About the job

Job summary

We are hiring a Healthcare Scientist to join our Porton Laboratory Sequency team.  

 UKHSA’s Porton laboratory plays an important role in preparing for and coordinating responses to potential healthcare emergencies, including possible acts of deliberate release. The site is certified to ISO 9001: 2015 and a number of laboratories are accredited to UKAS ISO 15189: 2012. The laboratory also holds approval to provide IBMS registration and Virology specialist portfolios to provide a diagnostic service to the UK.

You will work as part of the Porton Laboratory Sequency team and be responsible for routine laboratory work, laboratory housekeeping. maintenance, recording and reporting of results and ensuring the work is carried out to high scientific safety and quality standard. You will also have line management responsibility for Healthcare Scientist Support Worker staff within the laboratory.

Location:

The role is based on-site at: UKHSA, Porton Down, SP4 0JG.

*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:

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

• To undertake a range of sequencing, diagnostic assays and techniques as required, meeting the needs of PHE Porton service provision.
• To perform targeted NGS methods such as Artic protocol.
• To manipulate data as required by the bioinformatic pipeline.
• Produce and maintain reagents to support current testing strategies and for the development of new assays.
• Assist in the identification, evaluation and adaptation of new technologies and diagnostic tests to enhance the laboratory's capabilities and to ensure the project area works to a high scientific standard.
• Supply data to agreed timescales required by service level agreement.
• To conform to the working standards outlined by UKAS ISO 15189 and ISO 9001: 2015.
• Support UKHSA administrative staff.
• Operate a range of equipment, e.g. centrifuges, analysers, safety cabinets, fridges, freezers, high throughput sequencers, etc.

Please review the Job Description for a full list of responsibilities.

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

Essential Criteria:

It is important through your application and Statement of Suitability of 1200 words that you give evidence and examples of proven experience of each of the essential criteria.

 Essential 

• Degree in a relevant biological science
• Experience of molecular techniques including nucleic acid extraction and PCR
• Knowledge of automated liquid handling
• Knowledge and understanding of laboratory safety requirements and procedures.
• Skills for communication on complex information and administrative matters, requiring developed interpersonal and oral/ written communication skills.
• Problem solving skills and ability to respond to sudden unexpected demands.

Desirable 

• Experience in running NGS Platforms and sequencing services without supervision.
• Basic knowledge of project principles
• Previously worked in a similar position within the public sector
• Ability to pull together comprehensive draft reports, networking and persuasive skills.

Please review the Job Description 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

STAGE 1 - APPLICATION & SIFT: 

Your Statement of Suitability (1200 words maximum) 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.

If you are successful at this stage, you will progress to an interview.

STAGE 2 – INTERVIEW 

This stage will involve an Interview in-person.   

The Success Profiles framework will be used to assess during your interview. 

The following behaviours will be used:

• Working Together 
• Developing Self and Others
• Managing a Quality Service
• Delivering at Pace.

 The following Strengths will be used:

• Service Focused
• Team Player

Expected Timeline:

Advert close: 23:55hrs on 22nd April 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 23rd April 2024.

Interviews: w/c 6th May 2024.

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.