About the job

Job summary

The Food, Water and Environmental (FW&E) Microbiology Laboratories are specialist microbiology laboratories within the UKHSA. Based in 3 sites across the country, the laboratories are geographically well placed to work with local authorities in order to protect the public from health threats posed by contaminated food, water and the environment.

The London FW&E Laboratory provides a microbiology testing and advisory service to Local Authorities, Port Health Authorities, hospitals and commercial clients in London. The laboratory accredited to ISO 17025 and is recognised as an Official Food Control Laboratory for the microbiological examination of food and foodstuffs within the EU.

In this role, you will perform a range of routine tasks, including sample reception and preparation and to work as part of a team to perform routine examination of samples and update laboratory IT systems.

Location

This is a lab-based role located at Colindale, London NW9 5HT.

*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

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

• Contributing to the provision of an analytical microbiology service for food, water and environmental samples
• Under supervision, assisting in the receipt of samples into the laboratory and completing pre-analysis processing of specimens
• Working as part of a team to undertake routine preparation and examination of a wide range of samples under supervision
• Becoming competent in the use of laboratory equipment
• Responding to requests and communicate accurately, information and results to other laboratory staff, as required
• Referring queries to other, more senior staff, as appropriate
• Participating in activities necessary for the maintenance and development of the Quality System in accordance with UKAS requirements
• Supporting the laboratory’s accreditation to ISO 17025 and ensure compliance with UKAS and other accreditation and certification 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.

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 500 words that you give evidence and examples of proven experience of each of the following criteria: 

Essential criteria

• GCSE Maths, Science and English (or educated to NVQ 2 level in a relevant subject, or equivalent level of qualification, or significant equivalent previous proven experience)
• Previous experience of working in an administrative environment using computerised data systems.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office including Word and Excel
• Well-developed physical skills including manual dexterity.
• Clear communicator with good writing, data entry and telephone skills ensuring accuracy
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team
• Problem solving skills
• Demonstrate a high level of motivation and commitment to high standards
• Good time keeping
• Flexible approach to work

 Desirable criteria

• Educated to A Level/NVQ level 3 standard or equivalent
• Previous experience of working in a laboratory
• Knowledge and understanding of laboratory safety requirements and procedures
• Experience of managing and communicating sensitive/confidential information

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. This will be assessed in line with the advertised essential criteria – 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 by video or face to face.

Please note that you may be asked to undertake a test or presentation at interview.

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:

• Leadership
• Communicating and Influencing
• Working Together
• Developing Self and Others
• Managing a Quality Service
• Delivering at Pace
  
  

Expected Timeline:

Advert close: 23:55hrs on 26th June 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.

Please note this date could be subject to change.  

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.