Virology Technician

Based between UKHSA Porton and Colindale (London) sites, the High Containment Microbiology (HCM) department undertakes work on the highest categorisation of human and animal pathogens, those at ACDP (Advisory Committee on Dangerous Pathogens) and SAPO (Specified Animal Pathogens Order) Hazard Group 4, to support UK and international clinical and research needs. The main roles of the department are to:

• Deliver efficient effective co-ordination of response to disease outbreaks by high consequence pathogens
• To ensure the provision of trained and competent staff to work at high containment for the UK clinical and public health need
• To develop and implement a scientific strategy to keep the area at the cutting edge of scientific and technological advances for working with high consequence pathogens
• To conduct research and development activities for ACDP4 and SAPO4 pathogens, The post-holder will work as part of a small team to provide key cell culture expertise and laboratory support for a wide range of diagnostic virology, assay development and research activities at Containment Levels 2, 3 and 4 (CL2, CL3 and CL4), to support the UK response to disease outbreaks caused by high consequence pathogens. The post-holder will be required to fulfil all appropriate training and security clearance requirements.
  
  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.