Technician Scientist (Assay Operations) EO United Kingdom
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About the job
Job summary
The Vaccine Development and Evaluation Centre (VDEC), based at UKHSA Porton, is based in a new world-class research facility dedicated to the development and testing of new vaccines and therapeutics for COVID-19 and other emerging health security threats. Research undertaken includes clinical testing to support regulatory licensing of new vaccines and therapeutics to inform government decisions on vaccination policies.
This postholder will primarily be responsible for the delivery of high throughput immunoassay/microbiology laboratory assays, laboratory housekeeping and maintenance, recording and reporting of results and ensuring the work is carried out to high scientific, safety and quality standard.
Location
UKHSA Porton Down, SP4 0JG
*Please be aware that this role can only be worked from within the UK and not overseas. Relocation expenses are not available.*
Job description
To provide microbiology/immunoassay support in a team responsible for the delivery of the immunological assays within the Medical Intervention Group, on a range of UK Government Vaccine Task Force (VTF) and commercially funded projects concerned with testing of clinical trial samples for various vaccine developers.
The postholder will have degree (or equivalent and/or experience) in a relevant area (i.e. microbiology, molecular, immunology or virology) and laboratory environment and ability to undertake a broad range of standard laboratory techniques. The post holder will need good communication skills and ability to work in a team. The post holder will require good written and verbal communication skills, ability to work in a team and be flexible and adaptable to the demands of the project.
Responsibilities section:
As a Technician Scientist your main responsibilities will include:
- Utilize a range of laboratory methods/assays/techniques in support of all activities associated with the project aimed to ensure project targets are met.
- Take responsibility for the provision of laboratory reagents and consumables required for the project and document storage of materials.
- Take responsibility laboratory housekeeping and/or supervision and ensure laboratory maintenance.
- Ensure that the project operates to a high scientific standard using current methods.
- Ensure accurate documentation and tracking of samples and data and laboratory records and correctly follow SOP’s.
- Record and provide data, perform analysis as necessary to meet project targets and for preparation of presentations and publications.
- To perform any other duties required by the Line manager commensurate with grade
- To ensure that the project team undertakes work in accordance with the UKHSA – Porton Code of Safety Practice and to work within any Quality Systems that are applicable to the site
- To maintain health and safety competence to the national occupational standard ‘Make sure your actions reduce risks to health and safety’ (NOS HSS1)
- To fulfil the requirements of UKHSA Values and Behaviours commensurate with grade
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:
- Relevant degree (or equivalent qualification and/or experience) in a microbiology topic/environment.
- Experience in relevant methods (e.g. immunoassays, cell-based assays, cell culture, microbiology, virology) acquired through previous employment, placements or taught course.
- Experience of working in a ACDP containment level 2 laboratory environment.
- Experience or understanding of working within a regulated environment (e.g. ISO9001, GCP)
- Good understanding and experience of safe working practices
Desirable
- Good knowledge and practical experience with specialist techniques for project i.e. working in a containment level 3 laboratory, working in a high throughput environment, immunoassays
Behaviours
We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
- Changing and Improving
- Delivering at Pace
- Working Together
Technical skills
We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:
- Experience through work or taught course of working in a laboratory environment.
- Experience through work or taught course of relevant lab techniques
- Ability to work in a team, good time management skills and flexibility.
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 Porton Down, Salisbury. Alternatively, a Teams interview can be offered.
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 their technical experience and a blended interview against a mixture of Behaviours and Strength elements of Success Profiles.
The Behaviours tested during the interview stage will be:
- Changing and Improving
- Delivering at pace
- Working Together
Technical Skills will also be assessed on:
- Knowledge of standard microbiology and immunoassay techniques
- Knowledge of working in a regulated environment and safe working practices
- Planning and prioritization
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.
For further information on the selection process, please refer to the attached Candidate Pack.
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
Expected Timeline:
Advert close: 23:55hrs on 23rd 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: 30th May 2023
Interviews: W/C – 5th 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/
Are you already a civil servant, or employed by a Civil Service Commission accredited public body? Please state home department on your application form.
Do you meet the nationality requirements for this post? 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
