Scientist

Job summary

UKHSA-Porton plays an important role in preparing for and coordinating responses to potential healthcare emergencies, including possible acts of deliberate release and undertakes both basic and applied research into understanding infectious diseases.

The Vaccine Development & Evaluation Centre at Porton has approximately 250 staff, performing 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 e.g., tuberculosis (TB), meningitis, anthrax and SARS-CoV2.

The Advanced Cellular Immunology Group (ACI) use pre-clinical non-human primate (NHP) models to assess the safety, efficacy, and immunogenicity of arrange of novel vaccines and therapeutics to protect against threats and treat viral and bacterial respiratory pathogens such as SARS-CoV2, Influenza and Tuberculosis, a disease which was responsible for ~1.2 million deaths in 2024.

You will be involved in the processing of blood samples and application of immunoassays to measure the mycobacteria-specific cellular immune response at ACDP Containment Levels 2 & 3 using a range of techniques including the ELISPOT assay and flow cytometry.

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

Implement and utilise a range of methods, assays, and techniques (including PBMC isolation, ELISPOT) at ACDP containment levels 2 & 3 in support of all
activities associated with the group’s projects and to ensure project targets are met.

• Training will be provided on assays and techniques required for the post.
• Take responsibility for the provision of reagents and consumables required for project area.
• Assist the project team to identify, evaluate and adapt new technologies where appropriate and to ensure that the project operates to a high scientific standard using current methods.
• Provide reports through analysis of data using software and databases as necessary, to meet project targets and for preparation of presentations and publications.
• To perform any other duties required by the line manager commensurate with grade.
• To ensure that the project team undertakes work in accordance with UKHSA’s Code of Safety Practice and to work within any Quality Systems that are applicable to the site.
• To comply with all UKHSA policies and procedures.

Other

• 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 the directorate.
• The job description and person specification may be reviewed on an ongoing basis in accordance with the changing needs of the organization

Working as a Scientist within ACI, you will support the processing of blood samples from safety, efficacy and immunogenicity studies evaluating novel tuberculosis vaccines and drug treatments in the non-human primate model.

With the support of your manager and colleagues, you will be required to carry out immunoassays to analyse mycobacteria-specific cellular immune responses at ACDP Containment Levels 2 & 3. This role offers the opportunity to learn an array of immunological techniques such as: PBMC isolation and cell culture, bacteriology, multi-parameter flow cytometry, and multiplex ELISA and ELISPOT methods.

These methods will be used to investigate potential correlates of protection and biomarkers of disease to aid in the acceleration of the development of new vaccines and treatments. You will be responsible for the provision of reagents and consumables required to carry out study work within the project area and assist in the supervision of laboratory areas associated with the team’s activities.

Our ideal candidate has a keen interest in immunological research and is motivated to deliver results. They are comfortable working under pressure as well as to strict timelines and will ensure projects operate to the highest scientific standards.

Person specification

Essential role criteria

• Education to BSc level in an biological science subject ( e.g. Biology, Immunology, Microbiology etc... ) or equivalent experience working in a laboratory.
• Experience in relevant methods such as preclinical models, cellular immunoassays, flow cytometry and high containment working practices acquired through previous employment, placements, or taught course

Desirable role criteria:

• Experience of having worked within a regulated environment. (e.g. ISO9001).
• Experience of working with in vivo models of M. tuberculosis.
• Background knowledge of M.tb infection, immunology, vaccines and therapeutics
• Experience of complex data analysis, presentations, reports & publication.
• Good communication skills. Able to work flexibly to meet deadlines. Ability to work in teams and independently. Self-motivating, organised, and meticulous.
• Willing to undertake further training.
• Experience in scientific writing e.g. creating reports, and publications. Experience of creating and giving presentations.
• An understanding of and commitment to equality of opportunity and good working relationships.

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £28,547, UK Health Security Agency contributes £8,270 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/Technical skills.

Stage 1: Application & SiftSuccess Profiles - GOV.UK

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 a:

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

• 1,500 word Supporting Statement

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

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 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 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 :

• Education to BSc level in an biological science subject ( e.g. Biology, Immunology, Microbiology etc... ) or equivalent experience working in a laboratory.
• Experience in relevant methods acquired through previous employment, placements, or taught course.

Desirable criteria will 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.

Stage 2: InterviewSuccess Profiles - GOV.UK

You will be invited to a (single) remote interview.

Behaviours, Experience, Technical skills will be tested at interview.

The Behaviours tested during the interview stage will be :

• Delivering at Pace
• Working Together

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.

Qualifications and Registrations

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 office/lab based at our Scientific Campus in Porton (Salisbury).

If based at one of our scientific campuses, 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.

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

Security Clearance Level Requirement

Successful candidates must pass a Basic Disclosure and Barring Security (DBS) check.

Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is:

• Basic Personnel Security Standard
• Counter-terrorist Check

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

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 : Andrew White
• Email : recruitment@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/vacancy/7899551