Scientist

Job summary

The Pre-clinical Evaluation Team is a translational research group within the wider Vaccine Development and Evaluation Centre division at UKHSA Porton Down, investigating high consequence human pathogens. Research undertaken includes development of in vivo models, assays to advance the testing of vaccines, and investigation of organ-on-chip technology as an adjunct to our existing capabilities. This role will lead on the implementation of organ on chip models for the study of virus infections and the efficacy of candidate therapeutics.

The successful candidate will provide technical virological, cell culture and assay expertise in a team within the Pre-clinical Evaluation Unit on a range of projects. This post suits a candidate with experience in the relevant laboratory techniques, and a proven capability in critical thinking and problem solving. You will be expected to take a flexible and adaptable approach to the demands of the projects, have excellent written and verbal communication skills, and be able to collaborate with lab users from other teams.

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 successful candidate will:

• Contribute to the development of a range of laboratory methods/assays in support of all activities associated with the projects to ensure project targets are met
• Take responsibility for the provision of laboratory reagents and consumables required for the project and document storage of materials
• Take responsibility for laboratory housekeeping and supervision of laboratory maintenance.
• Ensure that the project operates to a high scientific standard using current methods
• Ensure accurate documentation and tracking of samples, data, and laboratory records
• Provide reports, presentations, and publications through analysis of data, using software and databases as necessary, to meet project target
• Take responsibility for the supervision and training of junior staff allocated to the project as required.
• Perform other duties required by the Line manager commensurate with grade
• Ensure that the project team undertakes work in accordance with UKHSA’s Code of Safety Practice and working within any Quality Systems that are applicable to the site
• Maintain health and safety competence to the national occupational standard ‘Make sure your actions reduce risks to health and safety’ (NOS HSS1)
• Identifying, discussing, and actioning own professional performance and training / development needs with line manager
• Undertake risk assessor role, with associated training and ongoing competency

This list is not exhaustive.

Person specification

Essential Criteria

• PhD, or BSc/MSc (or equivalent) in biological science or a virology subject or equivalent experience working in biological science or virology
• Good knowledge and practical familiarity with techniques for the project including standard microbiology, molecular biology, virology techniques, immunoassays, cell-based assays, cell culture and working at containment level 2/containment level 3.
• Good understanding and experience of safe working practices.
• Specialist training/experience in some of specific methods required for the post and their applications e.g., virus isolation & propagation, plaque assay, focus forming assay, RT-qPCR, primary ex vivo and differentiated cell culture, Organ-on-a-Chip systems, virus neutralisation assays, ELISA, immune cell isolation, flow cytometry, ELISpot.
• Clear communicator with excellent writing and presentation skills; capable of constructing and delivering clear ideas and concepts concisely and accurately for diverse audiences.
• Ability to analyse and interpret information and react dynamically to unanticipated or unplanned events
• Independent thinker with demonstrated good judgement, problem solving, critical thinking and analytical skills
• Excellent team working skills with the ability understand the importance of team work to achieve overall team goals

Desirable Criteria:

• Practical experience of developing and troubleshooting analytical methods such as cell-based bioassays or immunological methods
• Experience of working with in vitro/ ex vivo models for a variety of viral pathogens including assays to support model characterisation.
• Demonstrable experience of having worked within a regulated environment (e.g., GCP, ISO9001) and undergoing audits
• Experience of lab supervision and/or risk assessment.
• Experience of complex data analysis, presentations, reports, and publications.

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 (opens in a new window).

• 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 and Experience.

Stage 1: Application & Sift

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:

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

If used, the piles ‘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:

• PhD, or BSc/MSc (or equivalent) in biological science or a virology subject or equivalent experience working in biological science or virology

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

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

Stage 2: Interview

Success profiles Success Profiles - GOV.UK

You will be invited to a single face to face interview at UK Health Security Agency, Porton Down, Salisbury, Wiltshire, SP4 0JG

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

Behaviours and Experience will be tested at interview.

The Behaviours tested during the interview stage will be:

• Working Together (Lead behaviour)
• Seeing the Big Picture
• Making Effective Decisions
• Developing Self and Others

Interviews dates are 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.

Location

This role is being offered as lab based at our Scientific Campus in Porton. Based at our scientific campus, 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.

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 Security Check (SC).

Eligibility Criteria

External: 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:Reasonable Adjustments , Civil Service Careers

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: UKHSA Hub , Civil Service 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.

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 security 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 : Charlene Gwekwerere
• Email : charlene.gwekwerere@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 here.

http://www.healthjobsuk.com/vacancy/8072572