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Job description

Grade and Salary: AFC band 5 £27,055 - £32,934

The Rare and Imported Pathogens Laboratory (RIPL) provide a front-line diagnostic service for the detection of Viral Haemorrhagic Fever (Ebola, Lassa, CCHF, Marburg), Arboviruses, Rickettsiae, and a range of ACDP Hazard Group 3 bacteria including Bacillus anthracis and Francisella tularensis. RIPL is also the provider of the Leptospira acute diagnostic service and the Lyme disease specialist unit diagnostic service. We are UKAS ISO15189 accredited and hold approval to provide IBMS registration and Virology specialist portfolios.

The post holder will perform a wide range of diagnostic assays utilising both serological and molecular techniques. The highest standards of quality and safety are essential.

A HCPC registered Biomedical Scientist providing expertise and capability to the diagnostic laboratory maintaining the service of the unit and related projects. The post holder will perform a range of diagnostic tests primarily focused on ELISA, IFA and real time molecular assays.

The job holder will be required to carry out the following responsibilities, activities and duties:

• To undertake a range of diagnostic assays and techniques as required, meeting the needs of RIPL service provision.
• To undertake microbiological analysis of environmental samples.
• Produce and maintain reagents to support current testing strategies and for the development of new assays.
• Assist in the identification, evaluation and adaptation of new technologies and diagnostic tests to enhance the laboratories capabilities and to ensure the project area works to a high scientific standard.
• To conform to the working standards outlined by UKAS ISO 15189
• To identify to management any potential conflicts of interest which may impinge on their ability to perform their duties effectively as defined by UKHSA Conflict of Interest Policy.
• Supply data to agreed timescales required by RIPL service level agreement.
• Undertake general laboratory duties including disposal of waste, equipment maintenance, stock control and ensuring a safe working environment.

The duties/responsibilities listed above describe the post as it is at present and is not intended to be exhaustive. The Job holder is expected to accept reasonable alterations and additional tasks of a similar level that may be necessary.

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.

Your main responsibilities would include:
Ensuring all work in undertaken in accordance with the UKHSA’s Code of Safety Practice and to work within a Quality system acceptable with the site.

You would need to comply with UKHSA policy and procedures. You would be required to maintain HCPC registration through development of technical competence and Continued Professional Development.

You would need to provide training to new staff members,

acting as a laboratory supervisor for a specified area of the department ensuring timely calibration of equipment and co-ordination of housekeeping.

You would perform any other duties required by the line manager commensurate with grade.

The postholder would escalate risks that cannot be controlled to the Section Head

Please note, as part of the selection process, you may be asked to prepare to deliver a presentation or take a test.

Selection process details

STAGE 1 - APPLICATION & SIFT:
You will be required to complete an application form. This will be assessed in line with the advertised essential criteria – please do provide evidence of how you meet this.

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

Please ensure that your statement of suitability contains no personal identifiers e.g. name in either the file name or content of the document and is uploaded in MS Word format.

STAGE 2 – INTERVIEW

As part of the process, candidates will be invited to interview which will involve an in-depth discussion of your previous experience and professional competence in relation to the criteria set out in the Person Specification.

Please note, as part of the selection process, you may be asked to prepare to deliver a presentation or take a test.

Expected Timeline:
Advert close: 23:55hrs on 9th June 2023 – unfortunately, late applications will not be considered. Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.

Shortlist: 16th June 2023

Interviews: TBC

Please note these dates could be subject to change.