About the job

Job summary

The Respiratory and Vaccine Preventable Bacteria Reference Unit (RVPBRU), an ISO 15189 accredited laboratory, operates within the Bacteriology Reference Department (BRD) at the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) in Colindale, London. Our unit comprises two specialized sections:

1. Vaccine Preventable Bacteria Section (VPBS): providing national reference services for Streptococcus pneumoniae, Bordetella pertussis, toxigenic corynebacteria and Haemophilus influenzae.
2. Zoonotic and Acute Respiratory Section (ZARS): providing national reference services for Legionella, Mycoplasma, Ureaplasma, and respiratory Chlamydia

RVPBRU plays a pivotal role in assisting with pathogen detection, confirmation, and epidemiology. We utilize established and developmental phenotypic and genotypic methods to identify and type isolates, as well as identify virulence markers. Additionally, we offer molecular detection and confirmation of the genetic determinants of key genetic targets. Our expertise extends to surveillance, outbreak investigation, and assessing public health risks.

We are looking for three new team members to work within the VPBS to assist with all aspects of the Section’s diagnostic and reference functions, in support of the efficient day to day performance of the laboratory, under the supervision of senior Biomedical Scientist and Clinical Scientist staff.

This involves the efficient processing of specimens, performing the necessary laboratory tests, interpreting results, and assisting with their reporting to the customer (as appropriate). Tests include bacterial identification and characterisation using phenotypic, molecular and whole genome sequencing assays, plus analysis of host response to infection or vaccination using serological assays. It may also include assisting with additional surveillance and research projects.

Salary and Banding:

We are seeking candidates who possess registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) as a Biomedical Scientist or have a demonstrable plan to achieve registration within 18 months of appointment.

• If you already hold this registration, you will be employed at Band 5 as a Biomedical Scientist under Agenda for Change terms and conditions.
• If you are working towards the HCPC registration, you will be employed as an EO grade Healthcare Scientist on Civil Service terms and conditions until you obtain registration; you will then be transferred to Band 5 on Agenda for Change terms and conditions.

Band 5 (Agenda for Change – Outer London): £32,720 - £39,769

EO (Civil Service – Inner London): £29,737 - £34,453

This role will be based at our UKHSA Colindale site (61 Colindale Ave, London NW9 5EQ).

*This role can only be worked from within the UK and not overseas. Relocation expenses are not available.*

Job description

• Under the supervision of senior staff, to be responsible for the implementation and day-today running of the routine reference services within the Section’s remit.
• To process, analyse and archive referred bacterial isolates and clinical specimens.
• To analyse bacterial isolates using phenotypic testing, PCR, sequencing, and preparation of DNA for whole genome sequencing.
• To detect and characterise organisms in clinical specimens using culture, real-time PCR, antigen detection tests and sequencing.
• To detect host antibody responses to infection using manual and automated ELISA and the diphtheria Vero cell antitoxin test.
• To maintain and keep accurate records of all work undertaken.
• To be responsible for the reading and analysis of test results generated and entry of results onto the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS).
• To assist with validating and reporting of laboratory reports (Biomedical Scientist role only).
• To report results by telephone when required and provide testing advice to medical, scientific and other healthcare staff (where appropriate; Biomedical Scientist role only).
• To collate and present data for discussion.
• To adhere to external and internal quality control practices.
• To attend meetings, plan and implement project plans.
• To monitor safety cabinets and other equipment and carry out routine quality control procedures to maintain set standards.

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 1000 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):

Essential

• BSc or equivalent in a biological science
• HCPC registration or a demonstrable plan to achieve HCPC registration within 18 months of appointment
• Experience in microbiology laboratory techniques including culture and molecular assays
• Knowledge of relevant pathogens covered by the Section’s remit
• Experience in use of LIMS, and a range of common software (e.g. Microsoft Office, Access)
• Good communicator and team worker with leadership skills.
• Able to organise own workload and delegated priorities to junior staff.
• Confident in presentation of ideas and information with excellent analytical skills.
• Good time management and organisation skills with particular attention to detail.
• Self-motivating, organized and meticulous, and able to problem solve in a calm and efficient manner.

Desirable

• Experience and/or understanding of scientific principles of molecular assays including real-time PCR, sequencing technologies, and antibody assays
• Basic knowledge of project principles 

Benefits

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

Benefits

• Learning and development tailored to your role
• An environment with flexible working options
• A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity
• An excellent pension scheme
• 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. This includes a Statement of Suitability (maximum 1000 words). This will be assessed in line with the full list of essential criteria as detailed in the attached job description – please do provide evidence of how you meet this. 

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

STAGE 2 – INTERVIEW 

This competition will involve an interview either in person at our Colindale site or remotely (e.g. using Microsoft Teams).

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. 

Your Statement of Suitability should outline your skills, experience, and achievements, providing evidence of your suitability for the role, with reference to the essential criteria (outlined in the person specification section).

You will also be asked to provide information within the ‘Employer/ Activity history’ section of the application form. This is equivalent to the information you would provide on a CV, setting out your career history.

Expected Timeline:

Advert close: 23:55hrs on the 17th of March 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.

Shortlist: w/c 18th of March 2024

Interviews: w/c 2nd of April 2024

Please note these dates could be subject to change.  

Eligibility Criteria

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

Nationality requirements

Appointments to roles within UKHSA will be made in accordance with the Civil Service nationality rules. These can be found at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/nationality-rules This job is broadly open to the following groups:

• UK nationals
• Nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
• Nationals of the Republic of Ireland
• Nationals from the EU, EEA or Switzerland with settled or pre-settled status or who apply for either status by the deadline of the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
• Relevant EU, EEA, Swiss or Turkish nationals working in the Civil Service
• Relevant EU, EEA, Swiss or Turkish nationals who have built up the right to work in the Civil Service
• Certain family members of the relevant EU, EEA, Swiss or Turkish nationals

We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's Recruitment Principles.

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.

The Civil Service welcomes applications from people who have recently left prison or have an unspent conviction. Read more about prison leaver recruitment.

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 if you do not hold the HCPC state registration. Full details on the T&C’s are found https://www.ukhsa.reed.com/

OR

This role is to be appointed under NHS Terms & Conditions if you do hold the HCPC state registration. 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.