About the job

Job summary

We have an exciting opportunity to join UKHAS as a Healthcare Scientist Support Worker. Working as a Healthcare Scientist Support Worker, you will be an integral part of the team within CSU. With the support of your manager and other teammates, you will process specimens received and leveraging advanced scientific technology, such as various extraction platforms, to aid in downstream processes.

Adaptability is crucial, the role requires someone capable of managing multiple tasks efficiently and delivering work in a timely manner. There will be extensive collaborative work, particularly working with other units within the Virus Reference Department, to ensure our laboratory services are upheld to the highest standards. You will adeptly utilise databases and software packages, including Excel, Word and oversee the general maintenance of the laboratory. Quality and governance are paramount; working closely with the Quality Assurance Manager and Technical Manager, ensuring we adhere to UKAS and other accreditation standards, and will actively contribute to quality assurance and audit programs.

This position attracts a Market Pay Supplement (MPS) which takes the minimum salary to £29,128. 

This role will be based at our UKHSA Colindale site (61 Colindale Avenue, 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.*

Job description

• Process specimens received and undertake the related tasks in the various sections of the laboratory, leading to the reporting and interpretation of results in accordance with agreed policies and standard operating procedures (sops).
• Contribute to the proper storage and management of the laboratory specimens.
• Prepare, and quality control, reagents for in-house assays ensuring all procedures are followed and details recorded.
• Process samples, run controls and IQC samples according to given protocols as required following training.
• Be responsible for the reading of less complex test results and entry of results onto MOLIS the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS), live system, where no interpretation of results is required.
• Be competent in the use of the laboratory’s IT systems and provide data to more senior staff as appropriate.
• Ensure laboratory is kept clean, tidy, and well stocked and that equipment is monitored and maintained.
• Ensure discard waste is managed in a timely manner and stored & disposed of safely in accordance with SOPs and agreed safety standards.
• Enter results onto MOLIS the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS)
• General preparatory work including the ordering of consumables.

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 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 in English, Maths and Science or equivalent.
• Good standard of general education or significant equivalent previous proven experience.
• Recent, relevant experience of working in a laboratory including using Pre Analytical techniques applicable to Bacterial, Serological or Molecular methods.
• Knowledge and understanding of laboratory safety requirements and procedures.
• Previous experience of working in a laboratory environment using computerised data systems.
• Clear communicator with good writing, data entry and telephone skills ensuring accuracy

Desirable

• Undertaking or Educated to IBMS Cert of Achievement Part II level or equivalent level of qualification
• Educated to a level (or BSc)/NVQ level 3 standard or equivalent to Diploma level in Laboratory and Technical Activities (LATA)
• Experience of working in a health care environment.
• Knowledge of NHS issues.
• Understanding of Data Protection legislation.

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 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 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 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.

Expected Timeline:

Advert close: 23:55hrs on the 18th of 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: From the 20th of February 2024

Interviews: 29th 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)

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/

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

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.