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UK Health Security Agency
About
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) will be responsible for planning, preventing and responding to external health threats, and providing intellectual, scientific and operational leadership at national and local level, as well as on the global stage. UKHSA will ensure the nation can respond quickly and at greater scale to deal with pandemics and future threats.
Assistant Healthcare Scientist
Closed for applications on: 7-May-2024 00:04
Vacancy status: Closed
Closed for applications on: 7-May-2024 00:04
Key details
Location
- Site
- Colindale
- Address
- 61 Colindale Avenue
- Town
- London
- Postcode
- NW9 5EQ
- Major / Minor Region
- London
Contract type & working pattern
- Contract
- 8 months (Fixed term until 31/12/2024)
- Hours
- Full time
- Part time
- Job share
- Flexible working
Salary
- Salary
- £26,392 - £26,994 per annum pro rata. Plus MPS to bring minimum earnings to £29,128
- Salary period
- Yearly
- Grade
- (Civil Service: Administrative Officer (AO))
Specialty
- Main area
- Scientist
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.
Job overview
This is a laboratory-based role within Gastrointestinal Bacteria Reference Unit (GBRU) with a primary focus on service delivery, undertaking laboratory procedures to a high degree of competence and assisting senior staff members to maintain an excellent Safety and Quality Management Systems within the Unit to ensure compliance with accreditation standards.
GBRU is a National Reference Laboratory and provides specialist and reference services for a specific range of hazard group 2 and 3 gastrointestinal and foodborne bacterial pathogens notably Bacillus cereus, Clostridium perfringens, C. botulinum, E. coli, Listeria, Campylobacter, Helicobacter, Salmonella Shigella, Yersinia and Vibrio species. GBRU works at local, regional, national and international levels to reduce the impact of food, water and environmentally borne illnesses on people’s health. 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. Currently, 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.
Advert
Your responsibilities include:
- undertaking basic microbiology and molecular laboratory duties under supervision guided by standard operating procedures, protocols or systems of work based on training provided, and taking into account the operational requirements of the laboratory.
- making judgments, planning activities and contributing to service development, and may have responsibility for supervision of some staff. Plus knowledge of how to deal with a range of non-routine activities, such as work allocation, problem solving for a team or area of work
- you will be required to be able to use the LIMS and general laboratory duties and to complement other members of the team. Training will be given, and we would be looking to develop the post holder to become competent in our techniques.
- ensuring all quality procedures are followed and adhered to within the laboratory, and highlight to the senior staff or Lead Quality Manager any non-compliances as required.
- contributing to internal and external audit programmes.
- ensuring compliance with UKAS & ISO 15189 and other accreditation and certification standards.
- taking every opportunity to suggest quality improvements.
Preference will be given to those candidates with previous laboratory experience, particularly in a microbiological environment
Working for our organisation
We pride ourselves on 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.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
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 priority in ensuring the safe running of laboratory services and the safety of all staff.
Hence, you will be required to :
Asset Management
- ensure efficient running and contribute to routine maintenance of all equipment, which will include high cost, complex equipment requiring calibration and regular maintenance is carried out following adequate training and competency assessment.
- be responsible for stock control of the Unit, ensuring sufficient stock levels are maintained for efficient service provision.
- carry out performance checks on equipment.
Management
- make decisions within defined limits of existing policy and operational process in conjunction with best practice and guidance from more senior staff and the lead Technical Laboratory Manager.
Strategy, Policy and Service Development
- support the implementation of new methods and technologies into the laboratory, in order to maximise quality and efficiency of testing.
Security, Health & Safety
- In collaboration with the lab safety officer and complying with safety policies and procedures:
- to ensure confidentiality and conformity to the requirement of the Data Protection Act, Caldicott principles and the laboratory Information Systems and Technology Security policy.
- to ensure that health and safety are afforded priority and to demonstrate commitment to health, safety and welfare of self, staff and visitors.
- to ensure attendance of self and managed staff on safety training courses as required in the UKHSA Health & Safety training Policy and other safety policies as appropriate.
- to agree to implement and follow safety objectives.
- to ensure that risk assessments are implemented and maintained.
- to notify accidents, near misses, dangerous situations and shortcomings in health and safety via the appropriate management structure.
IT infrastructure
- to be competent in the use of the laboratory’s IT systems and provide data to more senior staff as appropriate.
Professional Development
- identify, discuss and action own professional performance and training / development needs with your line manager through appraisal / individual development plan. Attending internal / external training events
- participate in all mandatory training as required, i.e. fire safety, information governance and all other mandatory training.
Key Working Relationships
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;
• Laboratory Management team
• Laboratory staff across BRD
• Other laboratory staff throughout the MS division and UKHSA
Essential Criteria
- Educated to A level (or BSc)/NVQ level 3 standard or equivalent to Diploma level.
