clinical specimens.
• To participate in research and development activities within GBRU.

Service delivery

• To assist in the provision and organization of safe, timely, high quality and economical reference services by GBRU
• To validate clinical results technically and medically (HCPC registered scientist only).
• To undertake DNA-based detection and typing for a range of pathogens with assays and techniques such as PCR and WGS.
• Assist in providing a flexible laboratory response to emergency public health needs including investigation of incidents & outbreaks of GI disease and to general investigations of illness as appropriate.
• Dealing with customers’ queries
• To assist the team’s leader in ensuring the section is run and maintained in an effective and economical manner.
• Assist in the management and deployment of staff in GBRU
• Provide cover in the absence of the team’s Leader
• Assist with the implementation of new techniques to the unit that enhance effectiveness of the laboratory work
• Writing and updating SOPs, COSHHs and risk assessments
• Apply knowledge of clinical and food microbiology in daily routine work and in testing of clinical specimens and other samples
• To maintain professional competence.
• To provide technical support to GBRU Reference Services.

Health and Safety

• Ensure that health, safety and welfare is an afforded priority over other issues and to demonstrate a commitment to health, safety and welfare regarding self, all staff and visitors in the unit
• Assist in maintaining a safe working environment within the unit ensuring risk assessments and COSHH are carried out as and when required and safety policy is adhered to
• Report all accidents and incidents or near misses, dangerous situations or shortcomings in health and safety training instructions and assist in taking remedial action
• Participate in the internal and external safety audits as required and implement any arising corrective actions

Information Technology

• Assist in ensuring the GBRU IT systems are appropriately managed in support of the needs of the laboratory
• Use the LIMS computer to enter results and compile data
• Entry of results into LIMS system and liaison with senior staff in sending laboratory reports

Quality

• Maintain a high standard of work and contribute to developing the service of the laboratory so that service delivery is safe effective and economical and follows best practice
• Contribute to internal and external quality assurance programmes
• Ensure compliance with CPA and other accreditation and certification standards
• Contribute to internal and external audit programmes and corrective actions
• Take every effort to suggest quality improvements

Staff Management and Training

• Train and supervise other staff, visitors, and students.
• Supervise and when required organize the daily work for lower graded staffs, temporary staffs, visitors, and students
• Attend training courses as required

Support Services & Equipment

• Oversee the service, performance, and maintenance of equipment

Strategy, Policy and Service Development

• Develop and maintain good user / customer relations

Other

• Be prepared to work flexibly across the entire unit as required, maintaining appropriate levels of training as necessary

This list is not exhaustive.

Person specification

Essential criteria

• HCPC registration as a biomedical scientist (essential for AfC Ts and Cs) OR working towards HCPC registration and expected to achieve this within 12 months
• Degree in Microbiology or relevant biological science
• Extensive experience and knowledge of working in a microbiology laboratory at containment level 2
• Knows and understands laboratory safety requirements and procedures and has practiced laboratory safety requirements
• Good understanding of quality assurance principles and procedures
• 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
• Skills for communication on complex matters and difficult situations, requiring persuasion and influence.
• Skills for nurturing key relationships and maintaining networks
• Problem solving skills and ability to respond to sudden unexpected demands
• Attention to detail combined with the ability to extract key messages from complex analysis
• Independent thinker with demonstrated good judgement, problem-solving and analytical skills
• Effective organiser and working in a Professional calm and efficient manner
• Demonstrate a strong desire to improve performance and make a difference by focusing on goals
• Adaptability, flexibility and ability to cope with uncertainty and change
• An understanding of and commitment to equality of opportunity and good working relationships.

Desirable criteria:

• Evidence of CPD
• Experience and knowledge of working in a microbiology laboratory at containment level 3
• Knowledge of Gram negative and positive foodborne bacteria and their toxins.
• Team leadership or management
• Experience of writing SOPs
• Takes decisions on difficult and contentious issues where there may be a number of courses of action
• Ability to analyse and interpret information, pre-empt and evaluate issues, and recommend an appropriate course of action to address the issues
• Attention to detail combined with the ability to extract key messages from complex analysis
• Skills for managing aspects of projects ensuring they meet targets

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £37,749, UK Health Security Agency contributes £10,935 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.

We pride ourselves as being an employer of choice, promoting equality of opportunity to actively encourage applications from everyone, including groups currently underrepresented in our workforce. UKHSA's 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.

• 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%

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 is using Success Profiles and will assess your Behaviours, Experience & Technical skills.

Stage 1: Application & Sift

Success profiles Success Profiles - GOV.UK

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)
• 1500 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.

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

If used, the pile(s) meet ALL and 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:

• Degree in Microbiology or relevant biological science
• Experience and knowledge of working in a microbiology laboratory at containment level 2
• HCPC registration as a biomedical scientist OR working towards HCPC registration and expected to achieve this within 12 months

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.

Feedback will not be provided at this stage.

Stage 2: Interview

Success profiles Success Profiles - GOV.UK

You will be invited to a single face to face interview.

When face to face interviews are planned, in exceptional circumstances, we may be able to offer a remote interview.

Behaviours, Experience and Technical skills will be tested at interview in the form of questions.

The Behaviours tested during the interview stage will be

• Lead Behaviour: Working Together
• Changing and Improving
• Developing Self and Others
• Managing a Quality Service

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.

Eligibility Criteria

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

Location

This role is being offered as office/lab based at our Scientific Campus in Colindale, London. Please note hybrid working is not available for this role.

Security Clearance Level Requirement

Successful candidates must pass a standard 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

When 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. 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.

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.

• HEO - £37,749 - £45,353 Per Annum, Pro Rata
• AfC Band 6 - £39,959- £48,117 Per Annum, Pro Rata (plus Outer HCAS)

NHS Pension

This role may be 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

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

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 : John Inglis
• Email : john.inglis@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