Healthcare Scientist Team Manager (Virology and Molecular)

Job summary

UK NEQAS for Microbiology provides clinical EQA services to participants worldwide. Microbiology covered includes mycology, bacteriology (with antimicrobial susceptibility testing), virology, parasitology and schemes based on a range of technologies including proteomic, molecular detection methods and conventional methods. Schemes are under constant review and development. The schemes provide an international benchmark for quality. There are over 3000 participants in more than 80 countries. See our website for further information: www.ukneqasmicro.org.uk

The Healthcare Scientist Team Manager for Virology and Molecular will lead the Virology and Molecular laboratory team and work in collaboration with other senior staff to deliver Virology and Molecular EQA schemes.

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

Technical/Scientific Duties

• Lead the organisation, preparation and quality control of simulated specimens for UK NEQAS schemes, ensuring effective resource management.
• Maintain high laboratory standards, ensuring compliance with UKAS accreditation and best practice.
• Oversee data analysis of participant results and preparation of scheme reports.
• Source clinical material and develop new specimen types for EQA schemes.
• Apply expertise in clinical virology and molecular diagnostics to specimen design, quality control and stability testing.
• Maintain professional competence and keep up to date with developments in clinical microbiology.
• Undertake deputy responsibilities as required.

Professional Development

• Identify and undertake training and development needs through appraisal and personal development plans.
• Complete all mandatory training requirements.
• Support recruitment, induction, training, performance reviews and ongoing development of staff.
• Promote effective working relationships and facilitate appropriate training opportunities.

Communication and Working Relationships

The post holder will communicate with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders, including:

Internal

• UK NEQAS for Microbiology staff and colleagues across UKHSA.

External

• Collaborating institutions, stakeholders, scheme participants, Steering Committees, the UK NEQAS Central Office and other relevant organisations.
• Provide scientific advice and interpretation relating to quality assurance schemes.

Service Improvement

• Work collaboratively to improve processes and working practices.

Health, Safety and Security

In conjunction with the Laboratory Safety Coordinator and Laboratory Manager:

• Comply with UKHSA health and safety policies and objectives.
• Attend required safety training and implement local safety procedures.
• Promote the health, safety and welfare of staff and visitors.
• Ensure risk assessments are completed and control measures implemented.
• Support corrective actions arising from inspections, audits and incident reporting.

Quality

Working with the Quality Team:

• Maintain high standards of service delivery that are safe, effective and economical.
• Contribute to quality assurance, accreditation, audit activities and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Support implementation of corrective actions and quality improvements.

Information and Knowledge

• Support the development of IT systems and databases.
• Analyse and present statistical information to support quality and project activities.

Development and Innovation

• Assist in the development of new specimen types and EQA schemes.

Procurement and Project Support

• Assist with business cases, risk management and stock procurement (up to £5,000).

Services and Project Management

• Support the selection, implementation and validation of laboratory equipment.

People Management

• Ensure technical and support staff receive appropriate training on new procedures, systems and developments.

MAIN DUTIES

• Provide leadership (in rotation with other Team Managers) in the UK NEQAS for Microbiology laboratories and be responsible for the overall service in that area.
• Responsible for ensuring specimens for EQA are prepared and quality controlled according to schedule.
• Responsible for procedures involved in report production and responding to customer queries/feedback in a timely manner.
• Responsible for the development and training of laboratory staff in specific areas.

Please note this list is not exhaustive.

Person specification

Essential role criteria:

• MSc or an equivalent/higher qualification in Medical Microbiology/Virology
• Significant experience in virology and serology (clinical/diagnostic or research laboratory) and knowledge and substantial experience of molecular techniques
• Experience in data analysis, competence in word processing, spread sheet software, database skills, use of presentation software
• Experience of Quality Management systems and experience and understanding of laboratory safety and procedures
• Able to analyse, interpret and evaluate information when problem solving and making decisions and able to communicate complex information both written and oral, clearly and concisely with good attention to detail
• Excellent people skills covering management, training development of people, planning and allocating and delegating activities, recruitment and selection and reviewing performance, including an understanding of and commitment to equality of opportunity and good working relationships.
• Committed to development and keeping abreast of recent developments in virology and microbiology and able to liaise with colleagues at all levels within UKHSA and work across organisational boundaries

Desirable role criteria:

• Prepared to work flexibly when business needs demand

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £46,310, UK Health Security Agency contributes £13,416 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides (opens in a new window).

• 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 Experience, Behaviours, Strengths, and Technical skills.

Stage 1: Application & Sift
Success Profiles - GOV.UK

You will be required to complete an application form. You will be assessed on the listed 7 essential criteria, and this will be in the form of a:

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

Healthjobs UK has a word limit of 1500, but your supporting statement must be no more than 1000 words. Please do not exceed 1000 words.

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

1. Meets all essential criteria

1. Meets some essential criteria

1. Meets no essential criteria

If used, the pile ‘Meets all essential criteria’ will proceed to shortlisting.

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

• MSc or an equivalent/higher qualification in Medical Microbiology/Virology
• Significant experience in virology and serology (clinical/diagnostic or research laboratory) and knowledge and substantial experience of molecular techniques
• Excellent people skills covering management, training development of people, planning and allocating and delegating activities, recruitment and selection and reviewing performance, including an understanding of and commitment to equality of opportunity and good working relationships

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 - GOV.UK

You will be invited to a face to face interview at our site in Colindale. In exceptional circumstances, we may be able to offer a remote interview. Behaviours, Strengths, and Technical skills will be tested at interview. The Behaviours tested during the interview stage will be:

• Changing and Improving
• Leadership
• Working together
• Managing a Quality Service (lead behaviour)

Strengths will be assessed via strength based questions.

Technical skills will be assessed through a presentation. You will be asked to present for up to 10 mins on the topic of “The importance of EQA in a virology diagnostic laboratory.”

Interview 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

Location

This role is being offered as lab based at our scientific campus in Colindale. 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

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

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.

Incident Response Activity

From time to time, the role holder may be required to support UKHSA’s incident response activity by contributing their appropriate expertise within an Incident Cell; during such periods, supported by the line manager, this work will take priority over normal day-to-day responsibilities, commensurate with their grade, skills and experience.

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 basic (or equivalent) 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