Find More Than 10K+
United Kingdom Jobs

The post holder will provide technical support within the unit ensuring that the NMRS-S delivers a reference and medical laboratory service to achieve the objectives of efficient and effective patient care and resource management for the users of this specialist reference laboratory. This includes working exclusively with Mycobacteria spp., including those in Hazard Group 3, in containment level 3 facilities. The post- holder will contribute to the team by performing a range of the tests offered by the laboratory.

The post holder is responsible to maintain at all times the required high standards and quality; to maintain an up to date knowledge of microbiology, especially mycobacteriology, and current working practices within this reference/diagnostic laboratory.

Communication and key working relationships

Internal

To work as part of the laboratory team

External

• To communicate with other PHE staff and other external bodies including NHS staff and other national and international users with regards to results and other general enquiries.

Customer Relationships

• Respond to requests and communicate accurately, sensitive information and less complex results to customers, including basic interpretation and reporting written and verbal results.

In accordance with UKHSA and Science Group policies and procedures for the following:

Technical/Scientific/Reference Services/Research and Development

• Perform, analyse and record test results according to given protocols
• Contribute to incident or outbreak investigations.
• Contribute to the development of new protocols procedures for tests, reagents or methods, as required.

Serological techniques

• Use of both commercially available kits and assays developed in-house

Molecular techniques

Use of various manual and automated nucleic acid extraction protocols.
Contribute to the proper storage and management of the laboratory specimens
Prepare documents and draft SOPs relevant to the work performed/developed

Quality

• 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 according to ISO15189 standard.
• 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.
  Entry of results into the Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) system and liaison with senior staff in sending laboratory reports

Staff Management and Training

• Train and supervise and when required organise the daily work for lower graded staffs, temporary staffs, visitors and students
• Support Services and Equipment
• Contribute to the oversight of service and maintenance of equipment
• Ensure performance checks on equipment are performed and to take appropriate corrective action if equipment fails to meet specification.

Strategy, Policy and Service Development

• Contribute to NMRS-S strategic policies and encourage innovations and develop practices that enhance the effectiveness of the work of the unit.

General Employment Responsibilities

• To represent the PHE nationally and internationally as required
• Actively participate in the PHE 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
• 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.

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 your line manager
• The job description and person specification may be reviewed on an ongoing basis in accordance with the changing needs of the division and PHE.
• Be prepared to work flexibly across the entire unit as required, maintaining appropriate levels of training and competency.

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.
• To maintain professional competence and be aware of relevant developments in microbiology and other biomedical services.
• To maintain a programme of continuous professional development in accordance with any relevant professional registration or statutory requirements, whilst maintaining appropriate awareness of service provider requirements.

Working for your organisation

For more information on the UKHSA please visit: UK Health Security Agency - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Location:

This role will be based in Colindale.

Please be aware that this role can only be worked from within the UK and not overseas. Relocation expenses are not available

Working Pattern:

Full Time / Part Time / Job Share / Flexible Working

Grade and Salary

£27,690- £32,203 per annum

EO Grade – Inner London Pay Scale

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 found https://www.ukhsa.reed.com/

Essential Criteria

• BSc in Microbiology or relevant biological science or equivalent level of qualification and experience
• Working towards or demonstrate a commitment to HCPC registration
• Evidence of CPD
• Experience and knowledge of working in a microbiology laboratory at containment level 2.
• Experience in working as part of a team.
• Good understanding of quality assurance principles and procedures.
• Problem solving skills and ability to respond to sudden unexpected demands
• Independent thinker with demonstrated good judgement, problem-solving and analytical skills
• Use of micropipettes, sub-culturing organisms - good manual dexterity- work by paying attention to details
• Able to work without supervision - ability to prioritise work in a timely manner - good organisational skills.
• Ability to supervise and organise the daily work for self and others -Training skills
• An understanding of and commitment to equality of opportunity and good working relationships.

Security Clearance Level Requirement:

People working with government assets must complete Basic Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) checks which includes a disclosure and barring security check. For further information please visit www.ukhsa.reed.com and our Application Information page to view our Vetting Charter

Pre-application questions:

Are you already a civil servant, or employed by a Civil Service Commission accredited public body? Please state home department

Do you meet the nationality requirements for this post? https://www.ukhsa.reed.com/

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.

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.

We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:

• Changing and Improving
• Delivering at Pace
• Leadership
• Managing a Quality Service
• Seeing the Big Picture

• 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%
• 26 days annual leave allowance increasing to 32 days after a 10-year service

Job contact :

Name :
Jon Payne
Email :
[email protected]

Recruitment team

Email :
[email protected]