About the job

Job summary

The Gastrointestinal Bacteria Reference Unit (GBRU) is a National Reference Laboratory and provides specialist and reference services for a specific range of hazard group 2 and 3 gastrointestinal and foodborne bacterial pathogens.

We are recruiting for a scientist to provide technical support within the Unit in ensuring that GBRU provides a national and international service in all aspects of the work. The post holder will assist the sections senior scientists and the pathogen leads in ensuring that GBRU provides a national and international service in all aspects of the work of the unit.

You will be required to work with the senior staff to ensure that both the service and non-service work of the unit is carried out in a safe, effective, timely manner and operates to a quality system. This will include molecular assays, conventional microbiological as well as proteomic analysis on a range of gastrointestinal bacterial isolates and clinical specimens.

This is a laboratory based role based full time at the UKHSA Colindale office.

Location

This role will be based full time at UKHSA Colindale, 61 Colindale Avenue, London, NW9 5HT.

Specialist or regional roles will be based at the appropriate UKHSA site. For certain roles, some additional flexibility may be possible, which will be agreed upon with the hiring manager based on individual requirements and business needs.

*Please be aware that this role can only be worked from within the UK and not overseas. Relocation expenses are not available.*

Job description

As the Healthcare Scientist your main responsibilities will include:

• To assist in the provision and organisation of safe, timely, high quality and economical CL2 and CL3 reference services within GBRU
• To undertake DNA-based detection and typing for a range of pathogens with assays and techniques such as real-time polymerase chain reaction and whole genome sequencing (WGS)
• To analyse genotypic data with relevant software such as BioNumerics and assist in the development and maintenance of the genotypic subtyping databases within the Section.
• Assist in providing a flexible laboratory response to emergency public health needs including investigation of incidents, of deliberate release of pathogenic organisms and to general investigations of illness as appropriate.
• Assist with evaluation and implementation of new techniques / methods to the unit that enhance effectiveness of the laboratory work.
• Writing and updating SOPs and controlled documentation.
• To provide technical support to GBRU Reference Services as appropriate including adjusting day-to-day work priorities to meet changing demands or emergency requirements.
• Writing and updating SOPs and controlled documentation.
• Assist senior staff in the management of supporting staff across GBRU and deputise for the HEO when required.
• Ensure that health, safety and welfare is an afforded priority over other issues and to demonstrate a commitment to health, safety and welfare regarding self, all staff and visitors in the unit

 

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

• BSc in Microbiology or relevant biological science or equivalent level of qualification and experience
• Experience and knowledge of working in a microbiology laboratory at containment level 2
• Good experience and knowledge of multiple laboratory techniques including phenotypic and molecular methods
• Independent thinker with demonstrated good judgement, problem-solving and analytical skills
• Use of micropipettes, sub-culturing organisms, good manual dexterity and work by paying attention to detail
• Able to work without supervision, ability to prioritise work in a timely manner and good organisational skills

 

Desirable

 

• Post graduate degree in Microbiology
• Experience and knowledge of working in a microbiology laboratory at containment level 3
• Experience of writing SOPs
• Skills for managing aspects of projects ensuring they meet targets

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £29,737, UK Health Security Agency contributes £8,028 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.

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 post will involve an interview via MS 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. 

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 7th August 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 12th August 2024

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.