Specialist Biomedical Scientist

UK Health Security Agency

Specialist Biomedical Scientist

£42618

UK Health Security Agency, City of Westminster

  • Full time
  • Temporary
  • Remote working

Posted 2 weeks ago, 18 May | Get your application in now before you miss out!

Closing date: Closing date not specified

job Ref: 5ae16622de5d46fb972f585b0bcf4664

Full Job Description

The United Kingdom Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is a system leader for health security; taking action internationally to strengthen global health security, providing trusted advice to government and the public and reducing inequalities in the way different communities experience and are impacted by infectious disease, environmental hazards, and other threats to health.
UKHSA's remit, as an agency with a global-to-local reach, is to protect the health of the nation from infectious diseases and other external threats to health. As the nation's expert national health security agency UKHSA will:
+ Prevent: anticipate threats to health and help build the nation's readiness, defences and health security
+ Detect: use cutting edge environmental and biological surveillance to proactively detect and monitor infectious diseases and threats to health
+ Analyse: use world-class science and data analytics to assess and continually monitor threats to health, identifying how best to control and mitigate the risks
+ Respond: take rapid, collaborative and effective actions nationally and locally to mitigate threats to health when they materialise
+ Lead: lead strong and sustainable global, national, regional and local partnerships designed to save lives, protect the nation from public health threats and reduce inequalities., Activities include provision of bacterial typing services to assist national surveillance, the detection and investigation of outbreaks and specialist microbiological services for the examination of clinical, food, water and environmental samples. We use a combination of phenotypic and genotypic methods is used to detect, identify and type bacterial isolates and this increasingly involves the use of whole genome sequencing. We are streamlining workflows for different pathogens across the unit to facilitate implementation of new technology whilst maintaining the capability to perform standard reference methods. GBRU has a high propriety in ensuring the safe running of laboratory services and the safety of all staff., To assist the Section team's leader and the Section's Manager in:
· Ensuring that GBRU provides a national and international service in all aspects of the work of the unit.
· To technically and medically validate clinical results.
· Processing samples using a variety of microbiology techniques as appropriate, including molecular and conventional microbiological analysis on a range of gastrointestinal bacterial isolates and clinical specimens
· Working with senior staff to ensure that both the service and non-service work of the unit is carried out in a safe, effective, timely manner and operates to a quality system
· Ensuring the safe practice across the unit.
· Writing SOPs, RA, IQA analysis and other quality duties according to ISO15189 standards.
· Supervising staff within sections to ensure delivery of services
· Participating in research and development activities within GBRU

