About the job

Job summary

The Colindale Sequencing Laboratory comprises of a high throughput and regional sequencing capacity and capability in support of the COVID response and moving forward the development and consolidation of the wider pathogen genomics programme.

The work of the genomics sequencing services is to support UKHSA’s genomics surveillance programmes, to aid detection of outbreaks and transmission of infections, to characterise and correlate genomics to virulence and antimicrobial resistance mechanisms efficiently and effectively, and generate evidence to support effective interventions, all within the wider UKHSA objective, to significantly reduce their overall public health burden. 

The post holder will work in the Colindale Sequencing Laboratory in Colindale and contribute to ensuring provision of genomic services to our customers including Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS), Sanger sequencing, and fragment analysis using a variety of instruments and technologies.

Location

This is a lab-based role located at UKHSA Colindale, 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.*

Working Pattern – Full Time

Job description

As the Healthcare Scientist your main responsibilities will include:

• To provide and support molecular routine service delivery within the remit of CSL
• To carry out NGS on Sequencing platforms using automated liquid handling procedures and equipment.
• Job Holder is expected to work under supervision of a Biomedical Scientist following defined SOP/protocols and would be expected to refer non-routine issues to their supervisor.
• Use the NGS LIMS system to carry out sample tracking throughout the procedure
• To ensure the smooth flow of samples through the laboratory, from receipt to testing.
• To carry out routine quality control procedures to ensure that samples are being prepared, recorded and archived to a high standard.
• To maintain equipment, including routine monitoring, calibration and safety checks and maintain records of these.
• To facilitate the day to day running of the laboratory by ensuring the availability of stock and reagents.
• To assist in the instruction and training of other staff and visitors, and to ensure compliance with safety and quality systems.
• To encourage the development of a flexible team by supporting training, development and rotation

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
• 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
• Knowledge of automated liquid handling

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
• 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
• Excellent time management skills with the ability to re-prioritise

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:

• Managing a Quality Service
• 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.