Research Scientist

Job summary

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.

The Research and Evaluation department based at UKHSA Porton performs a range of research activities, including high containment level work. The department’s work covers a broad range of projects involving the development and evaluation of interventions into a range of infectious diseases.

The Rare and Imported Pathogens Laboratory (RIPL) at UKHSA Porton provide a front-line diagnostic service for the detection of Viral Haemorrhagic Fever viruses (Ebola, Lassa, CCHF, Marburg), Arboviruses, Rickettsiae, and a range of The Advisory Committee on Dangerous Pathogens(ACDP) Hazard Group 3 bacteria including Bacillus anthracis and Francisella tularensis. RIPL is also the provider of the Leptospira acute diagnostic service and the Lyme disease specialist unit diagnostic service.

The Diagnostic Development and Implementation Team work closely with both RIPL and research and evaluation departments and is responsible for reviewing, evaluating, and developing high quality diagnostic assays, and overseeing their successful implementation into RIPL and across UKHSA/NHS, to support robust public health diagnostics. Successful applicants will join the Diagnostic Development and Implementation Team as Research Scientists, contributing their serological and molecular expertise to drive high quality scientific and technical project delivery.

Job description

The post holder will contribute to the delivery of diagnostic development, evaluation and implementation projects in line with departmental scientific strategy. The role requires flexibility to changing project demands, effective communication and the application of technical expertise to deliver high quality outputs. The post holder will develop, evaluate, implement and utilise a range of molecular, serological and antigen based diagnostic methods in support of work involving ACDP Hazard Group 2, 3 and 4 pathogens. Activities will be delivered to agreed specifications, timelines and quality standards.

The role includes responsibility for the appropriate provision, use and documented storage of equipment, reagents, consumables and materials generated. Working with an appropriate degree of independence under the direction of a Project Team Leader, the post holder will support the identification, evaluation and adaptation of diagnostic technologies, ensuring work is conducted to a high scientific standard. They will contribute to the supervision and training of junior staff and support collaborative team working. The post holder will collate, analyse and report data using appropriate software and databases to support project delivery.

They will contribute to surge capacity activities during outbreak responses as required and ensure all work is undertaken in accordance with UKHSA safety practices, quality systems and policies, maintaining personal health and safety competence.

The Research Scientist will play a significant role in the delivery of diagnostic development and evaluation activities within the Diagnostic Development and Implementation Team. The post holder will support the review, development, evaluation, validation and implementation of diagnostic assays intended for use
within RIPL and across UKHSA and NHS diagnostic networks.

The role includes hands on laboratory work using a broad range of molecular, serological and antigen based platforms, including but not limited to real time PCR, ELISA, immunofluorescence assays and lateral flow devices.The post holder will be expected to work with clinical and non clinical samples, including materials containing ACDP HG2/3/4 pathogens, in accordance with containment, safety and regulatory requirements.

The post holder will contribute scientific and technical expertise to complex projects, working with an appropriate level of independence under project leadership. This includes supporting the evaluation and adaptation of emerging diagnostic technologies, troubleshooting assays, contributing to method validation and ensuring that data generated is robust, reproducible and appropriately documented.

Responsibilities include managing day to day laboratory requirements for assigned projects, including maintaining stocks of reagents and consumables, ensuring appropriate equipment usage and maintaining accurate records of materials and sample storage. The post holder will actively contribute to data collation, statistical analysis where appropriate, and preparation of technical reports to support project milestones and decision making.

The role also includes contributing to the training, supervision and mentoring of junior laboratory staff, supporting a collaborative and inclusive working environment. The post holder will work within UKHSA quality systems and safety frameworks, maintaining competence in health and safety practices and ensuring compliance with all relevant policies, procedures and codes of conduct.

This list is not exhaustive.

Person specification

Essential criteria:

• Degree (or equivalent qualification) in relevant subject e.g., Biomedical Science Microbiology/Virology/Molecular Biology/Immunology or equivalent relevant experience in these fields.
• Substantive experience of microbiological diagnostic test development, evaluation, and validation for the diagnosis of bacteria and viruses. e.g., real time PCR, ELISA, IFA, LFD
• Experience in working at ACDP CL2 and/or CL3 with a range of microbial pathogens including culture, nucleic acid extraction, antigen preparation
• Experience of working with clinical samples and diagnostic testing
• Substantive experience in training junior staff and working within and across teams
• Demonstrates experience of having work experience within a regulated environment (e.g., ISO 9001; GLP, UKAS)
• Willing to undergo vaccinations where required and partake in surge response team for RIPL
• 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

Desirable criteria:

• Track record of publications and submitting proposals to promote and develop research areas
• Experience of LIMS systems for patient sample management including data analysis and queries on samples, sample types and tests
• Participate in RIPL on-call team
• Work in collaborating centers abroad/with visiting scientists as required

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 Strengths.

Success profiles Success Profiles - GOV.UK

You will be required to complete an application form. You will be assessed on the listed 8 essential criteria, and this will be in the form of a:

• Application form (‘Employer/ Activity history’ section on the application)
• 1000 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 1000 words. We will not consider any words over 1000 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

If used, the pile(s) ‘Meets all essential criteria’ and ‘Meets some essential criteria’ will proceed to shortlisting.

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

• Degree (or equivalent qualification) in relevant subject e.g., Biomedical Science Microbiology/Virology/Molecular Biology/Immunology or equivalent relevant experience in these fields
• Experience in working at ACDP CL2 and/or CL3 with a range of microbial pathogens including culture, nucleic acid extraction, antigen preparation
• Substantive experience of microbiological diagnostic test development, evaluation, and validation for the diagnosis of bacteria and viruses. e.g., real time PCR, ELISA, IFA, LFD

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

Success profilesSuccess Profiles - GOV.UK

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

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

Behaviours and Strengths, will be tested at interview.

The Behaviours tested during the interview stage will be

• Working Together (Lead)
• Changing and Improving
• Communication and Influencing

(Please note- lead behaviour will only be used if there is a tied score between candidates at interview).

Interviews dates to be confirmed.

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 based at Porton. 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 Terrorism Check. When based at our scientific campus, you will be required to have a minimum of 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. 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.

Eligibility Criteria

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

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.

Civil Service: Higher Executive Officer (HEO) £33,422 - £40,731 (National)

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 : Nigel Poole
• Email : Nigel.Poole@ukhsa.gov.ik

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