About the job

Job summary

We are seeking an enthusiastic and highly skilled Biomedical Scientist to join our busy Clinical Services Unit. The unit delivers high throughput serological and molecular testing of a wide range of Viral and Bacterial pathogens. Our work is wide ranging and varied. The unit delivers a range of specialist testing and supports the microbiology reference laboratories which provide clinical microbiological advice and diagnosis, complex reference services, methodology development, microbial epidemiology, investigation of national and uncommon outbreaks, response to international health alerts, and advice on the risks posed by various infections.

You will be a state registered Biomedical Scientist with extensive experience of both manual and automated serological and molecular techniques and will join a team within the Clinical Services Unit. You will be responsible for supporting the team to ensure it delivers a performance that meets the clinical and scientific requirements of the Unit and complies with the best quality and laboratory practices while ensuring the work is performed safely, economically and effectively.

Our fast paced, high throughput unit will allow you gain experience in wide range of different pathogens and will develop your skills and experience. We look forward to hearing from you.

Location

This is a laboratory-based role located in UKHSA Colindale, London.

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

Working Pattern – Full Time

Job description

In this role you will be required to develop, direct and manage a team of staff within the Clinical Services Unit.  Your responsibilities will include:

• Delivering technical and related services which meet the clinical and scientific requirements, comply with the best laboratory practices and are safe, economical and effective.
• Working with colleagues across UKHSA to foster close collaborative working between the Clinical Services Unit and Research and Development Groups to improve service provision.
• Supporting the provision of an efficient, effective and timely service ensuring maximum efficiency within allocated resources.
• Assiting the validation of patient results ensuring assays reach quality control criteria and appropriate interpretations are made prior to medical sign off .
• Supporting the use of automation of Serological and Molecular services.
• Supporting the training of junior staff.
• Being proactive in suggesting operational improvements within CSU and supporting operational improvement initiatives.
• Deputising for senior staff in the Unit as required and where appropriate.
• Developing yourself and your team to support the work of CSU and to support national laboratory emergency response

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.

For the full list of responsibilities and duties, please see the full job description.

Person specification

It is important through your application and Statement of Suitability of up to 1250 words that you give evidence and examples of proven experience of each of the following criteria: 

Essential 

• BSc in Biological sciences or equivalent.
• HCPC registration
• Maintains professional competence in biomedical sciences.
• Experience with quality assurance principles and procedures.
• Knows and understands laboratory safety requirements and procedures.
• Experience of working in a microbiological/molecular diagnostic (preferably virological) laboratory, or equivalent.
• Experience of supervision and training of technical staff.
• Able to work carefully, with precision and be able to balance laboratory duties with accurate record keeping.
• Computer literate, ability to analyse data, create reports, and present findings to others.
• Ability to work individually and as part of a team.
• Able to convey ideas and opinions clearly and concisely, orally and in writing.
• Professional in dealing with external laboratories and other contacts to facilitate receipt of clinical samples and highly sensitive clinical information.
• High level of motivation and commitment to high standards.
• Able to analyse and evaluate data based on evidence.
• Ability to troubleshoot both laboratory-based and project-based problems effectively.
• Able to deal with problems in a calm and efficient manner.
• Able to work to prioritise workload, work to deadlines and remain focussed.

 Desirable 

• CPD registration and certification.
• Experience of liaising with customers.
• Evidence of using technical experience to assess new and existing systems and processes to innovate and initiate change in laboratory practice.
• Evidence of negotiating skills.
• Evidence of wider interest in public health/research.

Benefits

• 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%

Things you need to know

Selection process details

STAGE 1 - APPLICATION & SIFT: 

You will be required to complete an application form and a statement of suitability of up to 1250 words. This will be assessed in line with the advertised essential criteria – please do provide evidence of how you meet this.

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. This will be used in the sifting process and will be scored.

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

STAGE 2 – INTERVIEW 

This competition will involve a face-to-face interview.

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 Thursday 30th May 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: Week commencing 3rd June 2024

Interviews: Week commencing 17rd June 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. 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/

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

The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.

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 equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.