Healthcare Scientist

Job summary

The Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Unit generates key surveillance data on genotype-specific HPV infection and associated diseases in relation to sexual health issues and HPV vaccine impact monitoring. In collaboration with epidemiologists and mathematical modellers, these data are used to inform national policies on the deployment of the HPV vaccines and sexual health programmes.

A vacancy exists for a Healthcare Scientist to assist in the delivery of key HPV surveillance data. The post holder will be responsible for providing technical support to national HPV surveillance projects, performing laboratory duties including generating and analysing test data, receipt of samples, entry of data onto the computer (LIMS) system and processing of biological samples for analysis.

The post holder should have some laboratory experience, preferably in a molecular or microbiological laboratory, and have an understanding of quality assurance issues and procedures.

Job description

This post is positioned within Public Health Microbiology Division on the Colindale site. The post holder will contribute to the national Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine impact surveillance programme by providing an evidence base for informing vaccination effectiveness.

Key Responsibilities

• Technical/Scientific/Reference Services/Research and Development
• Perform, interpret, and record test results according to given protocols
• Contribute to the development of new protocols procedures for tests, reagents, or methods, as required.
• Use of various manual and automated nucleic acid extraction protocols, DNA visualisation, DNA purification, DNA sequencing and quantification methods
• Use of block-based PCR and real-time PCR
• Use of multiplex Luminex®-based genotyping and serology.
• Contribute to the reception, processing, storage, and management of the laboratory specimens
• Prepare documents relevant to the work performed, as required
• Contribute to incident or outbreak investigations

Quality

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

Information Technology

• Use databases and software packages including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
• Enter results onto the Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS).

Staff Management and Training

• Assist with the organisation of, and participation in, suitable training programmes for staff and visitors.

Support Services and Equipment

• Take responsibility for maintenance/acquisition of stock in order to ensure adequate service provision and continuity.

Strategy, Policy, and Service Development

• Work with other staff to improve working practices.

General Employment Responsibilities

• Ensure confidentiality and conformity to the requirements of the DATA Protection Act in collaboration. with the designated Caldicott Guardian, Data Protection Officer and Security of Information Officer.
• To represent the UKHSA nationally and internationally as required.
• Actively participate and maintain a continuing professional development programme and be aware of relevant development in microbiology and other biomedical sciences.
• Develop professional expertise by undertaking further appropriate training as required.

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

Professional Development

• Identify, discuss, and action own professional performance and training / development needs with your line manager through performance review / 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 other staff throughout Public Health Microbiology and UKHSA.

External

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

Person specification

Essential Criteria

• BSc (or equivalent qualification) in biological sciences
• Maintains professional competence in biomedical sciences.
• Experience of working in a microbiological diagnostic laboratory or equivalent.
• Experience with quality assurance and safety principles and procedures.
• Able to work carefully, with precision and be able to balance laboratory duties with accurate record keeping.
• Able to analyse data, create reports and present findings to others.
• Able to work individually and as part of a team.
• Able to convey instructions, ideas, and opinions clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Computer literate, including experience of use of MS OfficeTM (Excel, Word).
• High level of motivation and commitment to high standards.
• Able to prioritise workload, work to deadlines and remain focused.
• Able to analyse and evaluate data based on evidence. Able to troubleshoot both laboratory-based and equipment-based problems effectively.
• Able to deal with problems in a calm and efficient manner.

Desirable criteria:

• CPD registration and certification, HCPC registration.
• Experience of using multiplex analysers e.g. Luminex®.
• Experience in dealing with external laboratories and other contacts to facilitate receipt of clinical samples and highly sensitive clinical information.

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £32,624, UK Health Security Agency contributes £9,451 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

Success Profiles

This vacancy is using Success Profiles and will assess your Behaviours, Strengths and Experience.

Stage 1: Application & Sift - Success profiles

You will be required to complete an application form. You will be assessed on the listed 13 essential criteria, and this will be in the form of a:

• Application form (‘Employer/ Activity history’ section on the application)
• 1000 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 1000 words. We will not consider any words over 1000 words.

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

Only those who meet ALL 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 (or equivalent qualification) in biological sciences
• Experience of working in a microbiological diagnostic laboratory or equivalent
• Experience with quality assurance and safety principles and procedures

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

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 Strengths will be assessed at interview.

The Behaviours tested during the interview stage will be

• Seeing the big picture
• Lead Behaviour - Delivering at pace

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. 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 Terrorism Check (CTC).

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. 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.

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.

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 https://www.gov.uk/government/news/huge-biosecurity-centre-investment-to-boost-pandemic-protection 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

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