About the job

Job summary

This is an exciting role within the Central Sequency Laboratory in UKHSA. As a Healthcare Scientist Support Worker, you will be working as part of a team to perform a routine processing of samples and update databases using laboratory IT systems.

The post holder will also undertake specimen processing, molecular work, assist with Central Sequencing Laboratory service development activities. Training will be given, and we would be looking to develop the post holder to become competent in our techniques.

Location:

This role will be Lab based at our Colindale location - 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

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

• To participate and support molecular routine service delivery within the remit of CSL.
• Contribute to the provision of CSL services at UKHSA Colindale.
• To be support the receipt of samples, numbering & archiving as appropriate.
• Work independently & as part of a team to undertake routine preparation and examination for a variety of molecular services.
• Provide general preparation work to support routine services.
• Read & add information to LIMS for areas within competence.
• Order laboratory supplies & equipment.
• To assist in the provision of molecular methodologies within CSL’s remit.
• To attend appropriate training courses.

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 review the JD for a full list of responsibilities.

Person specification

Essential Criteria:

It is important through your application and Statement of Suitability of 1250 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:

• Educated to GCSE or equivalent, literate & numerate.
• Interest in reference microbiology or molecular microbiology.
• Good written and communication skills.
• Ability to deliver high quality work to tight deadlines.
• Self-motivating and pro-active.
• Ability to work alone or as part of a team.

 Desirable:

• Educated to A’ level / B Tech / NVQ level 3 or equivalent in an appropriate scientific discipline.
• Experience in clinical and/or reference microbiology.
• Experience of molecular biology techniques.
• Experience in communication with other healthcare professionals.

Please review the JD for the full criteria. 

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

This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours.

Selection process details

STAGE 1 - APPLICATION & SIFT: 

You will be required to complete an application form. 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 stage will involve an in-person 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. 

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.

The Success Profiles framework will be used to assess and recruit the most suitable candidate.  The following behaviours will be used at the interview:

• Communicating and influencing
• Working Together
• Developing Self and Others
• Managing a Quality Service

For further information on the selection process, please refer to the attached Candidate Pack.

Expected Timeline:

Advert close: 23:55hrs on 5th 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.

Shortlist: TBC

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.