About the job

Job summary

UKHSA Porton Down 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 15189:2022. UKHSA Porton Down also hold approval to provide IBMS registration and Virology specialist portfolios to provide a diagnostic service to the UK.

In addition, the centre undertakes both basic and applied research into understanding infectious diseases and manufactures a number of healthcare products, including vaccines and therapeutics. 

The successful candidate will work as part of the Porton Pathogen Genomics next generation sequencing team to ensure a clinical service is provided efficiently and to the highest standard.  

This job will include routine laboratory work, laboratory housekeeping and maintenance, recording and reporting of results and ensuring the work is carried out to high scientific, safety and quality standards. The post holder will perform a range of scientific techniques primarily focused on high throughput next generation sequencing.

Location

This is a lab-based role located 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.*

Working Pattern – Full Time

Job description

As the Healthcare Scientist your main responsibilities will include:

• undertaking a range of sequencing and diagnostic assays and techniques as required, meeting the needs of UKHSA Pathogen Genomics service provision
• Performing targeted NGS methods such as the ARTIC protocol
• Supporting current testing strategies and the development of new assays
• Assisting in the identification, evaluation, and adaptation of new technologies to enhance the laboratory’s capabilities and to ensure the laboratory works to a high scientific standard
• Conforming to the working standards outlined by UKAS ISO 15189:2022 and ISO 9001:2015
• Operating a range of equipment, e.g., centrifuges, analysers, safety cabinets, fridges and freezers
• Acting as a laboratory supervisor ensuring equipment is suitably maintained and calibrated and that documentation relevant to the laboratory is kept up to date

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 refer to the attached job description for a full list of duties and responsibilities.

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 following criteria: 

Essential 

• Degree in a relevant biological science
• Knowledge and understanding of laboratory safety requirements and procedures
• Skills in communication of complex information and administrative matters, requiring developed interpersonal and oral/written communication skills
• Problem solving skills and ability to respond to sudden unexpected demands
• Excellent time management skills with the ability to re-prioritise
• Advanced keyboard skills, use of a range of software
• Ability to work on own initiative and organise own workload with minimal supervision working to tight and often changing timescales

Desired

• Relevant professional qualification i.e. registration with the health and care professional council (HCPC) as clinical scientist or Biomedical Scientist
• Experience in NGS platforms
• Knowledge of automated liquid handling
• Basic knowledge of project principles
• Ability to pull together comprehensive draft reports, networking and persuasive skills
• Previously worked in a similar position within the public sector

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: 

You will be required to complete an application form and submit 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.

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.

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).

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

STAGE 2 – INTERVIEW 

This recruitment will involve an interview either face-to-face or via Teams.

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 interview process, you may be required to undertake a presentation or test.

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
• Delivering at Pace

Expected Timeline:

Advert close: 23:55hrs on 25th July 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.

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.