Principal Clinical Scientist

Job summary

The National Mycobacterial Reference Service (NMRS) operates two Containment Level 3 laboratories at Colindale and Birmingham, providing UKAS-accredited reference services for tuberculosis (TB) and non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM), alongside specialised NHS diagnostics. This includes molecular testing unavailable in routine NHS laboratories.

Since 2018, all isolates have undergone whole-genome sequencing (WGS) to support species identification, antimicrobial susceptibility prediction and strain typing. NMRS is the sole provider of TB susceptibility testing and typing in England and delivers specialist testing, expert advice and resilience support across the UK. Accurate and timely identification of mycobacteria and drug resistance is essential for patient care and public health management, with clinical oversight required for all samples.

The service also generates income for UKHSA through charged NHS testing, including primary mycobacterial diagnostics and NTM susceptibility testing.

As a World Health Organization (WHO) Supranational Reference Laboratory, NMRS contributes to global TB drug resistance surveillance, monitors resistance trends and provides data that informs international policy through the WHO-IUATLD Global Project on TB Drug Resistance Surveillance.

Job description

NMRS also has key research partnerships including with the Health Protection Research units in respiratory infections, and genomics, and with other research leaders in mycobacterial infections.

The NMRS Lead Clinical Scientist is a role applicable to a recognised expert in a defined specialty within National Mycobacterial Reference Services. The job holder will lead a team/section dealing with the specialist area, as required. This specialist work is part of a broader area of work undertaken by the NMRS laboratories and led by the Clinical lead. The Principal Clinical Scientist reports to the Regional Head of Operations and will liaise with and be delegated by the Clinical Lead as appropriate. This job description outlines generic tasks covering the role; specific tasks associated with a particular specialism will be agreed with the Clinical Lead and the Regional Head of laboratory Operations for NMRS.

After suitable training the post holder will deputise, as appropriate, for senior clinical staff within the National Mycobacterial Reference Service (NMRS) in managerial, scientific and clinical matters.

• To participate in the provision of a comprehensive and cost-effective analytical service for the diagnosis, treatment, surveillance and prevention of mycobacterial infection. This includes working exclusively with Mycobacteria spp., including those in Hazard Group 3, in a containment level 3 environment, and undertaking identification, molecular testing, culture-based methods and antimicrobial susceptibility testing.
• To participate in the production, reporting and dissemination of laboratory reports, data and statistics and to help maintain all quality procedures.
• To provide expert and effective advice to medical practitioners on the appropriateness of laboratory investigations and the interpretation of the results obtained, as well as on the use of antimycobacterial drugs and the interpretation of drug test results. This will include attendance at the relevant scientific and multi-disciplinary team clinical meetings in UKHSA sites and NHS partner organisations as appropriate and feasible.
• To seek external grant and commercial funding and to establish a research programme in conjunction with the Clinical Lead.
• To collaborate with the staff of the National Mycobacterium Reference Service, other mycobacterial reference laboratory centres, epidemiologists at HCAI, AMR, AMU and sepsis division in Colindale and consultant clinical microbiologists in devising and performing surveillance of mycobacterial infections and antimicrobial resistance
• To devise and perform clinical audit as appropriate.
• To participate in the teaching and mycobacterial training of medical, scientific and technical staff from within the NMRS and UKHSA laboratories and outside. To participate in activities such as training courses directed to maintaining or upgrading national mycobacterial standards, and undergraduate and postgraduate teaching at various academic institutions.
• To supervise undergraduate and postgraduate research projects on relevant scientific and clinical problems.
• Maintenance of professional skills and an up-to-date knowledge of medical microbiology with a focus on mycobacteria and to attend and participate in relevant local, national and international scientific meetings.
• To participate as appropriate in the national work of UKHSA and to be eligible for membership of committees and working groups on matters of mycobacterial importance.
• To undertake other managerial duties and responsibilities within the National Mycobacterium Reference Service as appropriate to this grade.

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
• To 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 within the UKHSA National Mycobacterium Reference Service and relevant UKHSA directorates and partner organisations.
• Senior staff of UKHSA and other divisions of the organisations.
• To attend and participate in relevant meetings and updates on an ad hoc basis.

External

• Medical, scientific and biomedical staff within the national and international stakeholders
• 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:

• PhD in an area relevant to medical microbiology or mycobacteriology
• Significant post-doctoral experience in medical microbiology or mycobacteriology
• Experience of working in a clinical laboratory
• HCPC Clinical Scientist registration
• Good working knowledge of mycobacterial diseases
• Good working knowledge of mycobacterial taxonomy
• Ability to perform and interpret a wide range of diagnostic tests in mycobacteriology
• Good track record of publication in the field
• Good people management skills
• Good working knowledge of varied computer software applications
• Ability to work independently or as part of a team
• Understanding and experience of LIMS
• Good writing and presentation skills
• An understanding of and commitment to equality of opportunity and good working relationships

Benefits

We pride ourselves as being an employer of choice, promoting equality of opportunity to actively encourage applications from everyone, including groups currently underrepresented in our workforce. UKHSA's 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.

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

• Application form (‘Employer/ Activity history’ section on the application)
• 1500 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.

Longlisting:

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

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

If longlisting is used, the pile meeting ALL essential criteria will be proceed to shortlisting.

Feedback will not be provided at this stage.

Shortlisting:

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

• HCPC Clinical Scientist registration

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

Feedback will not be provided at this stage.

Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.

Stage 2: Interview

Competency based

You will be invited to a single face to face interview at our Colindale lab. In exceptional circumstances, we may be able to offer a remote interview.

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

At the start of the interview you will be required to do a 10 minute presentation, this will entail:

• What do you see as the key challenges and opportunities facing the National Mycobacterial Reference Service over the next five years, and how would you contribute to addressing them?

Interview dates are yet to be confirmed.

Please Note - 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.

Eligibility Criteria

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

Location

This role is being offered as lab based at Colindale Scientific Campus, but there will be an expectation to attend our Birmingham HQ when needed to do so. 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. If based at one of our labs, 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.

NHS Pension

This role is offered under Agenda for Change (AFC) Terms and Conditions.

• If you are already on AFC T&Cs or accept the role on a fixed-term contract, you will be enrolled in the NHS Pension Scheme or keep your current AFC Pension.
• If you take the role on a loan or temporary promotion, you will retain your
  existing, substantive T&Cs.
• If the role is available under either AFC or Civil Service T&Cs depending on your registration, your pension scheme will align accordingly.

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.

NHS AfC: Band 8b

£66,582 - £77,368

This role offers a High Cost Area Supplement (HCAS) of 15% of basic salary, subject to a minimum payment of £4,870 and a maximum payment of £6,137, per annum, pro rata

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 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.

Medical

Successful candidates will be expected to have a medical.

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 : John Inglis
• Email : john.inglis@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