About the job

Job summary

As a UKHSA-employed HSSW you will be expected to assist Biomedical and Clinical Scientists deliver UKHSA services, particularly laboratory-based surveillance activities in conjunction with the Yorkshire & Humber Field Epidemiology service but potentially also genotyping, surveillance work and research projects. This may include the need to operate new technologies, such as NGS equipment.

UKHSA has commissioned its Microbiology service for the Yorkshire & the Humber region from Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust (LTHT). The LTHT Microbiology Department is one of the largest in the country and provides comprehensive microbiology, mycology and virology services to the health communities of Leeds and Bradford.  It provides a number of highly specialised services on a regional and national basis.

The Leeds Regional Laboratory is also the national laboratory for the Clostridium difficile Ribotyping Network (CDRN) and UKHSA funds this service. In addition, UKHSA plans to deploy new technologies and services, such as Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) to the Clostridium difficile services.

Location

This is a lab-based role at UKHSA Leeds, LS1 3EX.

*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 UKHSA services delivered by the Leeds Regional Laboratory are normally only provided within core office hours (Monday-Friday 8.30am – 5pm). You will not usually be required to work outside of these hours. However, there may be occasions (e.g., outbreaks, pandemics) when UKHSA requires you to work outside these hours (e.g., evenings, weekends, bank holidays) to deliver the required response. Payment and time off for any such work required will be in accordance with the national provisions.

Job description

Responsibilities section:

As the Healthcare Scientist Support Worker, your main responsibilities will include:

• Sample receipt and handing.
• Sample preparation and reagent preparation following protocols.
• Clerical duties, including use of computers, and data entry, telephone enquiries.
• Provision of results to wards, GP's and other hospitals as directed by senior colleagues
• Dealing with visitors and deliveries.
• Monitor and maintain appropriate stock levels, receipt of deliveries and preparation of orders.
• Cleaning and disinfection of equipment and laboratory areas.
• Monitoring and routine maintenance of equipment.
• Perform manual, semi-automated and automated tests according to protocols.
• Disposal of patient samples in accordance with relevant guidelines
• Autoclaving of waste material and patient samples (involves moderate lifting).
• Work in a safe manner in accordance with Laboratory Health and Safety policies and procedures.
• Processing specimens, sub culturing of specimens, cleaning and maintenance of equipment, assisting Biomedical and Clinical Scientists in analytical techniques, and use of automated equipment.

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.

Please see the job description for the full list of duties and responsibilities.

Person specification

Essential Criteria:

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

Essential

• GCSE or Equivalent incl. Maths, English language and at least one Science grade C or above
• 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 a microbiology laboratory
• Experience of laboratory testing systems
• Experience of working in a health care environment
• Knowledge and understanding of laboratory safety requirements and procedures
• Well-developed physical skills, especially in the manipulation of pipettes and other laboratory equipment. Also, must be adept and precise when handling samples etc
• Previous experience of working using computerised data systems
• Clear communicator with good writing, data entry and telephone skills ensuring accuracy
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team

Desirable

• Understanding of quality management systems, especially in relation to UKAS Accreditation
• Knowledge of UKHSA & NHS issues
• Understanding of Data Protection legislation
• Educated to A Level/NVQ Level 3 standard or equivalent with additional theoretical knowledge equivalent to Diploma level or above
• Science degree
• Previous experience of working for UKHSA or in a Public Health Microbiology laboratory service

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%
• 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 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. 

Please ensure that your statement of suitability contains no personal identifiers (eg name, gender, age etc) and is uploaded in MS Word format.

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.

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. 

Please note that as part of the selection process, you may be asked to undertake a presentation or test at interview.

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 13th February 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: TBC

Please note these dates 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.