Senior Scientist - Viral Zoonoses FTA - SD20/311 United Kingdom
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Location
About the job
Job summary
This post is a senior delivery role in the Viral Zoonoses (VZ) Workgroup within the Virology Department reporting directly to the Head of the VZ Workgroup (VZ WGL). This senior scientific role requires an individual who can successfully lead a multi-disciplinary team delivering research and surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 in animals.
This will be a Fixed Term Appointment with no intention to become a permanent post. Contracts will run from April 2023 to 31 March 2026.
Job description
Developing the science and surveillance activities for Viral Zoonotic Diseases of veterinary and public health importance. Contributing and leading both in vitro and in vivo studies of viral zoonotic viruses to understand relationships at the host virus interface (virus evolution, pathology, immunology and control), in particular coronavirus research and development.
Participation in strategic decisions and management of coronavirus research projects and engagement with the National Reference Laboratory (NRL) remit for SARS-CoV-2.
Inclusive project and staff management in the VZ workgroup, working to required staff performance, quality (ISO17025, ISO9001), Home Office and Safety standards and requirements, and within agreed financial budgets/resources.
Maintain and proactively develop relevant scientific knowledge and expertise, networks and collaborations, including multi-disciplinary approaches within and outwith the APHA to assist in the development and delivery of project work of the VZ workgroup.
Person specification
Project Management:
The postholder will lead on scientific delivery in the VZ Workgroup and deputise for the VZ WGL, when required. With a team of senior scientists, they will be responsible for staff management, CPD engagement, visitor/student supervision, health and safety, project resources including finance and facilities (high and low containment laboratories). They will ensure the communication of outcomes to government, industry and other stakeholders are timely and appropriate, maintaining APHA’s reputation, profile and visibility. This includes preparation and submission of research and surveillance results for publication, presentations at national and international scientific conferences and meetings. Ensure that resource is deployed in the most efficient way, ensuring value for money, with well-defined and appropriate objectives and aims. Identify new funding routes and develop grant proposal(s) for Defra and non-Defra funding.
Working Together and Stakeholder Engagement:
The postholder will work closely with staff across the VZ workgroup, relevant departments in APHA and government to deliver R&D in the field of viral zoonoses, particularly SARS-CoV-2 and other coronaviruses in animals. They will be required to provide expertise and advice to a range of stakeholders. They will represent the VZ WG at local, national and international levels with a broad range of stakeholders including Government policy makers, other Agencies / Organisations, academia, commercial customers and industry. They will also provide a supporting role for the VZ WGL in managing VZ disease incidents and outbreaks, liaising with veterinary and public health stakeholders and developing a One Health approach to working with viral zoonoses.
Performance Management:
They will create a team-working environment, in which everyone can and does contribute effectively and in which different perspectives are heard and channelled towards achieving the Agency’s objectives. To ensure that high standards and expectations of staff and team performance and behaviours are developed and maintained at all times. Provide direct line management of scientific staff, including coaching, mentoring, academic supervision and acting as an effective people manager / Civil Servant and EDI role model. The post holder will have opportunities for expanding expertise and Continuing Professional Development, both within and out with APHA for self and team members.
Health and Safety:
To support and maintain the establishment and maintenance of high health, safety and well-being standards and act as a role model. Ensure all work of the team is delivered in accordance with Health & Safety requirements. Contribute to the review, development and implementation of Health & Safety practices and procedures, including documentation, as required.
Quality Assurance and Legislation Compliance:
Ensure all work is delivered in accord to the appropriate standards of Quality Assurance. Support project work and procedures under the Animals Act (Scientific Procedures) 1986 in support of work of the NRLs and research.
Experience
- Post-graduate laboratory experience including scientific experiment delivery. Ability to plan, prioritise, be flexible and deliver with competing workloads.
- Disease pathogenesis technical skills set including data collation and analyses, contribution to published outputs.
- Working in partnerships, engagement with full range of staff, communication skills for internal interactions including sensitive information, evidence of working with collaborators.
The Weybridge site is a strategically important national asset due to its role as a reference laboratory supporting the Governments response to national emergencies including disease outbreaks. For this reason all postholders based on the APHA Weybridge site must hold a valid Counter Terrorist Check (CTC) security clearance or above. It is up to each person applying for a post at APHA Weybridge to ensure they meet the residency criteria. UK residency is required from 3 to 10 years depending on the level of Security. However residency qualification maybe reduced for certain roles and will be considered on a case by case basis.
Should you be successful at interview you will be required to undertake this security check along with Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) check. This includes: identity, employment status, nationality and immigration status, criminal records and any other essential pre-employment checks.
The successful candidate will need to comply with a number of health protocols and wear protective clothing and Respiratory Personal Protective Equipment (RPPE) as required.
Depending on the areas of work involved you will be expected to have any necessary vaccinations or health surveillance. This will be arranged by the Health Team, Weybridge. It may also be necessary to undergo a pre-employment medical assessment.
Periodic travel within the UK and internationally will be required.
