Senior Biomedical Scientist – Quality Lead

Job summary

As a category 1 responder UKHSA has a critical responsibility to scale laboratory diagnostic capacity within the first 6 weeks of an emerging threat with epidemic or pandemic potential. One way in which this will be delivered is through a new standby semi-automated and high throughput PCR testing facility at our Porton Down scientific campus. We are therefore looking for an HCPC registered Senior Biomedical Scientist to lead delivery of the facility’s quality management system.

Successful applicants will join a new team, Amplify, within the Diagnostic and Pathogen Characterisation Division and work alongside colleagues in the Rare and Imported Pathogen Laboratory (RIPL) and Diagnostic Development and Implementation team. You will be responsible for overseeing the development and implementation of the facility’s quality management system, under the umbrella of RIPL, the co-located and ISO 15189 accredited clinical laboratory for rare, emerging, imported and high consequence infectious diseases.

The Post holder will be expected to be flexible to the demands of the project area, have excellent communication skills and use their technical experience to ensure the service is delivered on time and remains ready to respond. This will include changing patterns of work to include out of hours shifts when incident or outbreak response mode is activated and supporting the delivery of research testing and training activities in support of wider organisational priorities.

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

• Implement quality improvements as appropriate, involving the development of new protocols and procedures.
• Maintain close links between quality and governance arrangements, including leading adverse incident investigation and management.
• Support laboratory staff to perform quality activities and monitor their effectiveness; review current Quality and Governance reports.
• Champion Change Control within the Department.
• Provide expertise and practical support for preparation for, and organisation of, inspections by third party assessors, such as UKAS and certification bodies, commercial organisations, or research councils and to progress issues arising from these assessments and inspections.
• Report directly to the facility manager and RIPL Quality Manager on the performance of the quality management system and identify any need for improvement.
• Ensure participation in suitable EQA surveys and monitor results, feeding back management any deficiencies and working with Technical Specialists and Bench Leads to address any issues.
• Ensure the promotion of awareness of service users’ needs and requirements throughout the laboratory organisation.
• To provide Quality feedback on laboratory performance with regular communications via emails, reports and presentations.
• Take a leading role in risk management for the department, managing a local risk register and escalating risks that cannot be controlled via appropriate channels.
• Participate in routine and out of hour testing rotas to ensure provision of sufficient testing capacity in line with business needs.
• Deliver training to internal and external scientists in support of wider pandemic preparedness activities, with a focus on how to implement effective QMS for high throughput testing facilities.
• Line manage junior team members, and ensure effective prioritisation, co-ordination and supervision of work.
• Deputise as appropriate for senior staff and act as head BMS in the absence of the facility manager.
• Supply data to agreed timescales and as required by project contracts and service level agreements.
• Undertake general laboratory duties including disposal of waste, equipment maintenance, stock control and ensuring a safe working environment.
• Maintain HCPC registration as a condition of employment.
• Fulfil all training requirements as required for the post, including subsequent maintenance of required competencies.
• Maintain high professional standards by continual professional development keeping up to date with advances in medical microbiology
• Ensure all work in undertaken in accordance with the UKHSA’s Code of Safety Practice and to work within ISO15189 quality standards.
• Ensure health, safety and welfare are afforded priority and demonstrate a commitment to health, safety and welfare of self, staff and visitors and comply with relevant UKHSA health and safety policies at all times.
• Notify accidents, near misses, dangerous situations and shortcomings in health and safety via the appropriate management structure.
• Escalate risks that cannot be controlled to the Facility Manager.
• Fully engage with the performance process, including objective setting and preparing for performance conversations, as described on the UKHSA intranet.
• Fulfil the requirements of UKHSA Values and Behaviours and the Civil Service Code.
• Comply with all UKHSA policy and procedures.
• Perform any other duties required by the line manager commensurate with grade.

