Healthcare Scientist (EO) United Kingdom
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About the job
Job summary
The Respiratory and Vaccine Preventable Bacteria Reference Unit (RVPBRU), is an ISO accredited laboratory, and part of the Bacteriology Reference Department (BRD), UKHSA in Colindale, London. The RVPBRU comprises two sections, the Vaccine Preventable Bacteria Section (VPBS) and the Zoonotic and Acute Respiratory Section (ZARS).
The Healthcare Scientist is to provide specialist reference laboratory support work within the Zoonotic and Acute Respiratory Section by providing technical support as appropriate in accordance with UKHSA and laboratory policies and procedures, with emphasis on reference services for Legionella, Mycoplasma, Ureaplasma and Respiratory Chlamydia; with particular focus on areas of detection, identification and characterisation using phenotypic and molecular methods.
Location: Colindale, NW9 5HT
*Please be aware that this role can only be worked from within the UK and not overseas. Relocation expenses are not available.*
Job description
Laboratory technical delivery of national reference activities for the organisms within the ZARS remit to include:
Technical and Scientific Duties
- In conjunction with Section Head and SEO be responsible for the implementation and day-today running of the routine reference services within the Section remit.
- Analysis and archiving of referred clinical specimens and isolates submitted to the Section.
- Analysis of clinical specimens by culture, phenotypic testing, ELISA, PCR and sequencing to detect, isolate, identify and characterise relevant zoonotic and respiratory pathogens within the Section.
- Undertake routine Legionella pneumophila urinary antigen testing (Bartels and Binax assays)
- Undertake DNA extraction, real time PCR, block-based PCR (for Sanger Sequencing) for detection, species identification and molecular typing using sequence-based typing (SBT) and preparation of DNA for whole genome sequencing (WGS).
- To maintain and keep accurate records of all work undertaken.
- To be responsible for the reading and analysis of test results generated and entry of results onto the LIMS system.
- Collate and present data for discussion.
- Adhering to external and internal quality control practices.
- Attend meetings, plan and implement project plans.
Research Development
- To participate in and support the R&D activities within the laboratory and the organisation.
Health and Safety
- To be responsible for health, safety and welfare of self, staff and visitors in your own area, ensuring that health and safety are afforded priority over other issues.
- To ensure a safe and healthy working environment by maintaining adequate safety levels.
- To notify any accidents, incidents or near misses, dangerous situations or shortcomings in health and safety training instructions via the appropriate management structure.
Quality
- Ensure compliance of work with UKAS ISO15189.
- Participate in internal and external audits and implementing corrective actions
- Take responsibility for maintenance and acquisition of stock in order to ensure adequate service provision and continuity.
Information Technology
- Use databases and software packages as appropriate.
- Apply computer technology to the management of biological information.
- Data entry, spreadsheet analysis and managing the flow of paperwork.
Support Services and Equipment
- Ensure that routine services are maintained/designed to a satisfactory standard.
- Take responsibility for maintenance and acquisition of stock in order to ensure adequate service provision and continuity.
- Monitor the performance and maintenance of laboratory equipment.
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.
- Actively participate and maintain a continuing professional development programme and be aware of relevant developments in microbiology and other biomedical science.
- Develop professional expertise by undertaking further appropriate training as required
The duties/responsibilities listed above describe the post as it is at present and is not intended to be exhaustive. The Job holder is expected to accept reasonable alterations and additional tasks of a similar level that may be necessary.
Person specification
Essential Criteria
- BSc or equivalent in a biological science.
- Experience in microbiology laboratory techniques including culture and molecular assays
- Knowledge of relevant pathogens within the Section
- Experience in use of LIMS, and a range of common software (Microsoft Office, Access)
- Good communicator and team worker with leadership skills. Able to organise own workload and delegated priorities to junior staff.
- Confident in presentation of ideas and information with excellent analytical skills. Excellent time management skills and good organisation skills with particular attention to detail.
- Self-motivating, organized and meticulous, and able to problem solve in a calm and efficient manner.
Desirable Criteria
- HCPC Registration, CPD registration and certification
- Experience and/or understanding of scientific principles of molecular assays including RT-PCR and sequencing technologies, and ELISA assays
- Basic knowledge of project principles
Working for the UKHSA
For more information on the UKHSA please visit: UK Health Security Agency - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
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
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
STAGE 1 - APPLICATION & SIFT:
You will be required to complete an application form of no more than 1250 words. This will be assessed in line with the advertised essential criteria.
If you are successful at this stage, you will progress to a face-to-face interview based at UKHSA Colindale, London. Alternatively, a Teams interview can be offered.
Your Statement of Suitability 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 2 – INTERVIEW
All candidates who are successful at the sift stage will undertake a single face to face or remote interview.
All applicants that progress to interview will be assessed on the competency framework highlighted in the full job description below. We will also send a copy of this prior to the interview to review.
Expected Timeline:
Advert close: 23:55hrs on Friday 9th June 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.
Shortlist: w/c 12th June 2023
Interviews: 26th June 2023
Please note these dates could be subject to change.
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/
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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Contact point for applicants
Job contact :
Recruitment team
