Research Scientist Salisbury, England
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Location
About the job
Job summary
Within the Research department of UKHSA Porton Down sits our Emerging Pathogen Serology group. This group was established to build a high throughput SARS CoV-2 serosurveillance service during the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in supporting >60 different research projects, clinical trials or serosurveillance studies, resulting in over 50 publications. To date, the lab has performed >1,000,000 serology tests since its inception, with this capability growing with expansion into different emerging pathogens to support and respond to the recent incidents such as Lassa Fever and Monkeypox.
We will continue to develop assays against emerging pathogens as required, and to develop, evaluate, and implement serology immunoassays for pathogens detailed in CEPI’s 100-day mission and the WHO Priority Pathogen list. Our lab is now recruiting research scientist positions to support with the groups service and research serology testing.
Job description
The post holder will be expected to have laboratory responsibilities in the following areas:
- Perform a range of standard methods/assays/techniques in support of all activities associated with the project aimed to ensure project deliverables are met on time and within budget
- Sample receipt, liaising with external partners about sample shipments, labelling up and processing of samples ready for testing
- Serology testing for internal/external research projects, clinical trials or serosurveillance using a multitude of serology platforms such as the Roche e801, MesoScale Discovery (MSD), and Luminex serology systems
- Development of new assays, with validation and implementation for routine use
Other duties include:
- Take responsibility for the provision of laboratory reagents and consumables required for the project and document storage of materials generated.
- Take responsibility for laboratory housekeeping and supervision of laboratories following necessary training.
- Record and provide data, perform analysis as necessary to meet project targets and for preparation of presentations and publications.
- Ensure that the project operates to a high scientific standard.
- Liaise with external/internal collaborators about data, reports and publications
- Undertake all assigned work in accordance with UKHSA's Risk Management Systems, policies and procedures
- To perform any other duties required by the Line manager commensurate with grade
- To ensure that the project team undertakes work in accordance with UKHSA Code of Safety Practice and to work within any Quality Systems that are applicable to the site
- To comply with all UKHSA’s policies and procedures.
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
We are looking for an exceptional Research Scientist.
It is important through your application and Statement of Suitability of no more than 1000 words that you give evidence and examples of proven experience of each of the following criteria:
Essential
- Degree or equivalent in biological sciences or related
- Higher degree (e.g., MSc/MRes) in biological sciences or related
- Prior experience of working within a research team
- Understanding of different immunology techniques/assays
- Experience of individual research projects
Desirable
- Prior laboratory experience within an immunology research laboratory
- Undertaking individual research projects with collaborators
- Experience of working within a high-throughput laboratory
- Prior experience in working within a team involved in public health incident and responses
Behaviours
We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
- Changing and Improving
- Communicating and Influencing
- Working Together
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. 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.
Please ensure that your statement of suitability contains no personal identifiers e.g. name in either the file name or content of the document and is uploaded in MS Word format.
STAGE 2 – INTERVIEW
This competition will involve an interview face to face.
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 will also be asked to participate in a session where they will 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 of the presentation required will be provided prior to the interview.
The Success Profiles framework will be used to assess and recruit the most suitable candidate. The following behaviours will be used at the interview:
- Changing and improving
- Communicating and influencing
- Working together
Expected Timeline:
Advert close: 23:55hrs on 21st May 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: 26th May 2023
Interviews: W/C 12th June 2023
Please note these dates could be subject to change.
Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.
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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
