Senior Healthcare Scientist

Job summary

This post is based in the Colindale Sequencing Laboratory (CSL) and will support the delivery of UKHSA pathogen genomic services that are resilient, scalable, and adaptable to emerging and evolving public health challenges. The post holder will support the translation of genomics research and innovation into routine service delivery, ensuring alignment with the UKHSA Science and Pathogen Genomics Strategies, and organisational priorities. They will play a key role in supporting the long-term sustainability of genomics services by driving continuous improvement in laboratory efficiency, fostering innovation, and supporting the adoption of emerging technologies.

The post holder will be expected to maintain the high standards and quality required to deliver a high-throughput pathogen genomics sequencing service and maintain up-to-date knowledge of genomic sequencing technologies, laboratory automation, and emerging innovations. They will need to work flexibly to ensure essential laboratory services are maintained whilst delivering against agreed service improvement objectives.

The post holder will support the senior leadership team (SLT) to ensure high standards of safety, quality and training are maintained and that the laboratory complies with all relevant legislation. The post holder will provide training to other members of the team where required as part of service development implementation.

Job description

General

• Provide professional leadership for members of staff for whom they are accountable, leading by example and in a manner which will encourage the development of a positive working attitude by each member.
• Provide senior scientific support for CSL services.
• Follow agreed protocols in accordance with the UKHSA policies and procedures.
• Perform manual and automated laboratory techniques following Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Write, prepare, review and comply with standard documents and draft SOPs as required.
• Provide advice and prepare proposals that contribute to enhancing the effectiveness of the work and achieving unit objectives.
• Assess, initiate and monitor appropriate action when a situation may cause service delivery delay or failure.
• Quality check and support the issuing of CSL results to service users.
• Ensure confidentiality and conformity to the requirements of the Data Protection Act.
• Support the development of a flexible team by fostering staff training, development and rotation.
• Provide technical advice, including describing highly complex information to users of CSL services.
• Foster good relationships with stakeholders for the efficient delivery of services to all customers.
• The post holder may have line management responsibility for staff within the unit, where required.

Technical Services

• Have an expert understanding of next generation sequencing (NGS) methodologies and be aware of relevant developments in appropriate technologies including sequencing and laboratory automation.
• In consultation with stakeholders, to consider the adoption of new and improved technical procedures.
• Manage project workflows and timelines, including protocol and result documentation.
• Ensure accurate and timely provision of laboratory results and method evaluations to stakeholders.
• Troubleshoot and investigate issues related to NGS service developments and workflows.

Management of Support Services and Equipment

• Contribute as a Senior Healthcare Scientist to the development of workflows for CSL.
• Determine, in collaboration with the PHM Genomics and CSL SLTs, the requirements for new or replacement equipment and software.
• Ensure the CSL equipment and LIMS are maintained to a satisfactory standard.

Strategy and Leadership

• Provide scientific advice, particularly with respect to service developments or improvements to support the CSL SLT in the daily provision of CSL services and future strategies.

Financial Management

• Assist CSL and PHM Genomics SLTs in the maintenance and development of the laboratory service within the resources available.

Management of Staff

• Ensure efficient and effective management of technical, scientific, support workers and clerical staff as appropriate in accordance with UKHSA policies and procedures.
• Manage day-to-day work across CSL development projects, ensuring competencies are maintained and training programmes are supported.
• Participate in the recruitment and selection of staff in conjunction with the CSL SLT.
• Maintain good working relationships with all members of staff, foster teamwork and staff developmen

Teaching

• Provide training leadership, ensuring all staff are fully competent in relevant areas of work.
• Develop and supervise developmental projects and support the organisation of and participation in training programmes.
• Ensure service resilience by training other unit staff members to an appropriate level to implement service improvements and transformation initiatives.

Quality

• Maintain a high standard of work and to appraise and contribute to the development of services so that they are safe, effective and economical, and follow best practice.
• Ensure compliance with UKAS and other accreditation and certification standards.

Safety

• Promote a strong safety culture in the laboratory to ensure a safe working environment.
• Ensure all relevant health and safety regulations, legislation and policies are adhered to.

Information Technology

• Be competent in the use of the LIMS.
• Manage the development of analytical tools and reporting of CSL results through the provision of scientific advice and timely collaboration with service users.
• Use software packages as appropriate for word processing, presentations, and data analysis.
• Manage the introduction of workflow changes to accommodate new tests, efficient working and service improvements.

Other

• The above is only an outline of the tasks and responsibilities of the role. Other duties may be reasonably required by the CSL and PHM Genomics SLTs.

Personal Development

• The post holder should pursue a programme of continuous professional development while maintaining appropriate awareness of service provider requirements.

This list is not exhaustive.

Person specification

Essential criteria

• Educated to a degree (or equivalent level qualification) in a relevant subject, i.e., microbiology, biological science, or molecular biology.
• Maintain CPD portfolio.
• Extensive knowledge and experience in at least one of the specialist areas of the unit.
• Substantive experience and proven record of supporting NGS sequencing services and automation in relevant areas.
• Evidence of using technical experience to assess new and existing technologies and processes to innovate and initiate change in laboratory practice.
• Ability to undertake evaluation of NGS methods, including short-read and long-read technologies, to allow efficient service delivery.
• Able to provide/receive highly complex information, negotiate and present to peers/customers/others.
• Ability to negotiate on difficult and controversial issues, including performance and change.
• Problem-solving skills and the ability to respond to sudden, unexpected demands.
• Ability to analyse complex facts and situations and develop a range of options.
• Demonstrated capability to plan over short, medium and long-term timeframes and adjust plans and resource requirements accordingly.
• Ability to prioritise own work effectively and be able to direct the activities of others. Experience in managing and motivating a team and reviewing the performance of individuals.

Desirable criteria

• Training and supervising a team.
• Comprehensive experience of project principal techniques and tools.

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £46,310, UK Health Security Agency contributes £13,416 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%

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.

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 12 essential criteria, and this will be in the form of a:

• Application form (‘Employer/ Activity history’ section on the application)
• 1200 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 1200 words. We will not consider any words over 1200 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 ‘Meets all 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:

• Educated to a degree (or equivalent level qualification) in a relevant subject, i.e., microbiology, biological science, or molecular biology.

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

You will be invited to a single face to face interview at Colindale, NW9 5EQ.

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 through questions and a presentation.

You will be asked to prepare and present a 5 minute presentation on the topic: Can you describe a laboratory improvement you have implemented, from the initial identification of the need through to completion and evaluation of the outcome?

The Behaviours tested during the interview stage will be:

• Seeing the Big Picture (Lead Behaviour)
• Developing Self and Others
• Leadership
• Managing a Quality Service

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.

Location

This role is being offered as lab based at our site in Colindale. 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.

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.

Eligibility Criteria

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

If this role is fixed term and 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. Loans are normally agreed for a period of two years. However, this may be extended where required, subject to agreement between UKHSA and your home department. 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 the UKHSA’s Pay policy. If this role is permanent, it may also be available as a loan (for existing Civil Servants only) or secondment arrangement, subject to business need and agreement from the hiring manager and, where applicable, the employee's home organisation.

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.

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.

Incident Response Activity

From time to time, the role holder may be required to support UKHSA’s incident response 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.

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

This vacancy is part of the Great Place to Work for Veterans (opens in a new window) initiative.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 : Timor Miakhel
• Email : timor.miakhel@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

http://www.healthjobsuk.com/vacancy/8325394