At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage laboratory waste and assist in producing essential culture media for public health.
- Company: Join a leading organisation committed to equity and inclusion in the workplace.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience, develop skills, and contribute to meaningful public health initiatives.
- Other info: Enjoy a supportive environment with opportunities for growth and development.
- Why this job: Be part of a team that makes a real difference in health and safety.
- Qualifications: No specific qualifications required; just a willingness to learn and work hard.
The predicted salary is between 25000 - 30000 £ per year.
Responsibilities
This is a rotational role between the sections mentioned below; in each section the role will have key responsibilities.
- Central Technical Discard (CTD): Responsible for laboratory waste management and sterilisation of products and consumables on the Colindale site. Involves the collection of contaminated Hazard Group 2 laboratory waste from agreed central locations and its transportation to a centralised autoclave suite for thermal destruction. Sorting of treated waste material into various workstreams; recyclable material are washed and non-recyclable waste material packaged appropriately for collection and removal off site. The team is responsible for the processing and sterilisation of equipment used in laboratory testing and works closely with the Production section in ensuring bulk production material is processed through the product sterilisation autoclaves.
- Production section: Responsible for the production of ready-to-use culture media and ancillary reagents, in various formats, including its distribution to onsite, and some off-site, laboratories for application in public health, clinical microbiology, food microbiology or industrial uses. The team provides a distributor function for the ordering, receipt and delivery of commercial pre-poured media plates as required by laboratories on-site. This element of the department holds ISO9001:2015 certification, assessed via external inspections.
This is a rotational role between the sections in Media Services; in each section the role will have key responsibilities. Frequency of rotation will be a set period to provide stability and continuity for both staff and the department's overall functioning. However, if required, staff will be expected to move/cover activities to manage any business-critical impacts.
Departmental tasks involve a lot of repetitive activities i.e. aliquoting, labelling, as well as frequent manual handling activities i.e. lifting, shifting and pushing of heavy loads.
Equity and Inclusion
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.
Media Services Operative (Rotation) employer: UK Health Security Agency
At UKHSA, we are committed to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment where every employee can thrive. As a Media Services Operative in Colindale, you will benefit from a culture that values diversity and promotes professional growth through rotational responsibilities across key operational areas. With a focus on equity and inclusion, we offer meaningful opportunities to contribute to public health while ensuring your skills are developed in a dynamic and collaborative setting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Media Services Operative (Rotation)
✨Get Involved in Local Research Communities
Tap into local biotechnology meetups and research forums. These are great places to mingle with industry professionals, share your passion, and even discover unadvertised job openings. It's all about getting your face known in the field!
✨Leverage University Alumni Networks
If you're a recent grad, don’t underestimate the power of your university’s alumni network! Reach out to alumni working in biotechnology to gather tips about job openings at companies like UK Health Security Agency. You'd be surprised how willing people are to help out a fellow grad!
✨Show Off Your Projects
Curate a portfolio showcasing any research projects or internships you've completed in biotechnology. This tangible evidence of your skills can really impress employers when you chat with them at networking events or interviews. It's about making that killer first impression!
✨Stay Up-to-Date with Industry Trends
Biotech is a fast-paced field, so keeping yourself updated with the latest advancements is crucial. Attend industry conferences, webinars, or workshops to broaden your knowledge and meet potential employers. Plus, it’ll give you fantastic talking points for your interviews at places like UK Health Security Agency!
We think you need these skills to ace Media Services Operative (Rotation)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Lab Skills:In the biotechnology field, it's super important to highlight your lab experience in your CV. Be sure to mention specific techniques or instruments you've mastered (think PCR, gel electrophoresis, etc.) and any relevant projects you've worked on. This will show UK Health Security Agency that you have the hands-on skills they need.
Tailor Your Technical Skills:Make sure to emphasise your technical skills, especially those relevant to the biotechnology sector. Include any software tools or programming languages you've used, like R or Python for data analysis, which could be key for this role at UK Health Security Agency.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Since this is a full-time role, your cover letter should reflect not only your passion for biotechnology but also your long-term career ambitions. Share why you're excited about the work that UK Health Security Agency does and how you envision contributing to their goals. This shows that you’re not just looking for any job, but you're genuinely invested in this opportunity.
Include Your Papers and Projects:If you've published any papers or contributed to significant projects, mention them! These documents can boost your application and provide tangible evidence of your expertise in the biotechnology field. Don’t forget to link to any relevant publications or project summaries—this can set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at UK Health Security Agency
✨Brush Up on Lab Techniques
Since you're eyeing a full-time gig in biotechnology, make sure you're well-versed in the lab techniques relevant to the role. Be ready to talk about PCR, CRISPR, or any specific methods mentioned in the job description at UK Health Security Agency. You might even be asked to demonstrate your understanding of these processes.
✨Know Your Bioinformatics Tools
Get comfortable with bioinformatics tools that are commonly used in the industry, like BLAST or Bioconductor. These are key in biotechnology, and having hands-on experience or at least familiarity can set you apart. Prepare to discuss any relevant projects you've worked on, especially if they involved data analysis or genomic research.
✨Show Your Teamwork Skills
Biotech often involves collaboration across multiple disciplines. Be ready to share stories that highlight your teamwork and communication skills, especially in research projects. Think about working with different teams at university or any internships – this is where you can show how well you fit into UK Health Security Agency's culture.
✨Research Recent Biotech Innovations
Stay updated on the latest trends and breakthroughs in biotechnology. Knowing what's happening in the field can help you engage in more meaningful discussions during your interview. Bring up recent articles or advancements that excite you, especially those related to the work being done at UK Health Security Agency. This shows your passion for the industry!