Working for our organisation
We pride ourselves as being an employer of choice, where Everyone Matters promoting equality of opportunity to actively encourage applications from everyone, including groups currently underrepresented in our workforce.
UKHSA ethos is to be an inclusive organisation for all our staff and stakeholders. To create, nurture and sustain an inclusive culture, where differences drive innovative solutions to meet the needs of our workforce and wider communities. We do this through celebrating and protecting differences by removing barriers and promoting equity and equality of opportunity for all., The post holder will provide expertise in managing the merge and delivery of reference services across GBRU, particularly with respect to changing practice and streamlining existing work flows. They will ensure that GBRU provides a national and international service in all aspects of the work of the unit. They will work with senior staff to ensure that both the service and non-service work of the unit is carried out in a safe, effective, timely manner and operates to a quality system: this includes molecular and conventional microbiological analysis on a range of gastrointestinal bacterial isolates and clinical specimens. The post holder will assist in managing safety within GBRU and ensure that processes are followed according to HSE legislation. The post holder will be registered with the Health and Care Profession Council (HCPC).
In GBRU the biomedical scientists assist in the provision and organisation of safe, timely, high quality and economical CL2 and CL3 reference services within GBRU. The post-holder will undertake DNA-based detection and typing for a range of pathogens with assays and techniques such as real-time polymerase chain reaction and whole genome sequencing (WGS), analyse genotypic data with relevant software, assist in the development and maintenance of the genotypic subtyping databases and analyse results and validate reports for service users. The post holder will also be involved in analysing and validating results of samples received.
Other duties involve providing a flexible laboratory response to emergency public health needs including investigation of incidents of deliberate release of pathogenic organisms, outbreaks of gastrointestinal disease and to general investigations of illness as appropriate, dealing with customers' queries, assisting with evaluation and implementation of new techniques / methods to the unit that enhance effectiveness of the laboratory work, writing and updating SOPs, COSHHs and risk assessments.
The post holder will be expected to work safety within the section and to comply with safety policies and procedures, ensure that health, safety and welfare is an afforded priority over other issues and to demonstrate a commitment to health, safety and welfare regarding self, all staff and visitors in the unit, and manage the CL2 and CL3 rooms in collaboration with other staff.
Other duties include participating in the internal and external safety audits as required and implement any arising corrective actions. Knowledge of the Health and Safety at Work Act of 1974 which requires you to take reasonable care for the health and safety of yourself and others who may be affected by your acts and omissions at work is required.
With respect to quality management, the post holder will report non-conformances and undertake root cause analysis and implement actions for improvement of processes and services, contribute to internal and external quality assurance programmes, ensure compliance with ISO15189 and other accreditation and certification standards, and suggest quality improvements.
The post holder will develop working relationships and communicate regularly with a wide range of individuals, clinical and non-clinical, internal and external to UKHSA. This will include working in close collaboration with the Senior Biomedical Scientists and other staff within GBRU and the bacteriology division, liaising with other staff within the Bacteriology Reference Department and Clinical and Public Health Services., This vacancy will be assessed using a competency-based framework which will assess your Qualifications, knowledge and experience and / or skills and capabilities outlined in the essential criteria.
Stage 1: Application & Sift
Competency-based assessments
You will be required to complete an application form. You will be assessed on the above listed essential criteria and this will be in the form of
+ a CV/ Application form ('Employer/ Activity history' section on the application)
+ a 1250 word Statement of Suitability.
This should outline how you consider your skills, experience, and knowledge, provide evidence of your suitability for the role, with reference to the essential criteria.
The CV and Statement of Suitability will be marked together
Longlisting: In the event of a large number of applications we will longlist.
Shortlisting: In the event of a large number of applications we will shortlist on essential criteria
Unfortunately, late applications will not be considered
If you are successful at this stage, you will progress to interview and assessment
Please do not exceed 1250 words. We will not consider any words over and above this number.
Feedback will not be provided at this stage.
Stage 2: Interview (competency based)
You will be invited to a (single) face to face interview.
Knowledge, experience, skills & abilities will be tested at interview
There will be a 5-10 minute Presentation. The subject of this will be sent to you prior to the interview.
Interviews will be held week commencing TBC. Please note, these dates are subject to change.
Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.
Eligibility Criteria
External
Open to all external applicants (anyone) from outside the Civil Service (including by definition internal applicants).
Security Clearance Level Requirement
Successful candidates must pass a disclosure and barring security check.
Working for the Civil Service:
The Civil Service Code sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.

