About the job

Job summary

We have an exciting job opening for a Healthcare Scientist Support worker! As a Healthcare Scientist Support worker, you will be responsible for performing a variety of laboratory duties, including receipt and booking in of specimens, entry of data onto the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS), distribution of specimens to the laboratories, monitoring the airflow of the microbiological safety Cabinet (MSC), dealing with queries arising from specimens, and telephoning senders for more information.

You will also keep any databases/spreadsheets/telephone forms/error logs up to date and available for management reports and audit. Additionally, you will undertake laboratory housekeeping, clerical duties, and other duties, considering the operational requirements of the laboratory. These duties will be carried out under supervision and guided by standard operating procedures (SOPs), protocols, or systems of work based on training.

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

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

Job description

Responsibilities section:

• To follow set protocols and SOPs.
• To receive specimens, and process requests in a timely manner.
• To use scanners and barcode printers, in the processing of samples.
• To enter details on the LIMS.
• To raise orders and receive deliveries, and move them to an appropriate location for storage.
• To prepare, package and dispatch specimens to external laboratories; and keep accurate records.
• To clean benches and equipment in accordance with agreed protocols.
• To monitor the airflow of microbiological safety cabinets (MSC), on a weekly basis.
• To telephone sending laboratories for more information, as required.
• To carry out maintenance of equipment, as directed by CSR senior staff.
• To collect laboratory coats for the laundry and deliver these to stores.

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

Essential

• Good standard of general education, including GCSEs or equivalent level of education (may include NVQ Level 2 in Laboratory and Associated Technical Activities).
• Interest in science and technology.
• Knowledge of health and safety and safe working practices.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office and experience of using components of the package.
• Understanding and experience of Data Protection legislation.
• Excellent attention to detail and ability to work precisely and accurately at all times.
• Able to work as part of a team and to show willingness to help fellow team members and other staff.
• Able to multi-task and change priorities, often at short notice and under pressure, to meet deadlines.

Desirable

• Previous laboratory experience.
• Previous experience of using Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS).
• Experience of training staff using excellent communications skills.

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
• 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. 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 by video. 

As part of the process, candidates will be invited to interview which will involve an in-depth discussion of your

Your Statement of Suitability (750 words max) 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 required to complete an online assessment at interview stage, details to be confirmed.

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.

Advert close: 23:55hrs on the 24th of January 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 29th of January 2024.

Interviews: w/c 12th of February 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).

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

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.