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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.
Outbreak Response Laboratory Scientist
Accepting applications until: 23-Jul-2024 23:59
Vacancy status: Open
Accepting applications until: 23-Jul-2024 23:59
Key details
Location
- Gwefan
- Porton Down Salisbury, Wiltshire, SP4 0JG
- Tref
- Wiltshire
- Cod post
- SP4 0JG
- Major / Minor Region
- London
Contract type & working pattern
- Contract
- 9 months (Fixed term until : 31 March 2025)
- Oriau
- Full time
- Part time
- Job share
- Flexible working
Salary
- Cyflog
- £38,724 - £44,393 Per annum, per rata
- Cyfnod cyflog
- Yearly
- Gradd
- (Civil Service: Senior Executive Officer (SEO))
Specialty
- Prif leoliad
- Outbreak Response Laboratory 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.
Trosolwg o'r swydd
The outbreak response laboratory scientist plays a vital role in supporting various aspects of laboratory work aimed at combating infectious disease outbreaks in ODA-eligible countries. They will actively participate in the development, validation, and optimisation of assays crucial for the accurate and timely detection of infectious agents from patient specimens. The outbreak response laboratory scientist is also responsible for conducting routine maintenance tasks and implementing quality control measures to ensure that the RRML remains fully functional and ready for deployment. They will provide support and expertise to microbiology-focused UK-PHRST research projects and capacity strengthening activities. Collaborating with partners in ODA-eligible countries, they will contribute to building local capacity in microbiological techniques and outbreak response strategies in order to foster sustainable improvements in global public health.
The outbreak response laboratory scientist will be expected to deploy as part of the response function of the UK-PHRST. They will be part of a wider team on deployment and may be asked to act as team leader if needed.
Advert
- To support the microbiology team with the verification and optimisation of molecular assays required to maintain outbreak response capability of the UK-PHRST Rapid Response Mobile Laboratory.
- Assist in the identification, evaluation and adaptation of new technologies and diagnostic tests to enhance the laboratories capabilities both during peace time and when deployed to respond to outbreaks
- To take a leading role in quality, health and safety and training within the laboratory including the writing and review of documentation to ensure the rapid response mobile laboratory meets WHO standards for RRMLs.
- Undertake general laboratory duties including waste handling, equipment maintenance, stock control and ensuring a safe working environment.
- Prioritise, co-ordinate and organise own workload in line with the priorities of the UK-PHRST Microbiology Team.
- Engage with and support UK-PHRST Microbiology research and capacity-building initiatives during deployment.
- To ensure commitment to health, safety and welfare of self, colleagues, and visitors and to always comply with relevant UKHSA health and safety policies.
- To always work to the highest scientific standards.
- Undergo any training requirements as required for the post.
- To comply with all other UKHSA policies and procedures
Gweithio i'n sefydliad
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.
Swydd ddisgrifiad a phrif gyfrifoldebau manwl
For a full list of the main duties and responsibilities of the role, please refer to the attached Job Description.
Selection Process Details
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
- a 1500 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.
In the event of a large number of applications we will longlist.
In the event of a large number of applications we will shortlist based on experience with molecular microbiology and validation/verification of assays.
Unfortunately, late applications will not be considered.
If you are successful at this stage, you will progress to interview & assessment
Please do not exceed 1500 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 remote interview.
Knowledge, experience, skills & abilities will be tested at interview.
Interviews will be held week commencing 12th August 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.
Location Information
This role will be based at Porton Down Salisbury, Wiltshire, SP4 0JG office – Including travel to other UKHSA sites. Post will involve overseas travel as required by the UK-PHRST.
Eligibility Criteria
Open to all external applicants (anyone) from outside the Civil Service (including by definition internal applicants).
Security Clearance Level Requirement
Successful candidates for this role must pass an enhanced disclosure and barring security check before they can be appointed.
Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is Security Clearance.
For meaningful National Security Vetting checks to be carried out individuals need to have lived in the UK for a sufficient period of time. You should normally have been resident in the United Kingdom for the last 5 years as the role requires Security check. UK residency less than the outlined periods may not necessarily bar you from gaining national security vetting and applicants should contact the Vacancy Holder / Recruiting Manager listed in the advert for further advice.
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
Your application may be rejected and/or you may be subject to disciplinary action if evidence of plagiarism is detected. Examples of plagiarism can include presenting the ideas and experience of others, or generated by artificial intelligence (AI), as your own.
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/
Person specification
Qualification
Meini prawf hanfodol
- MSc or higher qualification in an appropriate medical / microbiological/biological science or equivalent level of experience at working at a similar level
Meini prawf dymunol
- HCPC registration
Knowledge and experience
Meini prawf hanfodol
- Experience of molecular microbiology, (including real time PCR) and serology (including ELISA and IFA)
- Experience in validation and verification of molecular assays for a diagnostic laboratory
- Experience of working in a regulated environment including the use and adherence to quality management systems (e.g. ISO 15189)2
Meini prawf dymunol
- Trained and experienced at working in ACDP Containment Level 3
- Experience of working in low and middle income countries or prior experience of working on previous incident responses
Skills and capabilities
Meini prawf hanfodol
- Clear communicator with excellent report writing and presentation skills; capable of constructing and delivering clear ideas and concepts concisely and accurately for diverse audiences
- The ability to analyse and interpret information, pre-empt and evaluate issues, and recommend an appropriate course of action to address the issues
- Independent thinker with demonstrated problem-solving and analytical skills with the ability to respond to sudden unexpected demands
- Skilled at working independently and efficiently managing tasks, even when facing tight or changing deadlines
- An effective team player able to liaise with and work with colleagues at all levels and is adaptable, flexible and can cope with uncertainty and change
Meini prawf dymunol
- Ability to communicate at a working level in other languages such as French, Portuguese, or Arabic
Equality and diversity
Meini prawf hanfodol
- An understanding of and commitment to equality of opportunity and good working relationships, but also in relation to management systems and working with multi-ethnic and multi-cultural teams.
Documents
- Job Description (PDF, 520.3KB)
- Civil Service Recruitment Principles (PDF, 2.6MB)
- Civil Service Nationality Rules (PDF, 195.3KB)
- 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
- Enw
- Natasha Kukadia
- Teitl y swydd
- Resourcing support
- Cyfeiriad ebost
- [email protected]
- Gwybodaeth i gefnogi eich cais
For information regarding the role please contact Daniel Carter, UK-PHRST Public Health Microbiologist (Genomics) - [email protected]
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