Main Duties

• Implement the facility’s quality management system (QMS), ensuring compatibility and compliance with the RIPL QMS to enable ISO 15189 accreditation under a single schedule of accreditation.
• Support and train laboratory staff to perform quality activities and monitor their effectiveness.
• Deputise as appropriate for senior staff and act as head BMS in the absence of the facility manager.
• Deliver training to internal and external scientists in support of wider pandemic preparedness activities, with a focus on how to implement effective QMS for high throughput testing facilities.
• Participate in routine and out of hour testing rotas to ensure provision of sufficient testing capacity in line with business needs.

Please note this list is not exhaustive.

Person specification

Essential role criteria:
• BSc Hons in a biological science
• MSc or higher qualification in an appropriate medical/microbiology/biological science or relevant experience as a specialist biomedical scientist
• Registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) as a Biomedical Scientist
• Experience of implementing and overseeing Quality Management Systems in an ISO 15189 accredited diagnostic molecular laboratory
• Experience of managing change and instigating system improvements from a quality management perspective
• Substantive experience in a diagnostic or reference virology laboratory, including knowledge and experience of automated high throughput real-time PCR
• Ability to analyse and interpret information including performance indicators, pre-empt and evaluate issues, and recommend an appropriate course of action to address the issues or areas of risk

Desirable role criteria:
• Technical knowledge and experience in developing and implementing quality systems for automated, high throughput testing workflows, ensuring compliance with ISO 15189 and UKHSA standards and policies.

Benefits

• Learning and development tailored to your role
• An environment with flexible working options
• A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity

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.

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 Experience, Behaviours, Technical skills.

Stage 1: Application & Sift
Success Profiles - GOV.UK

You will be required to complete an application form. You will be assessed on the listed 7 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. (Please note you will not be able to upload your CV. You must 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. Please do not exceed 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 pile ‘Meets all essential criteria’ will proceed to shortlisting.

Shortlisting: In the event of a large number of applications we will conduct an initial sift, on the lead criteria of:
• MSc or higher qualification in an appropriate medical/microbiology/biological science or relevant experience as a specialist biomedical scientist
• Registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) as a Biomedical Scientist

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.

Feedback will not be provided at this stage.

Stage 2: Interview
Success Profiles - GOV.UK

You will be invited to a face-to-face interview in Porton. In exceptional circumstances, we may be able to offer a remote interview. Behaviours and Technical skills will be tested at interview. The Behaviours tested during the interview stage will be:
• Managing a Quality Service (lead behaviour)
• Making Effective Decisions
• Delivering at Pace
• Changing and Improving

Technical skills will be assessed by Technical based questions.

Interview 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.

Additional Information

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.

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.

Eligibility Criteria

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

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.

If you are not currently a civil servant, you will take up the post on a Fixed Term Appointment. You may be able to take this role up as a Secondment. If you are an existing Civil Servant based outside of UKHSA, you will take up the post as a loan, which you will need your department to agree. You cannot take the post up as a fixed term. If you are an existing UKHSA member of staff, you will take up the post as either a level transfer or a temporary promotion as per UKHSA’s pay policy.

Incident Response Activity

From time to time, the role holder may be required to support UKHSA’s incident 1response activity by contributing their appropriate expertise within an Incident Cell; during such periods, supported by the line manager, this work will take priority over normal day-to-day responsibilities, commensurate with their grade, skills and experience.

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.

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.

Reserve List

If more than the required number of suitable candidates pass the interview criteria, you may be kept on a reserve list for 12 months subject to your agreement. You may be contacted, in merit-order, if similar roles with closely matching essential criteria become available and the department choose to appoint from a reserve list.

The panel will assess if candidates meet the requirement of the role first, using a specific benchmark system. If you are interviewed for the post and do not meet the required threshold for the specified grade, your application may be assessed against a similar, lower grade role and you may be offered the post should one be available.

Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.

Security

Successful candidates must undergo a basic (or equivalent) 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 : Tom Geldeard
• Email : tom.geldeard@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