BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science Undergraduate Placement Student London, England
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About the job
Job summary
ABOUT US
At the United Kingdom Health Security Agency (UKHSA) our mission is to provide health security for the nation by protecting from infectious disease and external hazards. We are a trusted source of advice to government and to the public, focusing on reducing inequalities in the way different communities experience and are impacted by infectious disease, environmental hazards, and other threats to health.
Our mission is challenging, innovative and in the spotlight. We will work to ensure our people have the diverse skills, experiences and backgrounds we need to thrive, that our employees are representative of the communities we serve and feel valued and enabled to play their part in delivering our work.
Creating our working culture is an ongoing process which we are developing by listening and learning together, hearing and acting upon diverse voices and opinions to develop a common sense of identity and effective ways of working.
SPECIALIST MICROBIOLOGY AND LABORATORIES
The placements on offer are positioned within the Reference Laboratories on the Colindale site.
The Reference Services Division is a part of UKHSA Specialised Microbiology and Laboratories Directorate; the other parts being Operations, Research and Development and Production. Microbiology reference laboratories undertake complex and highly skilled techniques which often require nationally or internationally unique capabilities or facilities. Reference Units are required to provide authoritative, final and validated analysis for complex clinical or food microbiological problems and be innovative in driving microbiological methodology developments and standards. They ·have a key role in provision of expert advice to government and other national international agencies, risk assessment for new and emerging microbiological threats and play an important role in teaching and training organism specific and subject matter expertise to all grades of professional medical, nursing, scientific and technical staff. Design of national microbiological surveillance programmes and sampling strategies and outbreak detection and control are part of day to day work of Reference Units.
The work of microbiology Reference Units includes clinical microbiological advice and diagnosis, complex reference, service delivery, methodology development, microbial epidemiology, investigation of national and uncommon outbreaks, response to international health alerts, and advice on the risks posed by various infections. Clinical samples and isolates are received from public health departments, the National Health Service, and commercial laboratories across the UK and internationally for specialist testing, characterisation and susceptibility testing.
Creating our working culture is an ongoing process which we are developing by listening and learning together, hearing and acting upon diverse voices and opinions to develop a common sense of identity and effective ways of working.
Job description
UKHSA, Colindale is offering work placement opportunities to undergraduates studying an IBMS accredited Biomedical Science or Healthcare Science (Life Science) degree (Hons).
This is an exciting opportunity, offering a 50-week placement in one of the laboratories within the Reference Microbiology Division, Colindale. During your placement you will have the opportunity to complete the IBMS Registration Training Portfolio for the Certificate of Competence, leading to registration with the Health and Care Professions Council as a Biomedical Scientist.
During your placement you will have the opportunity to attend the in-house tutorial programme, seminars, scientific meetings and courses held on-site. It is an opportunity to enhance your scientific and technical skills and knowledge, writing and personal skills such as communication, team working and time-management.
JOB SUMMARY
- A 50-week placement in one of the above-named departments
- A chance to complete the IBMS Registration Training Portfolio, leading to registration with the Health and Care Professions Council as a Biomedical Scientist
- Attendance at the in-house tutorial programme and at seminars, scientific meetings, conferences and courses held on-site
- Opportunity to enhance scientific and technical skills and knowledge
- Opportunity to enhance scientific and non-scientific writing
- Opportunity to enhance personal skills e.g. communication, team working and time-management
MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Process specimens received and 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)
- Perform serological and molecular tests using both commercially available kits and assays developed in-house
- Contribute to incident or outbreak investigations
- Contribute to the development of new protocols/procedures for tests/reagents/methods, as required.
- Contribute to the proper storage and management of the laboratory specimens
- To be responsible for maintaining a high standard of work.
- Duties and responsibilities will vary depending on unit
Quality Systems Management
- To perform testing in accordance to the laboratory’s accreditation standards (ISO 15189, 17043 or 17025)
- To keep accurate, legible and up-to-date records of work carried out in the laboratory
- Maintain a high standard of work, and to work methodically so that service delivery is safe, effective and economical and follows best practice
- Follow standard operating procedures and protocols
- Contribute to internal and external audit programmes and corrective actions
- Assist in developing and implementing quality assurance programmes (e.g. IQA/EQA) and to respond to changes as necessary.
- Take every opportunity to suggest quality and safety improvements
Information Technology
- To take active steps to ensure complete and accurate information is collected on Laboratory Information Management System
- Contribute to the development of information technology systems and databases as required
Asset Management
- Contribute to routine maintenance of all equipment, which will include complex equipment requiring calibration and regular maintenance
- Contribute to the care, maintenance and security of laboratory premises and equipment in order to ensure efficient and safe operation
Security / Health & Safety
- To ensure confidentiality and conformity to the requirements of the Data Protection Act, Caldicott principles and the Laboratory Information Systems and Technology Security policy
- To ensure that health and safety are afforded priority and to demonstrate commitment to health, safety and welfare of self, staff and visitors
- To ensure attendance on safety training courses as required in the UKHSA Health and Safety Training Policy and other safety policies as appropriate.
- To report risks that cannot be controlled to the Laboratory Manager
- To notify accidents, near misses, dangerous situations and shortcomings in health and safety via the appropriate management structure
- To adhere to the correct use of personal protective equipment
Your attention is drawn to the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 which requires you to take reasonable care of the health and safety of yourself and others which may be affected by your acts and omissions at work; and co-operate with UKHSA on matters of health and safety.
Person specification
It is important through your application and Statement of Suitability of no more than 500 words that you give evidence and examples of proven experience of each of the following criteria:
Essential
- Registered on an IBMS-accredited BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science or Healthcare Science (Life Sciences) degree
- Currently in second year of study
- Has an interest in microbiology
- Has studied microbiology related modules at university and provided evidence of grades obtained
- Has an interest in a career as a biomedical scientist
- Has awareness of the duties of a biomedical scientist
- Has awareness of the role of the HCPC
- Has an understanding of the work carried out at UKHSA, Colindale
- Experienced in using equipment commonly found in a microbiology laboratory
- Previous work or voluntary experience (of any nature)
- Good standard of written communication
- Ability to work effectively as part of a team
- An ability to maintain confidentiality and trust.
- Able to follow instructions – written and oral
- Good time keeping
- Able to deal with problems in a calm and efficient manner
- Able to make a connection between their work and the benefit to patients and the public
- Works well with others, is positive and helpful, listens, involves, respects and learns from the contribution of others
- Has attention to detail – has followed all instructions during the application process
- An understanding of and commitment to equality of opportunity and good working relationships.
Desirable
- Familiar with recent developments in medical microbiology
- Previous work or voluntary experience (of any nature)
- Able to communicate and convey information, ideas, instructions clearly and concisely
- Computer literacy: competence in word processing and spread sheet software; database skills
- Live within a reasonable distance of the service site.
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%
Things you need to know
Selection process details
Your Statement of Suitability (no more than 500 words) should outline your skills, experience, and achievements, providing evidence of your suitability for the role, with reference to the essential criteria (outlined in the person specification section).
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.
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.
STAGE 2 – INTERVIEW
This competition will involve an interview by Teams.
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 will be used to assess and recruit the most suitable candidate. Some of the following behaviours will be used at the interview:
- Seeing the Big Picture
- Communicating and Influencing
- Working Together
- Delivering at Pace
Expected Timeline:
Advert close: 23:55hrs on 28/04/2023 – 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: TBC
Please note these dates could be subject to change.
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&C’s 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).
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