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
At Public Health Microbiology, laboratory teams undertake services of complex and highly skilled techniques which often require nationally or internationally unique capabilities or facilities. Reference laboratories are required to provide authoritative, final and validated analysis for complex clinical or food microbiological/virological problems and be innovative in driving microbiological/virological methodology developments and standards.
The work of microbiology reference units includes clinical microbiological advice and diagnosis, complex reference, service delivery, methodology development, microbial epidemiology, investigation of national and uncommon outbreaks, response to international health alerts and advice on the risks posed by various infections.
In response to threats to business-as-usual (BAU) service delivery and enhanced incidents, it is the role of the Operational Response Team (ORT) to be deployed to support reference service units and the operations team. The Biomedical Scientist will provide resilience to the bacteriology reference departments (BRD) or virology reference departments (VRD) in times of need.
When not deployed during an incident, they will concentrate on training, maintaining competency and development of skills required to assist in future incidents.
Advert
The Biomedical Scientist will work as part of the host laboratory team to deliver the reference laboratory services.
They will be responsible for the efficient processing of specimens and performing additional laboratory duties to ensure the efficient day to day performance of the laboratory, under the supervision of more senior Biomedical Scientist and Clinical Scientist staff.
They will undertake booking of specimens, inputting of data, filing, answering the telephone, reception work and perform other additional clerical and office duties appropriate to grade.
The Biomedical Scientist would be expected to assist in any UKHSA co-ordinated response or activity of a national/international nature.
Other main duties will include:
- Undertaking microbiological, serological and molecular laboratory duties under supervision guided by standard operating procedures (SOPs) including containment level 2 and 3.
- Be responsible for the reading and analysis of test results generated and entry of results onto the LIMS system.
- Collating and presenting data for discussion.
- Adhering to external and internal quality control practices.
- Attending meetings, plan and implement project plans.
- Monitoring safety cabinets and carrying out routine quality control procedures to maintain set standards.
- Participating in and supporting the research and development (R&D) activities within BRD & VRD and the organisation.
The above is not an exhaustive list.
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. Please visit our careers site for more information https://gov.uk/ukhsa/careers
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
- Be responsible for health, safety and welfare of self, staff and visitors in your own area ensuring that health and safety are afforded priority over other issues.
- Ensure a safe and healthy working environment by maintaining adequate safety levels.
- Notify any accidents, incidents or near misses, dangerous situations or shortcomings in health and safety training instructions via the appropriate management structure.
- Ensure compliance of work with UKAS ISO15189.
- Participate in internal and external audits and implementing corrective actions.
- Take responsibility for maintenance and acquisition of stock in order to ensure adequate service provision and continuity.
- Use databases and software packages as appropriate.
- Apply computer technology to the management of biological information.
- Data entry, spreadsheet analysis and managing the flow of paperwork.
- Ensure that routine services are maintained/designed to a satisfactory standard.
- Take responsibility for maintenance and acquisition of stock in order to ensure adequate service provision and continuity.
- Monitor the performance and maintenance of laboratory equipment.
- Ensure confidentiality and conformity to the requirements of the Data Protection Act in collaboration with the designated Caldicott Guardian, Data Protection Officer and Security of Information Officer.
- Actively participate and maintain a continuing professional development programme and be aware of relevant developments in microbiology and other biomedical science.
- Develop professional expertise by undertaking further appropriate training as required.
It should be noted that the work of the laboratory is of a confidential nature and must not be communicated to other persons except where required for authorised purposes.
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 your line manager.
The job description and person specification may be reviewed on an ongoing basis in accordance with the changing needs of the organisation.
Essential Criteria
- BSc in a Biological Science
- State registration with HCPC as a Biomedical Scientist and maintains professional competence
- Post-qualification laboratory experience in microbiology
- Knowledge of laboratory safety requirements and quality assurance procedures
- Experience in use of LIMS, and a range of common software (Microsoft Office, Excel)
- Confident in presentation of ideas and information with excellent analytical skills, and good organisation skills with particular attention to detail
- Self-motivating, organised and meticulous, and able to problem solve in a calm and efficient manner
Desirable Criteria
- Experience and/or understanding of scientific principles of molecular assays including Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) and sequencing technologies, and serological assays
Selection Process
This vacancy is using Success Profiles Success Profiles - GOV.UK and will assess your Behaviours, Experience and Technical skills.
