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Job Title –Healthcare Scientist

Profession- Science

Directorate– Healthcare Associated Infection and Antimicrobial Resistance Division (HCAI & AMR)

Full Time equivalent- 37.5 hours

No of Roles– 1

Contract Type– Fixed Term Contract Until 31/03/2024 (could potentially get extended)

Location– Colindale, London, NW9 5EQ

Working Pattern– Full Time / Hybrid Working

Grade & Salary –Grade HEO. Inner London Banding - £32,978 - £39,691

New entrants to the Civil Service are expected to start on the minimum of the pay band.

The internal roles rules apply to existing Civil Servants, i.e. level transfers move on current salary or the pay range minimum, transfers on promotion move to new pay range minimum or receive 10% increase. Either case is determined by whichever is the highest.

This role is to be appointed under Civil Service Terms & Conditions.Full details on the T&C’s are foundhttps://www.ukhsa.reed.com/.

Closing Date –20/08/2023. 23:55pm. Unfortunately, late applications will not be considered

Interview Date –28/08/2023 & 29/08/2023 Please note, these dates are subject to change.

The SIREN study is looking for keen, enthusiastic people to work on several exciting new projects. The SIREN study remains one of the key studies investigating COVID-19 in the UK and has expanded its remit to other respiratory infection including influenza and RSV.

We are looking for various epidemiological and database roles to support with data analysis, data visualisations and database management. To help set up new aspects of the study and to support other studies including PRIME (a mpox seroprevalence study).

This would be an excellent opportunity for a secondment and a chance to work on a dynamic and evolving research project with real-world impact.

To take delegated responsibility from the Senior BMS and Technical manager and in conjunction with the Operations Manager and other SIREN senior staff to:

• Assist in the maintenance of a SIREN Biobank
• Help develop and maintain a robust archiving system to manage the SIREN samples
• Participate, when required, in SARS-CoV2/SIREN laboratory work, such as molecular diagnostics, serology and distribution of postal swab packs.
• To perform technical validation of laboratory results and contribute to data analysis
• Ensure that the laboratory work performed at UKHSA for SIREN offers microbiology services of excellent and consistent quality in accordance with UKHSA, NIS and RM policies and procedures.
• Travel to SIREN sites when necessary to participate in SIREN activities.

In this role you will be an integral member of the team running the SIREN (Sarscov2 Immunity & Reinfection EvaluatioN) study and associated studies. The SIREN study aims to find out whether healthcare workers who have evidence of prior COVID-19, detected by antibody assays (positive antibody tests), compared to those who do not have evidence of infection (negative antibody tests) are protected from future episodes of infection. Healthcare workers are recruited and followed for at least a year to study their immune response to the virus causing COVID-19, called SARS CoV2. We will do this by collecting data on their history of COVID-19 infection and any new symptoms.

This post is co-positioned within our laboratories on the Colindale site. These laboratories include Reference Microbiology, Microbiology Research and Operations. The Clinical Services Unit (CSU) is part of UKHSA Reference Microbiology (RM).
1. Technical/Scientific/Reference Services & Research and Development
2. Perform, interpret and record test results according to given protocols
3. Participate, when required, in other SARS-CoV2/SIREN laboratory work, such as molecular diagnostics, serology and viral culture
4. Contribute to the development of new protocols/procedures for tests/reagents/methods, as required.
5. Evaluate relevant test procedures/equipment and produce a report for publishing
6. Prepare documents and draft SOPs relevant to the work performed/developed
7. Contribute to the proper storage and management of the laboratory specimens

1. Quality / Governance

In collaboration with the Quality Assurance Manager and Technical Manager:
1. Maintain a high standard of work, and to contribute to developing the service of the laboratory so that service delivery is safe, effective and economical and follows best practice
2. Contribute to internal and external quality assurance programmes
3. Ensure compliance with CPA, UKAS and other accreditation and certification standards
4. Contribute to internal and external audit programmes and corrective actions
5. Make every effort to suggest and implement quality improvements
6. Technical validation of laboratory results

1. Information Technology
2. Use databases and software packages including Excel, Word and PowerPoint
3. Enter results onto the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS)

1. Staff Management
2. To ensure junior staff and assigned visitors or trainees are competent to carry out the tasks given to them, ensuring that levels of supervision are
3. To assist in the appointment selection of junior staff when
4. To develop and maintain good working relationships with

1. Support services and Equipment
2. To ensure services are maintained to a satisfactory
3. Assist in the acquisition, control and utilisation of stock and consumables for the SIREN laboratory and Biobanking activities, where appropriate.