- Experience in working in a CL2 laboratory including the use of bacteriology or molecular techniques
- Knowledge and understanding of laboratory safety requirements and procedures
-
Working knowledge of Microsoft Office including Word and Excel.
-
Previous experience of working in a laboratory environment using computerized data systems.
-
Well-developed physical skills, especially in the manipulation of pipettes and other laboratory.
-
Good understanding of quality assurance principles and procedures.
-
Able to deal with problems in a calm and efficient manner
-
Able to follow Standard Operation Procedures.
- An understanding of and commitment to equality of opportunity and good working relationships.
Desirable Criteria
-
Able to work on own initiative, organising own workload to set deadlines.
-
Undertaking or Educated to IBMS Cert of Achievement Part II level or equivalent level of qualification
Selection Process:
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
You will be required to complete an application form. You will be assessed on essential criteria, and this will be in the form of
- a CV/ Application form (‘Employer/ Activity history’ section on the application)
- a 1000 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/ Application form and Statement of Suitability will be marked separately, and you must pass both to move forward to interview.
Shortlisting: In the event of a large number of applications we will shortlist on all essential criteria.
If you are successful at this stage, you will progress to interview.
Please do not exceed 1000 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) remote interview.
Knowledge, experience, skills & abilities will be tested at interview.
Interviews will be held week commencing 20th May 2024. 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
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.
Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is Basic Personnel Security Standard
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.
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:
- Generous annual leave:
-26 days for the first 5 years of continuous service
-28 days after 5 years of continuous service
-32 days after 10 years of continuous service
-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/
Applicant requirements
The postholder will have access to vulnerable people in the course of their normal duties and as such this post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Person specification
CV
Essential criteria
- Educated to A level (or BSc)/NVQ level 3 standard or equivalent to Diploma level
- Experience in working in a CL2 laboratory including the use of bacteriology or molecular techniques
- Knowledge and understanding of laboratory safety requirements and procedures
- Working knowledge of Microsoft Office including Word and Excel
- Previous experience of working in a laboratory environment using computerized data systems
- Well-developed physical skills, especially in the manipulation of pipettes and other laboratory
- Good understanding of quality assurance principles and procedures
- Able to deal with problems in a calm and efficient manner
- Able to follow Standard Operation Procedures
Desirable criteria
- Undertaking or Educated to IBMS Cert of Achievement Part II level or equivalent level of qualification
- Able to work on own initiative, organising own workload to set deadlines
Statement of Suitability
Essential criteria
- Educated to A level (or BSc)/NVQ level 3 standard or equivalent to Diploma level
- Experience in working in a CL2 laboratory including the use of bacteriology or molecular techniques
- Knowledge and understanding of laboratory safety requirements and procedures
- Working knowledge of Microsoft Office including Word and Excel
- Previous experience of working in a laboratory environment using computerized data systems
- Well-developed physical skills, especially in the manipulation of pipettes and other laboratory
- Good understanding of quality assurance principles and procedures
- Able to deal with problems in a calm and efficient manner
- Able to follow Standard Operation Procedures
Desirable criteria
- Undertaking or Educated to IBMS Cert of Achievement Part II level or equivalent level of qualification
- Able to work on own initiative, organising own workload to set deadlines
Competencies
Essential criteria
- Educated to A level (or BSc)/NVQ level 3 standard or equivalent to Diploma level
- Experience in working in a CL2 laboratory including the use of bacteriology or molecular techniques
- Knowledge and understanding of laboratory safety requirements and procedures
- Working knowledge of Microsoft Office including Word and Excel
- Previous experience of working in a laboratory environment using computerized data systems
- Well-developed physical skills, especially in the manipulation of pipettes and other laboratory
- Good understanding of quality assurance principles and procedures
- Able to deal with problems in a calm and efficient manner
- Able to follow Standard Operation Procedures
Desirable criteria
- Undertaking or Educated to IBMS Cert of Achievement Part II level or equivalent level of qualification
- Able to work on own initiative, organising own workload to set deadlines
Documents
- Job Description (PDF, 312.6KB)
- Functional Requirement Form (PDF, 344.6KB)
- Civil Service Recruitment Principles (PDF, 2.6MB)
- Civil Service Nationality Rules (PDF, 345.1KB)
- Application Form Guidance Notes (PDF, 77.3KB)
- Information Sheet - Starting salaries and benefits (PDF, 129.4KB)
- Information Sheet - Selection Process (PDF, 110.1KB)
- Working at UKHSA and your benefits (PDF, 219.2KB)
Further details / informal visits contact
- Name
- Recruitment
- Job title
- Recruitment
- Email address
- [email protected]
No longer accepting applications
Sorry, this vacancy is no longer accepting applications.
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