Application & Sift
At sift stage you will be assessed against the 7 Essential Criteria listed in this job advert. You will be required to complete the following:
- Application Form - Employer/Activity History section on the application form
- 1500 word Supporting Statement - do not exceed 1500 words as we will not consider any words over this amount
Please complete the Application Form with as much detail as you can. As CVs cannot be uploaded or emailed to us, the Application Form and Supporting Statement are your CV and cover letter. Do include all relevant information about your skills, experience, and qualifications with reference to the 7 Essential Criteria listed in this job advert.
You will receive a joint score for your Application Form and Supporting Statement.
Longlisting
In the event of a large number of applications, we may longlist into 3 piles:
- Meets all Essential Criteria
- Meets some Essential Criteria
- Meets no Essential Criteri
Only ‘Meets all Essential Criteria' will proceed to shortlisting.
Shortlisting
In the event of a large number of applications, we may conduct an initial sift on the Lead Criteria:
- BSc in a Biological Science
- State registration with HCPC as a Biomedical Scientist and maintains professional competence
Desirable criteria may be used where there is a high volume of applications/successful candidates.
If you are successful at this stage, you will progress to Interview. Feedback is not provided at this stage.
Interview
You will be invited to a single face-to-face interview at UKHSA Colindale. Interview date(s) to be confirmed.
The Behaviours being tested during the interview will be:
- Managing a Quality Service (Lead Behaviour)
- Delivering at Pace
- Making Effective Decisions
Technical Skills will be assessed through questions asked during the interview.
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 as well as internal applicants.
Salary Information
Grade: AfC Band 5
£32,073 - £39,043 per annum, pro-rata
This role attracts HCAS Outer: 15% of annual salary, subject to a minimum payment of £4,870 and a maximum payment of £6,137.
This role is offered under Agenda for Change (AfC) Terms and Conditions.
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.
Location
This role is being offered as laboratory based at UKHSA Colindale, 61 Colindale Avenue, London NW9 5EQ.
Please note hybrid working is not available for this role.
Security Clearance Level Requirement
Successful candidates must pass a basic 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 (CTC). 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 Security CTC clearance. UK residency less than the outlined periods may not necessarily bar you from gaining national security vetting and applicants should contact the Resourcing contact listed in the advert for further advice.
IMPORTANT - PLEASE READ
If you experience technical difficulties when using Trac, please contact Support via https://apps.trac.jobs/support and provide screenshots/details of the issue encountered. If Trac cannot resolve your issue, you should notify the UKHSA Recruitment Team at [email protected] as soon as possible.
Please note that where no technical issue has been recorded by Trac, and no supporting evidence has been provided before the closing deadline, we will be unable to accept late applications. We therefore recommend submitting applications well in advance of the closing date and taking screenshots of any issues encountered.
Qualifications and Registrations
For roles where specific qualifications or registrations are required, successful applicants will be asked to provide appropriate evidence. Employment cannot commence until satisfactory documentation has been received and verified.
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.
If this role is fixed term and 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 UKHSA, you will take up the post as a loan which you will need your department to agree. Loans are normally agreed for a period of two years. However, this may be extended where required, subject to agreement between UKHSA and your home department. 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. If this role is permanent, it may also be available as a loan (for existing civil servants only) or secondment arrangement, subject to business need and agreement from the hiring manager and, where applicable, the employee's home organisation.
From time to time, the role holder may be required to support UKHSA’s incident response activity by contributing their appropriate expertise within an Incident Cell; during such periods, supported by the line manager, this work will take priority over normal day‑to‑day responsibilities, commensurate with their grade, skills and experience.
Late Applications will unfortunately not be considered.
Working for the Civil Service
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.
Agenda for Change roles -NHS Pension
For roles offered under Agenda for Change (AFC) Terms and Conditions (and if you are eligible)
• If you are already on AFC T&Cs or accept the role on a fixed-term contract, you will be enrolled in the NHS Pension Scheme or keep your current AFC Pension.
• If you take the role on a loan or temporary promotion, you will retain your existing, substantive T&Cs.
• If the role is available under either AFC or Civil Service T&Cs depending on your registration, your pension scheme will align accordingly.
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