Research Scientist

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. The Virology and Pathogenesis and Pathogen Characterisation (VPPC) group sits in the DPC Division within Science Group. VPPC’s work focuses on arboviruses, viral haemorrhagic fevers and other emerging zoonotic viruses which cause infections in humans and pose a significant risk to public health.

The group’s activity corresponds with the institute’s status as a WHO Collaborating Centre for virus research and reference (special pathogens) and ranges from the development of diagnostics and surveillance through to the assessment of interventions and vaccines. As such multiple international links and networks are part of its remit.

We currently have an exciting opportunity within the Virology and Pathogenesis Group where we are seeking to appoint a scientist with previous molecular virology experience. The successful candidates will be joining a dynamic team of scientists dedicated to improving public health through the development of innovative virology programmes.

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 work as part of a specialist laboratory team, contributing to the delivery of high-quality molecular virology activities in support of public health objectives. The role requires a strong scientific background and the ability to apply a range of molecular techniques accurately and reliably within a regulated environment.

The successful candidate will hold a degree in an appropriate scientific discipline such as virology or molecular biology and experience in a relevant field. They will have hands on experience of using a variety of molecular methods, for example RT qPCR and LAMP for pathogen detection and will demonstrate knowledge and/or practical experience of developing and validating molecular assays.

A high standard of record keeping and close attention to detail are essential, alongside experience of working within regulated environments and an understanding of quality standards such as UKAS and/or ISO. Previous experience in a similar role within the public sector is desirable.

The role requires the ability to contribute effectively to projects, demonstrating evidence of efficient and effective participation.

The post holder will be expected to work on their own initiative, organising and prioritising their workload with minimal supervision while meeting tight and frequently changing deadlines.

Strong teamworking skills are essential, with the ability to liaise and communicate effectively with colleagues at all levels.

The successful candidate will be an effective organiser who shows a clear commitment to improving performance and making a positive difference by focusing on agreed goals and outcomes.

An understanding of, and commitment to, equality of opportunity and the promotion of good working relationships is an essential requirement of the role.

The main duties will include:

• Develop, implement and utilise a range of molecular techniques in support of pathogen detection and characterisation activities, to ensure that project targets are met.
• Take responsibility for the provision of reagents and consumables required for the project area.
• Produce data for review by Senior Scientists for input into reports.
• Provide reports through analysis of data using software and databases as necessary, for preparation of presentations and publications.
• Present data at internal group meetings and national/international conferences.
• Lead in laboratory supervision, ensuring appropriate equipment is available and calibrated.
• Perform any other duties required by the Line manager commensurate with grade.
• Undertake 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.

This is not an exhaustive list.

Person specification

Essential role criteria

• Degree in an appropriate discipline such as virology or molecular biology (or equivalent qualification)
• Experience of using molecular methods for pathogen detection (eg RT-qPCR, LAMP)
• Experience in nucleic acid extraction methods for downstream molecular assays
• Good record keeping, attention to detail
• Experience of working in a regulated environment and knowledge of UKAS and/or ISO quality standards
• Ability to work on own initiative and organise own workload without supervision working to tight and often changing timescales
• Knowledge of how to develop and validate new and existing molecular assays for pathogen detection and characterisation

Desirable role criteria:

• Experience of developing and validating molecular assays for pathogen detection and characterisation
• Experience of using bioinformatic software to design and troubleshoot molecular assays
• Experience of collaboration across other work groups

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £33,422, UK Health Security Agency contributes £9,682 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, experience and technical skills.

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 750 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 750 words. We will not consider any words over 750 words.

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

• Meets all essential criteria
• Meets some essential criteria
• Meets no essential criteria

Only those meeting all essential criteria will be taken through to shortlisting.

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

• Degree in an appropriate discipline such as virology or molecular biology (or equivalent qualification)
• Experience of using molecular methods for pathogen detection (eg RT-qPCR, LAMP)
• Experience in nucleic acid extraction methods for downstream molecular assays

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 in Porton Down. If face to face interviews are planned, in exceptional circumstances, we may be able to offer a remote interview.

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

The Behaviours tested during the interview stage will be:

• Working Together (Lead behaviour)
• Making Effective Decisions
• Communication and Influencing
• Delivering at Pace

Interviews will be held weeks commencing 15th and/or 22nd June 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 lab based in Porton Down, Salisbury. Please note that hybrid working is not available with this role.

Eligibility criteria

Option 1 - External

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

Security clearance level requirement

Part 1

Successful candidates must pass a basic Disclosure and Barring Security (DBS) check before they can be appointed.

Part 2

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

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. 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

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.

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

https://www.healthjobsuk.com/job/Porton_Down/UK_Health_Security_Agency/Science/Science-v8005724?set-locale=en-gb&_ts=1