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 welcomes applications from people who have recently left prison or have an unspent conviction. Read more about prison leaver recruitment.
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.
If you are interviewed for the post and do not meet the required threshold for the specified grade, your application may be assessed against a similar, lower grade role and you may be offered the post should one be available
Starting salary
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.
For further details please refer to the Information Sheet - Starting Salaries & Benefits attachment
Face to Face interviews
If face to face interviews are planned, in exceptional circumstances, we may be able to offer a remote interview
IMPORTANT - PLEASE READ
This is a Non-Reserved post under the Civil Service Nationality Rules. To be eligible for employment in the UK Civil Service applicants must meet the Civil Service Nationality Rules (CSNRs) which operate independently of and additionally to the Immigration Rules. Applicants must also meet necessary security and vetting requirements, along with any other relevant pre-employment checks.
This job is broadly open to the following groups:
+ UK nationals
+ nationals of the Republic of Ireland
+ nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
+ nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window)
+ nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
+ individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
+ Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service
For more information on job nationality requirements and the right to work in the UK, see the Civil Service Nationality rules (opens in a new window) and the UK Visas and Immigration rules (opens in a new window)
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.
The Civil Service pay structure and progression is different from NHS Agenda for Change (AfC), most local authority pay grades and other systems that have annual pay increments. For further details, please refer to the Information Sheet- Starting Salaries & Benefits attachment.
For AfC or Medical/Dental posts, you must have the correct professional registration to be appointed. The pay will follow the AfC or Medical & Dental terms & conditions. You may be asked to provide evidence of previous service whilst we are conducting pre-employment checks to determine your starting salary.
For Temporary Appointments, if you are not currently a civil servant, you will take up the post on a Fixed Term appointment. If you are an existing Civil Servant, based outside of the UKHSA, you will take up the post as a loan. If you are an existing UKHSA member of staff, you will take up the post as either a level transfer or a temporary promotion as per the UKHSA's Pay policy.
Given the nature of the work of the UKHSA, as a Category 1 responder under the Civil Contingencies Act, you may be required in an emergency, if deemed a necessity, to redeploy to another role at short notice. You may also be required to work at any other location, within reasonable travelling distance of your permanent home address, in line with the provisions set out in your contract of employment.
Late Applications will unfortunately not be considered.
The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equality of opportunity. The law requires that selection for appointment to the Civil Service is on merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's Recruitment Principles (attached as a supporting document).
If you feel your application has not been treated in accordance with the Recruitment Principles, and you wish to make a complaint, in the first instance, you should contact UKHSA Public Accountability Unit via email: [email protected] If you are not satisfied with the response you receive from the Department, you can contact the Civil Service Commission: Visit the Civil Service Commission website here.
Reserve List - If more than the required number of suitable candidates pass the interview criteria, you may be kept on a reserve list for 12 months subject to your agreement. You may be contacted, in merit-order, if similar roles with closely matching essential criteria become available and the department choose to appoint from a reserve list.
Interview expenses will not be reimbursed.
UKHSA is required to check employment and/or education history covering three consecutive years. Please ensure you give details of at least two different referees, even if you were employed in one company for three years or more.
If you are offered a job, information will also be transferred into the national NHS Electronic Staff Records system. Please note, all communication regarding your application will be made via email, please ensure you check your junk/spam folders as emails are sometimes filtered there.
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 https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk/.
Benefits of working at UKHSA include

+ Practical experience of food or water microbiology and a good understanding of clinical microbiology of HG3 pathogens
+ HCPC Registration
+ BSc or equivalent higher degree in Microbiology or relevant science subject
+ Sufficient relevant experience of multiple laboratory techniques including use of molecular techniques.
+ Ability to prioritise workload in a timely manner
+ Experience in working individually and as part of a team
+ Supervisory and training skills including organizing workload for others and skills for communication on complex matters and difficult situations, requiring persuasion and influence
Desirable criteria
+ Specific research and development interests

Plus public holidays and one privilege day for the King's birthday
+ Access to a generous Defined Benefit pension scheme with employer contributions.
+ Access to a cycle-to-work salary sacrifice scheme, season ticket advances and payroll giving.
+ Access to a retail discounts and cashback site.
+ We also promote flexible working patterns (part-time, job-share, condensed hours). UKHSA views flexible working as essential in enabling us to recruit and retain talented people, ensuring that they are able to enjoy a long-lasting career with us. All employees have the right to apply for flexible working and there are a range of options available including working from home, compressed hours and job sharing.
+ We also offer a generous maternity/ paternity and adoption leave package.
Hybrid Working
UKHSA operates a hybrid working model where business needs allow. This provides us with greater flexibility about how and where we work, to get the best from our workforce.
As a hybrid worker, you will usually spend a minimum of 60% of your contracted hours (averaged over a month) working at one of UKHSA's locations (approximately 3 days a week pro rata) and the rest of your time working from home.
Disability Confident Scheme
The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria at sift to ensure these candidates are invited to interview. If you wish to be included in this scheme please tick the box on your application form.
Reasonable Adjustments
The Civil Service is committed to making sure that our selection methods are fair to everyone.
To help you during the recruitment process, we will take into account any reasonable adjustments that could help you.
An adjustment is a change to the recruitment process or an adjustment at work.
This is separate to the Disability Confident Scheme.
If you need an adjustment to be made at any point during the recruitment process you should:
Contact the recruitment team in confidence as soon as possible to discuss your needs.
You can find out more information about reasonable adjustments across the Civil Service here: https://www.civil-service-careers.gov.uk/reasonable-adjustments