1. Financial management
2. To ensure best use of

1. General Employment Responsibilities
2. To ensure confidentiality and conformity to the requirements of the Data Protection Act in collaboration with the designated Laboratory Caldicott Guardian, Data Protection Officer and Security Information
3. To maintain professional competence and be aware of relevant developments in microbiology and other biomedical
4. To develop professional/management expertise by undertaking further appropriate training as required.

1. Other

The above is only an outline of the tasks, responsibilities and outcomes required by the role. You will carry out any other duties as may reasonably be required by the directorate.

We pride ourselves as being an employer of choice, where Everyone Matters promoting equality 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.

Essential Criteria:

• BSc in Biological sciences or equivalent (2:1 or above)
• HCPC Registration
• Experience with quality assurance principles and procedures
• Knows and understands laboratory safety requirements and procedures
• Experience of working in a microbiological/molecular diagnostic (preferably virological) laboratory, or equivalent
• Experience of supervision and training of technical staff
• Able to work carefully, with precision and be able to balance laboratory duties with accurate record keeping
• Computer literate, ability to analyse data based on evidence, create reports, and present findings to others
• Ability to work individually and as part of a team
• Professional in dealing with external laboratories and other contacts to facilitate receipt of clinical samples and highly sensitive clinical information
• High level of motivation and commitment to high standards
• Ability to troubleshoot both laboratory-based and project-based problems effectively and deal with problems in a calm and efficient manner
• Able to work to prioritise workload, work to deadlines and remain focused
• Able to convey ideas and opinions clearly and concisely, orally and in writing
• 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:

• MSc or equivalent in a relevant subject
• Experience of liaising with customers
• Evidence of using technical experience to assess new and existing systems and processes to innovate and initiate change in laboratory practice
• Live within reasonable distance of the laboratory

Selection Process

You will be required to complete an application form. This will be assessed and sifted in line with the essential criteria.

This vacancy is using Success Profiles and will assess your Behaviours /Strengths/Ability/ Experience/Technical skills.

Stage 1: Application & Sift

As part of the application process, you will be asked to provide a Statement of Suitability in no more than 1000 words providing examples of how you meet the essential criteria. It should also detail what you and your experience can bring to the role.

Feedback will not be provided at this stage.

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

Stage 2: Panel Interview

This vacancy is being assessed using Success Profiles. During the interview we will assess your Behaviours/Strengths/Ability/ Experience/Technical skills. The interview will be conducted remotely via Microsoft Teams

Behaviours to be assessed:
1. Changing and improving
2. Making effective decisions
3. Collaborating and partnering
4. Building capability for all
5. Managing a quality service
6. Delivering at pace

Reserve List:
Candidates who pass the interview criteria but are not offered a post will be kept on a reserve list for 12 months and may be contacted if similar roles become available.

If you are interviewed for the post and do not meet the required threshold for the specified grade, your application may be assessed against a similar, lower grade role and you may be offered the post should one be available.

DBS -People working with government systems must complete Basic Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) checks which includes a disclosure and barring security check. Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed for this role is BPSS however there may be a requirement for this role to be SC cleared and you should familiarise yourself with the criteria of security clearance.

This role is Open to all external applicants (anyone) from outside the Civil Service (including by definition internal applicants. 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 aDisability 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.

Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.

Government baseline personnel security standard

It’s important to note that there are currently exceptions to applications being considered if your conviction relates to any of the following:

• life sentences
• arson
• sexual offences
• hate and terror offences

Some departments will also consider the specific offence against the nature of the business, i.e., a conviction for fraud may rule you out for a finance role

Contact Details – [email protected]