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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.

Contact

Address: 10 South Colonnade; London; E14 4PU

Find out more

Jobs Website

Open

Ref: 919-301753-EXT Vacancy ID: 7645300

Unit Head of Colindale Sequencing Laboratory (CSL)

Accepting applications until: 17-Dec-2025 23:59

Vacancy status: Open

Accepting applications until: 17-Dec-2025 23:59

Location

Site: Colindale
Town: Colindale, London
Postcode: NW9 5EQ
Major / Minor Region: London

Contract type & working pattern

Contract

Permanent

Hours

Full time
Part time
Job share
Flexible working

37.5 hours per week

Salary

Salary: £76,965 - £88,682 per annum, pro rata. Plus, Outer HCAS. Up to 15% of basic salary PA PR
Salary period: Yearly
Grade: (NHS AfC: Band 8c)

Specialty

Main area: Science

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.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

In partnership with PHM Laboratories staff, develop strong integration between nucleic acid extraction and upstream sample processing.
Maintain strong linkages with the processing and analysis of sequence data.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

To be responsible for the provision of expert advice and CSL services for clinically significant organisms, including the provision of interpretation of data for laboratory reports with expert comment and advice to Consultant Medical Microbiologists, Consultants in Health Protection, Senior Officers of the Department of Health and Social Care and other Government bodies and international Institutes.
Work collaboratively with UKHSA and NHS laboratories and other Government bodies, Academic and international Institutes and provide support, leadership and strategy for the implementation and development of molecular technologies for Clinical PHM (supporting UKHSA, NHS and Academic and other institutes).
On behalf of UKHSA provide expert scientific, professional and managerial inputs for the activities of Working Groups and Specialist committees in pathogen laboratory sequencing.
To be responsible for the management, health and safety and training of CSL staff, visitors, trainees and PhD students.
To maintain an awareness of Health and Safety and comply with current site requirement and ensure that relevant legislations and policies are implemented within CSL and ensure that it is compliant with statutory Health and Safety Regulations, including COSHH, together with the appropriate accreditation systems and that staff have appropriate registration and maintain participation with Continued Professional Development Schemes.
To manage the CSL budget, including budget control, expenditure projections, equipment priorities, external funding and income generation activities.
Manage the quality, performance and verification of the accredited CSL laboratory services ensuring compliance with UKAS standards.
To assist in the operation of PHM Laboratories by membership of PHM Management Groups.
To represent CSL and PHM laboratories at internal/external, local, national & international meetings and committees.
To lead working groups and discussion on the strategic planning and implementation of UKHSA sequencing services.
To contribute, manage and provide expertise and leadership to CSL business management including negotiation with customers, reviewing efficiency and Unit performance and pursuing business opportunities within UKHSA and with external customers.
To be an on-call expert in laboratory sequencing of bio-threat agents.

This is not an exhaustive list.

Essential criteria

Degree (BSc / MSc) in a biological science, molecular biology or bioinformatics.
PhD in molecular microbiological subject or equivalent experience in relevant laboratory sciences
Relevant professional qualification i.e., registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) as Clinical Scientist or Biomedical Scientist
Expertise in the areas covered by the unit and experience in running NGS Platforms and Applied Biosystems sequencing
Proven and extensive experience of supervision and leadership
Knowledge of automated liquid handling
Experience, knowledge and understanding of Quality Assurance Principles and Procedures
Experience, knowledge and understanding of laboratory safety requirements and procedures
Experience in training staff and competency assessment
Knowledge of clinical microbiology, including bacteriology and virology.
Data analysis and data presentation skills: Presenting evaluation information to meetings/groups where highly qualified experts debate the work the post holder has prepared
Skills for communication on complex information and administrative matters, requiring developed interpersonal and oral/ written communication skills
Able to communicate effectively with all grades of staff both internal and external to the UKHSA
Problem solving skills and ability to respond to sudden unexpected demands
Advanced keyboard skills, use of a range of software
Ability to work on own initiative and organise own workload with minimal supervision working to tight and often changing timescales
An understanding of and commitment to equality of opportunity and good working relationships, both in terms of day-to-day working practices, but also in relation to management systems

Desirable criteria:

Relevant business or management training to certificate level
Experience and knowledge of project principles
Evidenced management experience of at least five years for scientific, technical and student staff.
R&D project management and team building experience
Strong R&D publication record and presenting at national and international audience
Ability to attract external and internal grant funding
Excellent time management skills with the ability to re-prioritise

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 abilities outlined in the essential criteria.

Stage 1: Application & Sift

You will be required to complete an application form. You will be assessed on the listed 17 essential criteria, and this will be in the form of a:

Application form (‘Employer/ Activity history’ section on the application)
Up to 1,200 supporting statement

This should outline how your skills, experience, and knowledge, provide evidence of your suitability for the role, with reference to the essential criteria.

