Junior Veterinary Pathologist

Job summary

The Countermeasures Development, Evaluation, and Preparedness Division (CDEP), along with other divisions within the Specialised Microbiology and Laboratories Directorate, provide the laboratory-based capability for UKHSA’s CDEP.

This role provides specialist, scientific leadership to activities within CDEP’s Immune Evaluation group, and across CDEP and other divisions as required.

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

The post holder will provide veterinary expertise in a variety of research projects involving histopathological and clinical data. This is delivered through a team responsible for provision comparative pathology input in numerous projects carried out at UKHSA Porton Down, with the overall goal of pandemic preparedness response capability.

The post holder will therefore be required to work concurrently on projects and thus, delivering at pace, excellent communicating and influencing skills both written (reports, presentations) and verbal (teleconferences, face-to-face) and building and maintaining relationships with stakeholders is essential.

The postholder will hold a veterinary degree with MRCVS, (or registrable veterinary degree with RCVS) as well as a PhD (or equivalent and/or experience) in veterinary, medical or biological sciences. The postholder would ideally have a veterinary or comparative pathology qualification (such as RCPath, ECVP or ACVP). They should have specialist knowledge with veterinary pathology technique development and evaluation, and experience of leading projects /project teams and dealing with clients/customers. They should have a good understanding and experience of safe working practices.

The main duties will include:

• Develop and implement recommendations for pathological analysis. To be aware of scientific trends and assist UKHSA Porton in anticipating future technique/skill requirements in the field of comparative anatomical, clinical and histopathology.
• Provide scientific advice and leadership to projects requiring pathology and histopathology input.
• Prepare, supply and assist in the submission of project proposals, reports and publications.
• Take lead responsibility on the provision of new technologies, and key reagents required for the projects and documented provenance of materials generated
• To liaise with the Named Veterinary Surgeon (NVS) and the Biological Services Group (BSG) regularly to strengthen departmental links and to advise and help implement comparative anatomical, clinical and histopathological guidance and methodologies into all stages of current and future study designs (ante-mortem, necropsy and post-mortem).
• Establishing links and collaborations within and outside UKHSA as necessary to benefit the project and/or department.
• Assist senior colleagues, leading where necessary in developing scientific and technical strategy for the Pathology Department, identifying new opportunities as they arise and responding to funding calls or customer enquiries.
• Provide reports as required and lead on preparation of presentations, publications and liaison via teleconferences with stakeholders.
• Where appropriate, represent UKHSA Porton Down through the presentation of data at external conferences and meetings
• To perform any other duties required by the Line manager commensurate with grade
• To ensure that the project team undertakes work in accordance with the UKHSA’s Code of Safety Practice and to work within any Quality Systems that are applicable to the site, as well as to regulatory GxP requirements when required for regulatory compliant studies.
• To maintain health and safety competence to the national occupational standard ‘Make sure your actions reduce risks to health and safety’ (NOS HSS1).
• To fulfil the requirements of UKHSA’s Values and Behaviours commensurate with grade.
• To achieve and maintain own and team’s health and safety competence set out in national occupational standard ‘Identify, assess and control health and safety risks’.
• To comply with all UKHSA policies and procedures

This is not an exhaustive list.

Person specification

• Veterinary degree and MRCVS or equivalent (or registrable veterinary degree with RCVS)
• PhD in a veterinary, medical or biological sciences
• Specialist knowledge with veterinary pathology techniques development and evaluation
• Must be able to communicate highly complex, sensitive or contentious information, negotiate with senior stakeholders on difficult and controversial issues, and present complex and sensitive information to large and influential groups
• Demonstrated capability to plan over short, medium and long-term timeframes and adjust plans and resource requirements accordingly
• Ability to analyse very complex issues where material is conflicting and drawn from multiple sources.
• Experience of complex data analysis, presentations, reports and publications.
• Demonstrable experience of having worked within a regulated environment (e.g. GLP, ISO9001)
• Strong communicator capable of constructing and delivering clear ideas and concepts concisely and accurately for diverse audiences.
• Skills in networking with the ability to nurture and maintain key relationships both within the organisation and with external customers.
• Adaptability, flexibility and ability to cope with uncertainty and change
• Problem solving skills and ability to respond to sudden unexpected demands
• Ability to make informed decisions autonomously, when required, on difficult issues, working to tight and often changing timescales
• Ability to exercise good judgement in solving problems and making effective decisions, using knowledge, intuition and comprehensive situational awareness.
• Willing to engage with and learn from peers, other professionals and colleagues in the desire to provide or support the most appropriate interventions
• Ability to cope, and help others cope, with uncertainty, change and often tight timelines. Be adaptable and work flexibly to meet deadlines.
• An understanding of and commitment to equality of opportunity and good working relationships.

