Assistant Scientific Officer (SD23/09 & SD23/47) Sutton Bonington, England
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About the job
Benefits
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Location
About the job
Job summary
Proficiency testing (PT) is an integral part of laboratory quality assurance. It forms the basis for continuous monitoring of diagnostic test validity and supports laboratories to achieve and maintain accreditation to ISO 17025.
VETQAS is a world leader in veterinary PT covering a wide range of diseases, species, and tests; it is held in high regard globally. This role is within the Science Directorate of the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA).
The VETQAS PT programme supports the core work of APHA and Defra to safeguard animal health and welfare and public health, to protect the economy and enhance food security.
The job is laboratory based performing a range of laboratory duties including microbiological tests. The post holder must work both independently and within a team to help ensure the delivery of products and services of the highest standards to laboratories worldwide.
Job description
The post holder will operate as a team member to perform a range of duties including, while not limited to, the following:
Scientific and Administration duties
- Freeze drying of biological material
- Quality Control testing of samples using microbiological techniques
- Preparing dilutions and dispensing biological materials
- Experienced ASOs may co-ordiante a small number of PT schemes under supervision
- Preparation, labelling, packaging and distribution of PT samples
- Preparation of paperwork for shipping PT samples e.g. customs proformas and import documents
- Stock management of biological material
- Writing and reviewing of SOPs
- Use and maintenance of apparatus and instrumentation
- Monitoring use of consumables - ordering of stock and equipment
- Assisting with project work.
Personnel
- Experienced ASO's may be expected to supervise and train less experienced staff.
Safety
- Works in accordance with health, safety and well-being legislation and agency procedures.
Quality
- Adhere to the defined SOPs and relevant ISO standards.
Other Duties
- Specified duties as agreed with Managers e.g. Fire Officer or First Aider.
Person specification
Required skills and experience:
- Previous experience of working in a Laboratory
- Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office, including Word and Excel.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Good standard in verbal and numerical reasoning
- High standard of interpersonal skills, being motivated, resilient and approachable
- Ability to work under pressure in a flexible and agile way.
The department is within a building that has three levels, and as there is no lift, the post holder needs to be able to use two flights of stairs and thus be reasonably physically fit.
Travel may be required to attend training courses.
Qualifications
Behaviours
We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
- Working Together
- Communicating and Influencing
- Delivering at Pace
Benefits
In return for your dedication, we will support your ongoing personal development through appropriate training. Inclusion, support and the development of our people matter to us. We aim to support the career and personal wellbeing of everyone in APHA. Our benefits include generous annual leave of 25 days (rising one day per year up to 30 days after 5 years), flexible working, a contributory pension, staff bonuses and recognition, salary sacrifice benefit options, and an employee discount scheme.
Should you be successful in your application, you can join the active community of scientists and engineers in government as part of the GSE Profession (GSEP). Becoming a member enables you to grow your understanding of profession activities within your own organisation and across the profession. GSEP encourages all members to develop professionally and personally with a variety of free opportunities to learn, develop and network across government. Visit the GSEP GOV.UK page and GSE blog for more details.
Things you need to know
Selection process details
Application Process
As part of the application process you will be asked to complete a tailored CV (covering any employment gaps and all your qualifications) and a personal statement. Further details around what this will entail are listed on the application form.
Sift
Should a large number of applications be received, an initial sift may be conducted using the personal statement. Candidates who pass the initial sift may be progressed to a full sift, or progressed straight to assessment/interview.
Sift and interview dates as well as the interview location to be confirmed.
Interview
If successful at application stage, you will be invited to interview where you will be assessed on Behaviours, Strengths, and your experience.
A presentation or additional exercise may also be assessed.
Location
Please be aware that this role(s) will be contractually based in a Defra group workplace/office. The successful candidate is required to carry out all their duties from a UK location, and cannot do so from an overseas location at any time.
Reserve List
A reserve list may be held for a period of 12 months from which further appointments can be made.
Salary
New entrants are expected to start on the minimum of the pay band.
Visa Sponsorship Statement
Please take note that Defra does not hold a UK Visa & Immigration (UKVI) Skilled Worker License sponsor and are unable to sponsor any individuals for Skilled Worker Sponsorship.
Reasonable Adjustment
If a person with disabilities is put at a substantial disadvantage compared to a non-disabled person, we have a duty to make reasonable changes to our processes.
If you need a change to be made so that you can make your application, you should:
- Contact Government Recruitment Service via [email protected] as soon as possible before the closing date to discuss your needs.
- Complete the “Assistance required” section in the “Additional requirements” page of your application form to tell us what changes or help you might need further on in the recruitment process. For instance, you may need wheelchair access at interview, or if you’re deaf, a Language Service Professional.
Accessibility
If you are experiencing accessibility problems with any attachments on this advert, please contact the email address in the 'Contact point for applicants' section.
Criminal Record Check
If successful and transferring from another Government Department, a criminal record check may be carried out.
In order to process applications without delay, we will be sending a Criminal Record Check to Disclosure and Barring Service on your behalf. However, we recognise in exceptional circumstances some candidates will want to send their completed forms direct. If you will be doing this, please advise Government Recruitment Service of your intention by emailing [email protected] stating the job reference number in the subject heading.
Internal Fraud Database Check
Applicants who are successful at interview will be, as part of pre-employment screening subject to a check on the Internal Fraud Database (IFD). This check will provide information about employees who have been dismissed for fraud or dishonesty offences. This check also applies to employees who resign or otherwise leave before being dismissed for fraud or dishonesty had their employment continued. Any applicant’s details held on the IFD will be refused employment.
A candidate is not eligible to apply for a role within the Civil Service if the application is made within a 5-year period following a dismissal for carrying out internal fraud against government.
Full Time Only
This role is full time only. Applicants who wish to work an alternative pattern are welcome to apply however your preferred working pattern may not be available and you should discuss this with the vacancy holder before applying. We may consider two part-time staff on a job share basis if continuity can be arranged. Part-time hours will only be considered as part of a job share.
Childcare Vouchers
Any move to Defra from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. You may however be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax Free Childcare. Determine your eligibility at https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk
Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.
Security
Medical
Nationality requirements
This job is broadly open to the following groups:
- UK nationals
- nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
- nationals of the Republic of Ireland
- nationals from the EU, EEA or Switzerland with settled or pre-settled status or who apply for either status by the deadline of the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window)
- relevant EU, EEA, Swiss or Turkish nationals working in the Civil Service
- relevant EU, EEA, Swiss or Turkish nationals who have built up the right to work in the Civil Service
- certain family members of the relevant EU, EEA, Swiss or Turkish nationals
Working for the Civil Service
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).
Apply and further information
Contact point for applicants
Job contact :
Recruitment team
Further information
Government Recruitment Services via email: [email protected]
If you are not satisfied with the response you receive from the Department, you can contact the Civil Service Commission: Click here to visit Civil Service Commission
