Diagnostics Scientist (Diagnostic Assurance and Evaluation) in Birmingham

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) prevents, prepares for and responds to infectious diseases, and environmental hazards, to keep all our communities safe, save lives and protect livelihoods.

We provide scientific and operational leadership, working with local, national and international partners to protect the public's health and build the nation's health security capability.

UKHSA is an executive agency, sponsored by the Department of Health and Social Care.

Job overview

The successful applicants will join as a Scientist in the Pathogen Diagnostic Assurance Group (PDAG) providing serological/molecular/antigenic expertise to deliver scientific and technical projects.

The post holder, being a key member of the PDAG, will evaluate in-house and commercial assays and ensure assurance of diagnostic assays for use in UKHSA, Devolved Administrations or NHS diagnostic labs. They will work concurrently on projects to ensure the scientific strategy of the department, and group are met, incorporating with their Line Manager of the constraints of time, cost, and quality.

The post holder will be expected to be flexible to the demands of the project, have excellent communication skills and use their technical experience to ensure the project(s) worked on are done so effectively. They will be required to specialise in one of the following areas:

• Molecular Reviews
• Antigen Reviews
• Evaluation Pipeline Review

Main duties of the job

• Evaluate a range of molecular, serological, and antigenic assays across pathogens from the UKHSA's priority pathogen list in support of diagnostic evaluation and to support pandemic preparedness, ensuring targets are met according to agreed specifications and timelines.
• Independent working under the direction of the Line Manager to identify, and evaluate diagnostic technologies, where appropriate, and to ensure that the project operates to a high scientific standard using current methods.
• Participate in the supervision and training of junior staff allocated to the project in specific areas of expertise.
• Provide reports through collation of data using software and databases as necessary, to meet project targets.
• To perform any other duties required by the Line manager commensurate with grade.
• To ensure that the project team undertakes work in accordance with UKHSA's Code of Safety Practice and to work within any Quality Systems that are applicable to the site.
• To fulfil the requirements of UKHSA Values and Behaviours and the Civil Service Code.
• To comply with all UKHSA policies and procedures.

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.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

The above is only an outline of the tasks, responsibilities and outcomes required of the role. You will carry out any other duties as may reasonably be required by the directorate. The job description and person specification may be reviewed on an ongoing basis in accordance with the changing needs of the organisation.

Professional development

You should pursue a programme of continuous professional development in accordance with any relevant professional registration or statutory requirements, while maintaining appropriate awareness of service provider requirements.

Essential role criteria

• Substantive experience of microbiological diagnostic test development, evaluation, or validation for the diagnosis of bacteria and viruses, e.g., real-time PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction), ELISA (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay), IFA (Immunofluorescent Assay), and LFD (Lateral Flow Device).
• Degree in relevant subject e.g., Biomedical Science Microbiology/Virology/Molecular Biology/Immunology or equivalent relevant experience
• Experience of working with clinical samples and diagnostic testing
• Substantive experience in training junior staff and working within and across teams
• Demonstrates experience of having work experience within a regulated environment (e.g., ISO 9001; GLP, UKAS - United Kingdom Accreditation Service).
• 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 system

Desirable role criteria

• Experience or understanding of working at ACDP ( Advisory Committee of Dangerous Pathogens ) CL2 and/or CL3 with a range of microbial pathogens including culture, nucleic acid extraction, antigen preparation
• Track record of publications and submitting proposals to promote and develop research areas
• Experience or understanding of LIMS systems for patient sample management including data analysis and queries on samples, sample types and tests

Selection Process Details

This vacancy is using Success Profiles and will assess your Behaviours, Technical skills and Experience.

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

If used, the pile(s) 'Meets all essential criteria' and will proceed to shortlisting.

In the event of a large number of applications we may conduct an initial sift, on the lead criteria of:

• Substantive experience of microbiological diagnostic test development, evaluation, or validation

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