The Application form and supporting statement will be marked together.

Please note you will not be able to upload your CV. You must complete the application form in as much detail as possible. Please do not email us your CV.

Longlisting:

In the event of a large number of applications we will longlist into 3 piles of:

Meets all essential criteria
Meets some essential criteria
Meets no essential criteria

The following will be taken through to the next stage:

Meets all essential criteria
Meets some essential criteria

Shortlisting:

In the event of a large number of applications we will shortlist on the following:

Degree (BSc / MSc) in a biological science, molecular biology or bioinformatics.
PhD in molecular microbiological subject or equivalent experience in relevant laboratory sciences
Relevant professional qualification i.e., registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) as Clinical Scientist or Biomedical Scientist
Expertise in the areas covered by the unit and experience in running NGS Platforms and Applied Biosystems sequencing
Proven and extensive experience of supervision and leadership

Desirable criteria may be used in the event of a large number of applications / large amount of successful candidates.

If you are successful at this stage, you will progress to interview & assessment.

Please do not exceed 1,200 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 at Colindale. In exceptional circumstances, we may be able to offer a remote interview via teams.

Knowledge, experience, skills & abilities will be tested at interview

You will be asked to prepare and present a 10-minute presentation at the start of your interview. The presentation will be designed to allow the candidates to demonstrate their knowledge of and experience in leading and delivering a Next Generation Sequencing service. Full details will be provided at interview stage.

Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.

Location

This role is being offered as hybrid working based at our Scientific Campus in Colindale.

We offer great flexible working opportunities at UKHSA and operate using 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 be expected to spend a minimum of 60% of your contractual working hours (approximately 3 days a week pro rata, (averaged over a month).

If based at one of our scientific campuses, you will be required to have a minimum of a Counter Terrorism Check security vetting check as a minimum. 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 3 years as the role requires Counter Terrorism Check (CTC) clearance. In exceptional circumstances 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. 

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 Counter-terrorist Check.

Eligibility Criteria – External

Open to all external applicants (anyone) from outside the Civil Service (including internal applicants).  

Salary Information

If you are successful at interview, and are moving from another government department, NHS, or Local Authority, the relevant starting salary principles for level transfers or promotions will apply. Otherwise, roles are offered at the pay scale minimum for the grade, but in exceptional circumstances there may be flexibility if you are able to demonstrate you are already in receipt of an existing, higher salary. Pay increases are through the relevant annual pay award for the role and terms.

IMPORTANT - PLEASE READ

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Artificial Intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.

Link below:

Artificial intelligence and recruitment | Civil Service Careers

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.  You may be able to take this role up as a Secondment. If you are an existing Civil Servant, based outside of the UKHSA, you will take up the post as a loan which you will need your department to agree. You cannot take the post up as a fixed term. 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.

Working for the Civil Service

The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) 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 (opens in a new window).

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.

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.

The panel will assess if candidates meet the requirement of the role first, using a specific benchmark system. 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.

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/

International Police Check

If you have spent more than 6 months abroad over the last 3 years you may need an International Police Check. This would not necessarily have to be in a single block, and could be time accrued over that period.

Internal Fraud check

If successful for this role as one aspect of pre-employment screening, applicant’s personal details – name, national insurance number and date of birth - will be checked against the Cabinet Office Internal Fraud Hub and anyone included on the database will be refused employment unless they can show exceptional circumstances. Currently this is only for External candidates to the Civil Service.

Security Vetting

Please check the Security Clearance needed for the role and follow the link for more information:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/united-kingdom-security-vetting-clearance-levels/national-security-vetting-clearance-levels

Future location

UKHSA is investing in a new state-of-the-art National Biosecurity Centre in Harlow, Essex, which will eventually bring together teams currently based at Canary Wharf, Colindale and Porton Down. For more details, please see: Huge biosecurity centre investment to boost pandemic protection - GOV.UK.

The new facilities will start becoming operational in the mid-2030s, with full completion by 2038. Staff will move in phases as facilities become available. If you're appointed to a role currently based at Canary Wharf, Colindale or Porton Down, please note that we'll continue investing in these sites for the next decade. As we get closer to the transition, we'll provide full information about relocation support available to staff.

Applicant requirements

You must have appropriate UK professional registration.

Person specification

Application form and supporting statement

Essential criteria

Application form and supporting statement

Essential Criteria

Essential criteria

Questions on experience, knowledge and skills

Essential Criteria

Essential criteria

Presentation

Documents

Further details / informal visits contact

Name: Gurkamal Bhambra
Job title: Resourcing
Email address: [email protected]
Additional information: For information regarding the role please contact [email protected]