About the job

Job summary

The Microbiology laboratory at Cambridge current provides services to Addenbrooke’s, Royal Papworth, and the E&N Herts Hospitals, the surrounding district, and other NHS Laboratories. It has active research and epidemiological interests. The laboratory undergoes assessment against UKAS ISO 15189 standards and has strong teaching interests. Set on the outskirts of the university city of Cambridge, Addenbrooke’s Hospital is one of the top hospitals in the UK and a thriving NHS Foundation Trust. Addenbrooke’s is closely associated with leading educational providers including the University of Cambridge and is a major centre for biomedical research and education.

The main responsibility of this role will be to monitor and support the hardware, software, and laboratory systems across the UKHSA Cambridge Clinical Microbiology and Public Health Laboratory (CMPHL). The role will work closely with the I.T Manager in the support of all areas of laboratory IT hardware, software, and data. The role will monitor through processes how the hardware is performing, have a proactive approach to problem solving and work closely with the UKHSA, and NHS Trust I.T teams.

The role will be required to help maintain the laboratory’s LIMS (EPIC) and provide front line support to the Beaker LIMS, troubleshoot day to day issues encountered by staff across the CMPHL, maintain IT stock and be responsible for auditing and ordering of new hardware.

The post is a vital link in providing technical support & advice across Microbiology as I.T is the enabler to delivering our clinical and public health services and business goals. This is an exciting opportunity to be involved with multiple dimensions of I.T.

Location

This is a Lab based role, located at UKHSA Clinical Microbiology Department, Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge CB2 0QQ.

*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

Main Responsibilities:

• Assist with the delivery of IT systems within CMPHL and IT continuous improvement initiatives, including equipment interfacing.
• Be responsible for maintaining stocks of IT consumable items as appropriate.
• Assist with fault finding and correction in hardware and software in a timely and professional manner.
• Assist with installation and set up new PC’s/printers/scanners with use of asset stickers.
• Through effective time management deliver support in the day to day working of PC’s and peripherals.
• Assist in the provision and administration of LIMS (laboratory information management system) and intranet access with user accounts and passwords.; providing frontline support relating to issues with the local Trust LIMS.
• Develop a good working knowledge of the laboratory network infrastructure to allow assistance in maintaining it in good working order.
• Where required, assist the Performance Information and Finance Analyst and their deputy with routine information extraction, departmental statistics and data handling to specified requirements and in a timely and appropriate manner, using data extraction and presentation tools where appropriate, whilst adhering to Information governance requirements.
• Assist with formal and informal training of IT systems within the department, ensuring the relevant guides are followed, the training is recorded, and users have access to the right systems.
• Assist with audit of inventory of all IT related products to update the asset register.
• To contribute to the Quality Management System (QMS) by providing help with IT and software used in the provision of this system and by updating of procedural documentation and involvement in all aspects of audit.
• Undertaking risk assessments within the QMS to identify requirements for planned replacement or upgrades.
• Develop good working relationships and communication channels with all levels of staff within Microbiology and other Directorate IT support staff.

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 up to 1250 words that you give evidence and examples of proven experience of each of the following criteria:

Essential

• IT based qualification at a higher education level e.g. HNC, BSc or equivalent level of experience of working at a similar level.
• Demonstrate the ability to undergo further education in the field of IT.
• Microsoft Windows and Office installation and deployment.
• Sufficient or suitable relevant experience of supporting Microsoft desktop and server environments, change control processes, good working knowledge of servers & networking, excellent knowledge & experience of peripheral Hardware diagnosis and rectification and back-up process & Disaster recovery options/process.
• Be able to review procedures or systems with teams to identify improvements and simplify processes and decision making, able to analyse situations, identify problems and seek solutions.
• Excellent hardware, software and process troubleshooting
• Good communication and interpersonal skills, excellent interpersonal and customer service skills at all levels.
• Capable of working on own initiative, managing time affectively whilst working as a team player, logical problem-solving skills & ability to cascade technical knowledge, good time keeping and an organised approach to working.

Desirable

• Evidence of continuous professional development.
• Knowledge & experience of Laboratory Information Management Systems

Benefits

Working for the UKHSA

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 and statement of suitability. This will be assessed in line with the advertised essential criteria – 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 either face to face or via 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.

Please note that you may be asked to undertake a test or presentation at interview.

For further information on the selection process, please refer to the attached Candidate Pack.

Please note, as part of the selection process, you may be asked to take a test or deliver a presentation.

Expected Timeline:

Advert close: 23:55hrs on 2nd of January 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: TBC

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.