About the job

Job summary

2x Permanent and 1x Fixed Term Contract Position

We are looking for an Assay Technician to join our Clinical Evaluation Team and contribute delivery of projects related to GxP testing of vaccine candidates in our Vaccine Development and Evaluation Centre. The VDEC is a world-class facility that conducts laboratory research to support all stages of vaccine and therapeutic development, from discovery to licensure on a range of emerging health security threats. The Clinical Evaluation team in VDEC played a critical role in the COVID-19 response and is now expanding its scope and impact into a range of other infectious diseases. As a member of our team, you will help and shape the UK’s vaccine strategy and contribute to the health and economic prosperity of the nation.

This postholder will primarily be responsible for the delivery of immunoassay/microbiology laboratory assays, laboratory housekeeping and maintenance, recording and of results and ensuring the work is carried out to a high scientific, safety and quality standard.

The postholder will have degree (or equivalent and/or experience) in a relevant area (i.e., microbiology, molecular, immunology or virology) and laboratory environment and ability to undertake a broad range of standard laboratory techniques. The post holder will need good communication skills and ability to work in a team. The post holder will require good written and verbal communication skills, ability to work in a team and be flexible and adaptable to the demands of the project.

You will provide microbiology/immunoassay support in a team responsible for the delivery of the immunological assays within the Clinical Evaluation Team, on a range of UK Government and commercially funded projects concerned with testing of clinical trial samples for various vaccine developers.

Location

As this is a specialist role, it will be based and operate out of UKHSA Porton Down in Salisbury.

*Please be aware that this role can only be worked from within the UK and not overseas. Relocation expenses are not available.* 

Job description

The job holder will be required to carry out the following responsibilities, activities and duties:

1. Utilize a range of laboratory methods/assays/techniques in support of all activities associated with the project aimed to ensure project targets are met.
2. Take responsibility for the provision of laboratory reagents and consumables required for the project and document storage of materials.
3. Take responsibility laboratory housekeeping and/or supervision and ensure laboratory maintenance.
4. Ensure that the project operates to a high scientific standard using current methods.
5. Ensure accurate documentation and tracking of samples and data and laboratory records and correctly follow SOP’s.
6. Record and provide data, perform analysis as necessary to meet project targets and for preparation of presentations and publications.
7. To perform any other duties required by the Line manager commensurate with grade
8. To ensure that the project team undertakes work in accordance with the UKHSA – Porton Code of Safety Practice and to work within any Quality Systems that are applicable to the site
9. To maintain health and safety competence to the national occupational standard ‘Make sure your actions reduce risks to health and safety’ (NOS HSS1)
10. To fulfil the requirements of UKHSA Values and Behaviours commensurate with grade
11. To comply with all UKHSA policies and procedures.

The duties/responsibilities listed above describe the post as it is at present and is not intended to be exhaustive. The Job holder is expected to accept reasonable alterations and additional tasks of a similar level that may be necessary.

Person specification

It is important through your application and Statement of Suitability of 1250 words that you give evidence and examples of proven experience of each of the essential criteria (for full details of all essential criteria please refer to the attached job description) and the following criteria below:

The behaviours:

• Knowledge and experience – Lead criteria when sifting
• Changing and Improving
• Working Together
• Delivering at Pace

Essential

1. Relevant degree (or equivalent qualification and/or experience) in a microbiology topic/environment.
2. Experience in relevant methods (e.g., immunoassays, cell-based assays, cell culture, microbiology, virology) acquired through previous employment, placements or taught course. 
3. Experience or understanding of working within a regulated environment (e.g., ISO9001, GCP)
4. Good knowledge and practical experience with specialist techniques for project i.e., working in a containment level 3 laboratory, working in a high throughput environment, immunoassays
5. Adaptable and able to cope with changes to work plans and priorities.
6. Good problem-solving skills and ability to respond to sudden unexpected demands
7. Willingness to improve, undertake necessary training and learn new techniques and ways for working.

Desirable

• Good knowledge and practical experience with specialist techniques for project i.e., working in a containment level 3 laboratory, working in a high throughput environment, immunoassays

Benefits

For more information on the UKHSA please visit: UK Health Security Agency - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

• Learning and development tailored to your role
• An environment with flexible working options
• A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity
• A Civil Service pension with an average employer contribution of 27%
• Range of health and wellbeing support

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 Childcare Choices , 30 Hours Free Childcare, Tax-Free Childcare and More , Help with Costs , GOV.UK

Things you need to know

Selection process details

STAGE 1 - APPLICATION & SIFT:  You will be required to complete an application form. You will be assessed on the above listed essential criteria, and this will be in the form of a:

• CV/ Application form (‘Employer/ Activity history’ section on the application) 
• 1250 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/Application form and Statement of Suitability will be marked together.

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

Please do not exceed 1250 words.  We will not consider any words over and above this number. 

Feedback will not be provided at this stage.

STAGE 2 – INTERVIEW 

This competition will involve an interview by either Teams or in person. 

As part of the process, candidates will be invited to interview which will involve an in-depth discussion of your previous experience and professional competence in relation to the criteria set out in the Person Specification. 

The Success Profiles framework will be used to assess and recruit the most suitable candidate.  The following behaviours will be used at the interview:

• Knowledge and experience
• Changing and Improving
• Working Together
• Delivering at Pace

Expected Timeline:

Advert close: 23:55hrs on 5th July 2024 – unfortunately, late applications will not be considered. Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.

Interviews: TBD

Please note these dates could be subject to change.

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 Basic Personnel Security Standard.  People working with government assets must complete Basic Personnel Security Standard checks.

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. 

Please Note

This role is to be appointed under Civil Service Terms & Conditions. Full details on the T&C’s are found https://www.ukhsa.reed.com/

Are you already a civil servant, or employed by a Civil Service Commission accredited public body? Please state home department on your application form.

Do you meet the nationality requirements for this post? https://www.ukhsa.reed.com/

Complaint process:

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: Complaints1@ukhsa.gov.uk. 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. 

 

Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.

Security

Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check. People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.

Nationality requirements

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

Further information on nationality requirements (opens in a new window)

Working for the Civil Service

Please note this Post is NOT regulated by the Civil Service Commission. The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.