Healthcare Scientist London, England
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About the job
Benefits
Things you need to know
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Location
About the job
Job summary
Job description
Technical/Scientific/Reference Services/Research and Development
- Perform, interpret and record test results according to given protocols
- Contribute to the development of new protocols procedures for tests, reagents or
methods, as required.
- Use of various manual and automated nucleic acid extraction protocols, DNA
visualisation, DNA purification, DNA sequencing and quantification methods
- Use of block-based PCR and real time PCR
- Use of multiplex Luminex®-based genotyping and serology.
- Contribute to the reception, processing, storage and management of the laboratory
specimens
- Prepare documents relevant to the work performed, as required
- Contribute to incident or outbreak investigations
Quality
In collaboration with the Laboratory Quality Team to:
- Maintain a high standard of work, and to contribute to developing the service of the
laboratory so that work is safe, effective and economical and follows best practice
- Contribute to internal and external quality assurance programmes
- Ensure compliance with UKAS and other accreditation and certification standards
- Contribute to internal and external audit programmes and corrective actions
- Take every effort to suggest quality improvements.
Information Technology
- Use databases and software packages including Excel, Word and PowerPoint.
- Enter results onto the Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS).
Staff Management and Training
- Assist with the organisation of, and participation in, suitable training programmes for staff and
visitors.
Support Services and Equipment
- Take responsibility for maintenance/acquisition of stock in order to ensure adequate service
provision and continuity.
Strategy, Policy and Service Development
- Work with other staff to improve working practices.
General Employment Responsibilities
- Ensure confidentiality and conformity to the requirements of the DATA Protection Act in
collaboration with the designated Caldicott Guardian, Data Protection Officer and
Security of Information Officer.
- To represent the UKHSA nationally and internationally as required.
- Actively participate in the UKHSA Annual Appraisal Scheme.
- Actively participate and maintain a continuing professional development programme and
be aware of relevant development in microbiology and other biomedical sciences.
- Develop professional expertise by undertaking further appropriate training as required.
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
- Identify, discuss and action own professional performance and training / development needs with your line manager through appraisal / individual development plan. Attending internal / external training events
- To participate in all mandatory training as required, i.e. fire safety, information governance and all other mandatory training.
Key Working Relationships
The post holder will develop working relationships and communicate regularly with a wide range of individuals, clinical and non-clinical, internal and external to UKHSA. This will include;
Internal
Medical, scientific and other staff throughout Reference and Specialist Microbiology Services and UKHSA.
External
External bodies including NHS staff and other national and international users, commercial companies and professional groups, as required
Person specification
It is important through your application and Statement of Suitability of 1250 words (max) that you give evidence and examples of proven experience of each of the following criteria:
Essential Criteria:
- BSc in biological sciences, or equivalent
- Maintains professional competence in biomedical sciences.
- Experience of working in a microbiological diagnostic laboratory or equivalent.
- Experience with quality assurance and safety principles and procedures.
- Able to work carefully, with precision and be able to balance laboratory duties with accurate record keeping.
- Able to analyse data, create reports and present findings to others.
- Able to work individually and as part of a team.
- Able to convey instructions, ideas and opinions clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
- Computer literate, including experience of use of MS Office (Excel, Word)
- High level of motivation and commitment to high standards. Able to prioritise workload, work to deadlines and remain focused
- Able to analyse and evaluate data based on evidence. Able to troubleshoot both laboratorybased and equipment-based problems effectively
- Able to deal with problems in a calm and efficient manner.
- An understanding of and commitment to equality of opportunity and good working relationships
Desirable Criteria:
- Post-graduate education/specialist training in molecular diagnostics or equivalent
- CPD registration and certification, HCPC registration
- Experience of using multiplex analysers e.g. Luminex®
- Professional in dealing with external laboratories and other contacts to facilitate receipt of clinical samples and highly sensitive clinical information.
- Evidence of wider interest in public health.
Benefits
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 1250 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 via in Person (Colindale)
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.
Candidates interviewed will be assessed against the Digital, Data and Technology capability framework.
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:
- Seeing the Big Picture
- Delivering at Pace
The Strengths tested during the interview stage will be: Disciplined, Precise, Catalyst, Focused , Learner
Candidates might also be required to prepare and deliver a 5-minute presentation to the panel. This will be followed by a question-and-answer segment. The presentation will be designed to assess each candidate’s experience in line with the requirements of the role. Full details will be provided prior to the interview.
Expected Timeline:
Advert close: 23:55hrs 07/06/2023 – 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
