Healthcare Scientist

Job summary

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.

The Respiratory and Vaccine Preventable Bacteria Reference Unit (RVPBRU)

RVPBRU is an ISO 15189 accredited laboratory, and part of the Bacteriology Reference Department (BRD), UKHSA in Colindale, London. The RVPBRU comprises two sections: the Vaccine Preventable Bacteria Section (VPBS) provides national reference services for Streptococcus pneumoniae, Bordetella pertussis, toxigenic corynebacteria and Haemophilus influenzae; the Zoonotic and Acute Respiratory Section (ZARS) provides national reference services for Legionella, Mycoplasma, Ureaplasma, and respiratory Chlamydia species. We use established and novel phenotypic and genotypic methods for pathogendetection, confirmation and typing, and analysing host responses, in support of UKHSA’s activities, including disease surveillance and outbreak analyses

Job description

The post holder will work within the laboratory team in VPBS to assist with a 7-month research project designed to improve a diagnostic test that detects Streptococcus pneumoniae capsular antigen in urine using specific antibodies. By detecting different variants of polysaccharide using monoclonal antibodies, this S. pneumoniae serotyping urine antigen detection (ssUAD) test is designed to detect and (in some cases) determine the serotype of the bacteria infecting the patient. The current assay uses the Bioplex immunoassay platform to detect 24 different serotypes. This project will test whether additional monoclonal antibodies that have recently become available can be used to broaden the range of serotypes that can be detected or improve the specificity of the assay for some of the existing serotypes.

The successful candidate will have prior experience working with immunoassays or other molecular tests and work under the supervision of a senior scientist to test the performance of new monoclonal antibodies in the assay. This will include ordering and preparing bespoke reagents, helping to design experiments, running the assay, analysing results and discussing the interpretation of results. All necessary training will be given.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

This is a laboratory-based job working to improve a test that uses the Bioplex platform to detect soluble antigen using monoclonal antibodies bound to fluorescent beads. Your role will be to incorporate new monoclonal antibodies into the test and assess their sensitivity and specificity to detect the antigens they are designed to bind to. You will be supervised by a senior scientist, but once familiar with the methodology, you will be expected to prepare reagents, design experiments to test them, analyse the results and plan follow up experiments (with guidance). You will also have to contribute to the general running of the laboratory.

General duties

• To undertake training, including mandatory training as requisite for your role.
• To adhere to laboratory SOPs, risk assessments and other Quality Management and Health and Safety requirements.
• To assist with the preparation of SOPs, risk assessments and other documentation where required.
• To perform laboratory immunoassay tests required for the project, read and interpret their results.
• To plan experiments under the supervision of senior staff.
• 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 assist in the maintenance of equipment.
• 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 where appropriate.
• To ensure the correct disposal of laboratory waste.

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
• 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 - Reference Microbiology Division.
• 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.

This list is not exhaustive.

Person specification

Essential criteria:

• BSc in Biomedical Sciences or Microbiology or equivalent qualification
• Experience of working in a microbiology laboratory at containment level 2
• Experience of routine bacteriology techniques and immunoassays
• Significant postgraduate experience in a relevant field
• Able to work on own initiative, organising and prioritising own workload to set deadlines
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team
• Good computer skills and sound knowledge of common IT programmes (e.g. Microsoft Office)
• Able to analyse experiment results and provide judgement on next steps
• Able to communicate complex information with peers and senior staff
• An understanding of and commitment to equality of opportunity and good working relationships.

Desirable criteria:

• A good level of theoretical and practical microbiological, serological and molecular testing knowledge
• Evidence of continuing professional development (CPD)
• Experience of working in a healthcare environment
• Evidence of ability to train others
• Knowledge of health and safety and safe working practices

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.

• 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 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 10 essential criteria, and this will be in the form of a:

• Application form (‘Employer/ Activity history’ section on the application)
• 1250 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 1250 words. We will not consider any words over 1250 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 Biomedical Sciences or Microbiology or equivalent qualification
• Experience of working in a microbiology laboratory at containment level 2
• Experience of routine bacteriology techniques and immunoassays

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

Competency Based

You will be invited to a single 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 based at Colindale, London. Please note hybrid working is not available for this role.

Security Clearance Level Requirement

Successful candidates must pass 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.

This role is being offered as office/lab based at our Scientific Campus in Colindale, London. 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.

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: Reasonable Adjustments , Civil Service Careers

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 : UKHSA Hub , Civil Service Careers

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.

Higher Executive Officer (HEO)

• £37,749- £45,353 (Inner London)

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 : Nigel Poole
• Email : Nigel.Poole@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