A valid full driving licence is necessary or access to an alternative means of transport.
Due to access requirements to biosecure areas, individuals must be physically able.
Out of hours work may be required in the event of an incident and in relation to international stakeholder engagement.
Qualifications
Behaviours
We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
- Working Together
- Delivering at Pace
- Making Effective Decisions
- Communicating and Influencing
- Managing a Quality Service
Technical skills
We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:
- Experience with viral pathogens, working in biosecurity settings at least CL2, and knowledge or experience working at CL3.
- Contribution to peer-reviewed published papers and delivering external presentations.
- Working with animal model material (cells and tissues) for veterinary health and welfare, and/or human health in relation to viral diseases.
Benefits
Things you need to know
Selection process details
Application Process
As part of the assessment process, your application will consist of a CV and a Statement of Suitability of your experience (maximum of 500 words) which demonstrates your suitability for the role based on the Key Skills and Experience specified in the Job Description.
Sift
Sift and interview dates as well as the interview location to be confirmed.
Interview
If successful at application stage, you will be invited to interview where you will be assessed on your experience, technical criteria and behaviours.
You will be asked to give examples of Behaviours using Situation, Task, Action, Result (STAR) and will be assessed against the technical skills and experience requirements detailed in the Job description.
If successful for an interview you may be asked to undertake a further assessment such as a presentation and details of this will be given at the time.
Location
Please be aware that this role will be contractually based in a Defra group workplace/office. The successful candidate is required to carry out all their duties from a UK location, and cannot do so from an overseas location at any time.
Reserve List
A reserve list may be held for a period of 12 months from which further appointments can be made.
Salary
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.
Visa Sponsorship Statement
Please take note that Defra does not hold a UK Visa & Immigration (UKVI) Skilled Worker License sponsor and are unable to sponsor any individuals for Skilled Worker Sponsorship.
Reasonable Adjustment
If a person with disabilities is put at a substantial disadvantage compared to a non-disabled person, we have a duty to make reasonable changes to our processes.
If you need a change to be made so that you can make your application, you should:
- Contact Government Recruitment Service via [email protected] as soon as possible before the closing date to discuss your needs.
- Complete the “Assistance required” section in the “Additional requirements” page of your application form to tell us what changes or help you might need further on in the recruitment process. For instance, you may need wheelchair access at interview, or if you’re deaf, a Language Service Professional.
Accessibility
If you are experiencing accessibility problems with any attachments on this advert, please contact the email address in the ‘Contact point for applicants’ section.
Criminal Record Check
If successful and transferring from another Government Department, a criminal record check maybe carried out.
In order to process applications without delay, we will be sending a Criminal Record Check to Disclosure and Barring Service on your behalf. However, we recognise in exceptional circumstance some candidates will want to send their completed forms direct. If you will be doing this, please advise Government Recruitment Service of your intention by emailing [email protected] stating the job reference number in the subject heading.
Internal Fraud Database Check
Applicants who are successful at interview will be, as part of pre-employment screening subject to a check on the Internal Fraud Database (IFD). This check will provide information about employees who have been dismissed for fraud or dishonesty offences. This check also applies to employees who resign or otherwise leave before being dismissed for fraud or dishonesty had their employment continued. Any applicant’s details held on the IFD will be refused employment.
A candidate is not eligible to apply for a role within the Civil Service if the application is made within a 5-year period following a dismissal for carrying out internal fraud against government.
Loan and Fixed Term Appointments
Existing Civil Servants and applicants from accredited NDPBs are eligible to apply, but will only be considered on loan basis (Civil Servants) or secondment (accredited NDPBs). Prior agreement to be released on a loan basis must be obtained before commencing the application process. In the case of Civil Servants, the terms of the loan will be agreed between the home and host department and the Civil Servant. This includes grade on return.
This is a Fixed-term Appointment as a SEO Viral Zoonoses Senior Scientist on the SARs-CoV-2 research program in the Virology Department and APHA Science Directorate. The post is not permanent.
It is time limited due to a fixed funding period or as part of a specific project. The fixed term will end when the funding or the project expires.
Your responsibilities in this post will be developing the science and surveillance activities for Viral Zoonotic Diseases of veterinary and public health importance, contributing and leading both in vitro and in vivo studies of viral zoonotic viruses, and participating in strategic decisions, project and staff management and delivery of research activities within the National Reference Laboratory (NRL) remits for rabies, SARS-CoV-2 and viral haemorrhagic fevers in animals.
This post will therefore begin from your agreed start date and end in March 2026.
Full Time Only
This role is full time only. Applicants who wish to work an alternative pattern are welcome to apply however your preferred working pattern may not be available and you should discuss this with the vacancy holder before applying.
We may consider two part-time staff on a job-share basis if continuity can be arranged.
Childcare Vouchers
Any move to Defra from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. You may however be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax Free Childcare. Determine your eligibility at https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk.
Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.
Security
See our vetting charter (opens in a new window).
Medical
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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