Desirable role criteria:

• Recognised in own field of research through publication record in peer review journals and/or as expert referee/panel member
• Knowledge and experience of practices and principles of working at ADCP containment level 3
• Experience working in the field of laboratory animal science
• Specialist experience in digital imaging, multiplex staining techniques and molecular pathology
• Demonstrable experience/knowledge of holding a named role(s) under Home Office regulations
• Willing to engage with and learn from peers, other professionals and colleagues in the desire to provide or support the most appropriate interventions
• Recognised in own field of research through publication record in peer review journals and/or as expert referee/panel member
• Must be able to prioritise own work effectively and be able to direct activities of others. Experience of managing and motivating a team and reviewing performance of the individuals.

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £56,185, UK Health Security Agency contributes £16,276 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 is using Success Profiles and will assess your behaviours, strengths, technical skills/ability, and experience.

Stage 1: Application & Sift

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

• an application form (‘Employer/ Activity history’ section on the application)
• a 1250 word supporting statement

This should outline how 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 will longlist into 3 piles of:

• Meets all essential criteria (Only those meeting all essential criteria will be taken through to shortlisting.)
• Meets some essential criteria
• Meets no essential criteria

Shortlisting: In the event of a large number of applications we will shortlist on:

• Veterinary degree and MRCVS (or registrable veterinary degree with RCVS)
• PhD in a veterinary, medical or biological sciences

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 and assessment.

Feedback will not be provided at this stage.

Stage 2: Interview

You will be invited to a face to face interview at our Scientific Campus in Porton Down. If face to face interviews are planned, in exceptional circumstances, we may be able to offer a remote interview.

Behaviours, strengths, technical skills/ability, and experience will be tested at interview.

You will be required to prepare a 5 - 10 minute presentation as part of the interview. The subject of the presentation will be: 'My view of the present and future roles of comparative pathology within global health.'

The Behaviours tested during the interview stage will be:

• Making Effective Decisions (Lead behaviour)
• Changing and Improving
• Managing a Quality Service
• Working 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.

Location

This role is being offered as on-site at our Scientific Campus in Porton Down. Please note that hybrid working is not available for this role.

Eligibility Criteria

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

Security Clearance Level Requirement

Applicants should meet the nationality and residency requirements so that National Security Vetting (NSV) checks can be conducted. The level of NSV required for this role is Counter-Terrorism Check (CTC).

In order to be eligible to apply for CTC, it is recommended that you have resided continuously in the UK for a minimum of 3 years prior to your application. However, in exceptional circumstances, an application might be considered if it does not meet these requirements, so applicants who do not meet nationality and residency requirements are still welcome to apply.

Nationality Requirements

Attached to this advert you will see a CIVIL SERVICE NATIONALITY RULES document. This is attached to all of our adverts, but please note this role is not restricted by the Civil Service Nationality Rules. Applications are welcome from individuals of any nationality, provided they have the legal right to work in the United Kingdom. Please note that you will be required to provide evidence of your right to work during the recruitment process.

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

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.

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 : Jon Payne
• Email : jonathan.payne@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 UKHSA Public Accountability Unit via email: 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: https://civilservicecommission.independent.gov.uk

http://www.healthjobsuk.com/vacancy/7761505