Microbiologist for UK Public Health Rapid Support Team Reserve Cadre

Job summary

The UK-PHRST is an innovative government-academic partnership funded by the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) and co-led by UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), with a consortium of academic and implementing partners in the UK and internationally. Launched in 2016, the UK-PHSRT is comprised of a multidisciplinary team of public health professionals and researchers with a novel integrated triple-remit of outbreak response, research and capacity strengthening to prevent and control epidemics of infectious diseases in countries eligible for UK Official Development Assistance (ODA).

The UK-PHRST has the following objectives:

1. Support partners in low- and middle- income countries (LMICs) to prepare for, prevent, detect, and respond rapidly to disease outbreaks, with the aim of stopping a public health threat from becoming a health emergency
2. Identify research questions with partners and deliver rigorous research with partners that improves the evidence base for best practice in disease outbreak prevention, detection, and response in LMICs
3. Support the strengthening of in-country capacity for an improved and rapid national response to prepare for, prevent, detect, and respond to disease outbreaks”

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.

Job description

The purpose and role of the UK-PHRST reserve cadre

The UK-PHRST reserve cadre will provide surge capacity to the core deployable team. While remaining with their primary employer, UK-PHRST Reservists will be available as a source of specialist expertise to support the objectives of the UK-PHRST. Deployments are not generally expected to exceed six weeks in duration or occur more than twice during an 18-month period.

Job overview
The reserve senior scientist provides laboratory expertise for the UK-PHRST microbiology team and is responsible for the delivery of diagnostic, scientific and technical microbiology whilst on deployment in ODA eligible countries. Whilst on deployment the post holder will ensure delivery of diagnostic assays for use in the UK-PHRST mobile laboratory as well as delivering training to local staff or conducting outbreak related research.
The post holder will be expected to confirm availability to deploy within 24 hours of a request and be able to deploy within one week. They will deploy as part of the response function of the UK-PHRST. The post holder will be part of a wider team on deployment and may be asked to act as team leader if needed. The reserve post will also require periodic training in the UK and possibly overseas to ensure deployment readiness.

Joining the UK-PHRST Reserve Cadre is conditional to:

• Receipt of the ‘UK-PHRST Information Pack’ signed by the successful applicant, their line manager / departmental head within their primary employment
• Satisfactory completion of an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check
• National Vetting System Security Clearance (Security Check). Individuals must either have a pre-existing Security Clearance or be able to obtain and maintain one for the duration of their employment with the UK-PHRST.
• Being declared medically ‘fit for deployment’ prior to placement. All medical appointment records will be confidentially retained in line with UKHSA information governance policies.
• Completing the UK-PHRST mandatory training programme.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

• To take a leading role in the delivery of the laboratory’s diagnostic activities. To provide quality feedback on laboratory performance with regular communications via emails and reports.
• To undertake a range of diagnostic assays and techniques as required, meeting the needs of UK-PHRST service provision.
• Assist in the identification, evaluation and adaptation of new technologies and diagnostic tests to enhance the laboratories capabilities during training exercise and to ensure the project area works to a high scientific standard.
• Undertake general laboratory duties including disposal of waste, equipment maintenance, stock control and ensuring a safe working environment.
• Undergo any training requirements as required for the post.
• To ensure all work in undertaken in accordance with the UKHSA’s Code of Safety Practice and to work within the accepted Quality system
• To comply with all UKHSA policy and procedures
• To perform any other duties required by the line manager commensurate with grade.
• Prioritise, co-ordinate and organise specialist investigations and supervise the workload of a team of staff
• Engage and support UK-PHRST Microbiology research and capacity-strengthening initiatives during deployment
• To maintain a positive attitude to the work of the laboratory and other members of the team
• To ensure health, safety and welfare are afforded priority and to demonstrate commitment to health, safety and welfare of self, staff and visitors and comply with relevant UKHSA health and safety policies at all times
• To escalate risks that cannot be controlled to the Senior Microbiologist Lead.
• To notify accidents, near misses, dangerous situations and shortcomings in health and safety via the appropriate mechanisms
• To work to the highest scientific standards at all times

Person specification

Essential criteria

• Relevant degree (i.e., BSc or MSc in Microbiology/Virology/Molecular Biology/Immunology) or equivalent level of experience working at a similar level.
• Experience of molecular biology, (including real time PCR), serology (including ELISA and IFA) and/or bacteriology
• Experience in leading microbiology-based research projects or diagnostic laboratories
• Trained and experienced at working in ACDP Containment Level -3
• Demonstrates experience and understanding of work within a regulated environment (i.e., ISO 9001; GLP, CPA, UKAS).
• 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
• Able to nurture key relationships and maintain networks.
• Ability to analyse and interpret information, pre-empt and evaluate issues, and recommend an appropriate course of action to address the issues
• Independent thinker with demonstrated good judgement, problem-solving, analytical skills and able to respond to sudden unexpected demands
• Ability to engender trust and confidence and demonstrate integrity in the provision of advice and support
• An effective team player able to liaise with and adapt to all levels of staff
• An effective organiser who is adaptable, flexible and has the ability to cope with uncertainty and change
• An understanding of and commitment to equality of opportunity and good working relationships, both in terms of day-to-day working practices, but also in relation to management systems and working with multi-ethnic and multi-cultural teams

Desirable criteria:

• Experience in Whole Genome Sequencing and Next Generation Sequencing on Illumina and ONT platforms
• Ability to communicate (speak/read) at a working level in other languages, such as French, Portuguese, and/or Arabic

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £44,148, UK Health Security Agency contributes £12,789 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

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)
• 1,250 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 over1250 words.

Longlisting:

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

1. Meets all essential criteria
2. Meets some essential criteria
3. Meets no essential criteria

If used, the following will proceed to shortlisting:

1. Meets all essential criteria

Shortlisting:

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

• Relevant degree (i.e., BSc or MSc in Microbiology/Virology/Molecular Biology/Immunology) or equivalent level of experience working at a similar level.
• Experience of molecular biology, (including real time PCR), serology (including ELISA and IFA) and/or bacteriology
• Experience in leading microbiology-based research projects or diagnostic laboratories
• Trained and experienced at working in ACDP Containment Level -3
• Demonstrates experience and understanding of work within a regulated environment (i.e., ISO 9001; GLP, CPA, UKAS).

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

You will be invited to a single remote interview.

Knowledge, experience, skills & abilities will be tested at interview.

Interviews are planned for April 2026. Please note these dates are subject to change.

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 hybrid working based at London.

We offer great flexible working opportunities at UKHSA and operate using a hybrid working model where business needs allow. This provides us with greater flexibility about how and where we work, to get the best from our workforce. As a hybrid worker, you will be expected to spend a minimum of 60% of your contractual working hours (approximately 3 days a week pro rata, (averaged over a month)working at our office.

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 Security Clearance.

Successful candidates will require Basic Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) as a minimum, with a willingness and capability to work towards Security Check (SC) clearance. You should normally have been resident in the United Kingdom for the last 5 years to obtain Security Check (SC) clearance. UK residency less than the outlined periods may not necessarily bar you from gaining national security vetting at this higher level 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).

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: 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/career

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 security 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 : Gurkamal Bhambra
• Email : gurkamal.bhambra@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