Pathogen Characterisation – Senior Project Team Leader

Job summary

The Diagnostics and Pathogen Characterisation (DPC) Division is based at Porton and has approximately 150 staff, focusing on key initial steps in the control of infections, namely pathogen identification, characterisation, and development of diagnostics. Within this division is the Pathogen Characterisation (PC) team which is where this role is situated. The PC team focusses on the increasing use of genomic methods to both detect and characterise the pathogens and host response to infections cause by them, with particular emphasis on ACDP hazard group 3 and 4 agents.

We are seeking a talented and experienced molecular biologist who will take part in and lead pathogen and host genomic related projects within the DPC division, with both expertise in both wet and dry lab aspects of the subject area.

The successful candidate will work closely with the Scientific Leader and Head of Department to ensure group and organisational strategy are satisfied. They will also be required to manage a team of scientists across multiple projects and work closely with other Senior Project Team Leaders to develop the capability in DPC, and obtain further external funding, develop academic links and expand the expertise of the group.

Job description

• Lead and develop capacity building collaborations to ensure project targets are met, working with the Scientific Lead to maintain the engagement of stakeholders.
• Lead on other externally funded projects as assigned, meeting targets in line with sponsor requirements, engaging with collaborators and networks as required.
• Identify, bid and lead on internal and external funding with a genomics focus, or other complementary group activities to maintain capability and develop the group in line with DPC core objectives.
• Provide reports and data as required by the Scientific Lead/Head of Department and external stakeholders as required.
• Build external links with collaborators and similar groups to the benefit of DPC and UKHSA.
• Give internal/external presentations, develop, draft and submit manuscripts on work for peer-reviewed publications.
• Lead the project team/area to identify, evaluate and adapt new approaches where appropriate and to ensure that the project operates to a high scientific standard using current methods.
• Provide line and project management as required and indicated by Head of Department and Scientific Lead.
• Perform any other duties required by the Line manager commensurate with grade.
• Ensure that the project team undertakes work in accordance with applicable UKHSA Safety and Quality systems.
• Maintain health and safety competence.
• Fulfil the requirements of UKHSA Values and the Civil Service Code.
• Comply with all UKHSA policies and procedures

It should be noted that the work of the department is of a confidential nature and must not be communicated to other persons except where required for authorised purposes.

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 department and UKHSA.

Person specification

Essential Criteria

• PhD or equivalent higher qualification and significant experience in an appropriate microbiology or virology field
• Substantial experience of working and leading on the development of sequencing-based assays, across a variety of platforms
• Experience of working in pathogen and/or human genomics
• Experience of external collaboration, with demonstratable expertise in scientific research with grant writing and publication record
• Experience of developing junior staff members, including line management experience
• Clear communicator with excellent writing skills, report writing, and presentation skills
• Evidence of success in efficient and effective project participation and management
• Conduct behaviours in a manner aligned to the Civil Service Code of Conduct

Desirable Criteria

• Trained and experienced at working in containment level 3
• Experience of making decisions on difficult and contentious issues where there may be a number of courses of action
• Skills for troubleshooting data analysis pipelines

Behaviours

We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:

• Leadership
• Making Effective Decisions
• Communicating and Influencing
• Working Together

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%

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: UKHSA Hub , Civil Service Careers

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 (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours.

Application & Sift

At sift stage you will be assessed against the Essential Criteria listed in this job advert.

You will be required to complete an:

• Application form (‘Employer/ Activity history’ section on the application)
• Up to 1,000 word supporting statement

Healthjobs UK has a word limit of 1,500 but your supporting statement must be no more than 1,000 words. We will not consider any words over 1,000 words.

This should outline how your skills, experience and knowledge provide evidence of your suitability for the role, with reference to the essential criteria listed in this job advertisement.

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 CV – 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.

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

Only those that 'Meet all essential criteria' will progress to Shortlisting.

Shortlisting

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

• Substantial experience of working and leading on the development of sequencing-based assays, across a variety of platforms

Desirable criteria may be used in the event of a large number of applications/successful candidates.

If you are successful at this stage, you will progress to interview.

Feedback will not be provided at this stage.

Interview

You will be invited to a face-to-face interview.

Interview location and dates to be confirmed.

In exceptional circumstances, we may be able to offer a remote interview.

During the interview we will evaluate you against the below Behaviours:

• Leadership - lead behaviour
• Making Effective Decisions
• Communicating and Influencing
• Working at Pace

You will also be asked to prepare and present a 10-minute presentation, including slides, on:

• A scientific project you have led - your presentation should highlight your leadership approach, key decisions, and the outcomes achieved.

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

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

Salary

Grade 7 National: £56,185 - £66,581

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.

Location

This role is being offered as lab based at our site in Porton, Salisbury, Wiltshire SP4 0JG.

Please note, hybrid working is not available for this role.

Security Clearance Level Requirement

Successful candidates must pass a disclosure and barring security check.

Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is Counter-Terrorist Check. 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 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.

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.

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 : Sarah Handy
• Email : sarah.handy@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/job/v7686335