Job description
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About the job
Benefits
Things you need to know
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Location
About the job
Job summary
The post holder will work as part of the laboratory team, providing a high-quality microbiology service in order to provide patients with the highest level of diagnosis and treatment.
To assist in the efficient day-to-day running of an area in a section of the laboratory, to be able to rotate through all the different sections in the laboratory and to assist in the supervision and training of trainee BMSs or HSSWs.
The post holder would be expected to assist in any UKHSA coordinated response or activity of a national/international nature, e.g. a Bioterrorism incident or a major disease outbreak.
Job description
Key Responsibilities
Staff
- To assist in the monitoring of the performance of less qualified staff.
- To assist in the day-to-day-supervision and organisation of the less qualified staff in the allocated area.
- To assist in the training of less qualified staff.
- To be aware of the “well-being” of less qualified staff in the allocated area.
Laboratory
- To process the specimens received and to undertake the related tasks in the various sections of the laboratory, leading to the reporting and interpretation of results in accordance with agreed policies and standard operating procedures (SOPs).
- To be responsible for maintenance of consumables and equipment in immediate area of work. Also, to use and maintain automated equipment following manufacturer’s guidelines and training.
- Based upon knowledge and experience, to designate, on receipt, the range of tests to be performed on the various samples.
- Utilising microbiological techniques, to work competently in all sections of West Midlands Public Health Laboratory including Bacteriology, National Mycobacteria Reference Service, Molecular Biology, and Viral Serology.
- To work within the UKHSA and Laboratory policies, codes of practice and professional guidelines.
- To adhere to laboratory SOPs and to organise the work of the allocated area in the laboratory.
- To maintain a high standard of professional competence in the performance of all tests and investigations carried out in the laboratory.
- To maintain a high standard of technical skills.
- To be able to interpret and report on all routine tests.
- To ensure important or unusual results are drawn to the attention of senior staff and/or medical staff, and to report complaints and anomalies.
- To maintain consumable supplies within the area of responsibility.
- To ensure a sound knowledge of the laboratory IT system.
- To demonstrate a good understanding of basic microbiology, and to develop scientific knowledge, commensurate with the grade of Biomedical Scientist Practitioner. Also, to undergo further training as may be necessary and available, and to work towards the Band 6 Specialist Job Description and Personal Specification.
- To be responsible for equipment and automated processors in the area of responsibility, identifying any problems and bring them to the attention of senior staff.
- To communicate effectively with all members of the West Midland UKHSA team and other health care professionals as appropriate.
- To ensure the agreed quality standards of service are maintained.
- To monitor quality control results and bring any anomalies to the attention of Senior BMS staff.
- To respond accordingly to changes in laboratory protocols.
- To liaise with senior BMS staff, medical and scientific staff in all matters relating to the diagnosis of infection.
- To assist where appropriate with research and audit projects.
- To assist in the production and dissemination of laboratory reports, data statistics.
Other
The above is only an outline of the tasks, responsibilities and outcomes required of the role. You will carry out any other duties as may reasonably be required by the directorate. The job description and person specification may be reviewed on an ongoing basis in accordance with the changing needs of the organisation.
Professional development
You should pursue a programme of continuous professional development in accordance with any relevant professional registration or statutory requirements, while maintaining appropriate awareness of service provider requirements.
Communication and key working relationships
Internal
- Laboratory Management Team
- Other laboratory staff within Microbiology Services Division.
External
- NHS Trusts
- Local & Port Health Authorities
- Commercial Customers
- Professional Contacts including UKAS
Person specification
It is important through your application and Statement of Suitability of 1000 words (max) that you give evidence and examples of proven experience of each of the following criteria:
Essential Criteria:
- BSc Biomedical Science degree or equivalent academic achievement ratified by the IBMS
- Has an understanding of UKAS
- Has an understanding of supporting R&D activities.
- Has an understanding of Health & Safety.
- Has an understanding of Data Protection and Information Governance legislation.
- Has an understanding of National Standards.
- An understanding of and commitment to equality of opportunity and good working relationships, both in terms of day-to-day working practices, but also in relation to management systems
Desirable Criteria:
- Health Professions Council (HCPC) registered.
- A minimum of 2 years’ experience working in a diagnostic microbiology or virology laboratory.
- Experience of using computerised data systems.
Benefits
- 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 average employer contribution of 27%
- Range of health and wellbeing support
Any move to UKHSA from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. This includes moves between government departments. You may however be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax Free Childcare. Determine your eligibility at Childcare Choices , 30 Hours Free Childcare, Tax-Free Childcare and More , Help with Costs , GOV.UK
Things you need to know
Selection process details
STAGE 1 - APPLICATION & SIFT:
You will be required to complete an application form and a statement of suitability. Your Statement of Suitability should outline your skills, experience, and achievements, providing evidence of your suitability for the role, against the essential criteria (outlined in the person specification section). Your Statement of Suitability must not exceed 1000 words.
You will also be asked to provide information within the ‘Employer/ Activity history’ section of the application form. This is equivalent to the information you would provide on a CV, setting out your career history. The sift selection panel will only consider relevant career history information from the last 5 years.
If you are successful at this stage, you will progress to an interview.
STAGE 2 – INTERVIEW:
This competition will involve an interview in Person
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.
The Success Profiles framework will be used at interview to assess and recruit the most suitable candidate. The following behaviours will be used at the interview:
- Working Together
- Developing self and others
- Managing a quality service
- Delivering at Pace
- Seeing the big picture
Expected Timeline:
Advert close: 23:55hrs 20/06/2023 – 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.
Interviews: w/c 03/07/2023
Please note these dates could be subject to change.
Eligibility Criteria
Open to all external applicants (anyone) from outside the Civil Service (including by definition internal applicants)
Nationality requirements
Appointments to roles within UKHSA will be made in accordance with the Civil Service nationality rules. These can be found at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/nationality-rules 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)
- 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
We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's Recruitment Principles.
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.
The Civil Service welcomes applications from people who have recently left prison or have an unspent conviction. Read more about prison leaver recruitment.
Security clearance level requirement
Successful candidates must pass a disclosure and barring security check. Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is Basic Personnel Security Standard. People working with government assets must complete Basic Personnel Security Standard checks.
For posts on UKHSA Civil Service terms and conditions, new entrants to the Civil Service are expected to start on the minimum of the pay band. For existing Civil Servants and roles advertised across government, the rules of transfer apply, i.e., level transfers move on current salary or the pay range minimum, transfers on promotion move to new pay range minimum or receive a 10% increase. Either case is determined by whichever is the highest.
Please Note
This role is to be appointed under Civil Service Terms & Conditions. Full details on the T&Cs are found https://www.ukhsa.reed.com/
Are you already a civil servant, or employed by a Civil Service Commission accredited public body? Please state home department on your application form.
Do you meet the nationality requirements for this post? https://www.ukhsa.reed.com/
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: [email protected]. 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.
Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.
Security
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