About the job

Job summary

We are looking for a laboratory support worker able to give technical and administrative provision for the specialist reference laboratory work undertaken within RIPL in accordance with UKHSA and laboratory policies and procedures with particular focus on areas of data entry, laboratory housekeeping and stock control. Technical work using ELISA, PCR and CL3 techniques will also be performed following relevant training.

Job description

• Receive and process materials, blood, samples and/or tissues.
• Perform diagnostic testing on a range of clinical samples
• Provide administrative support for specimen reception
• Support RIPL administrative staff
• Operate a range of equipment, e.g. centrifuges, analysers, safety cabinets
• Act as a laboratory supervisor ensuring equipment is suitably maintained and calibrated and that documentation relevant to the laboratory is kept up to date.
• Perform testing for environmental anthrax on plaster and soil samples involving specimen processing in an ACDP 3/SAPO laboratory
• Comply with waste disposal protocols
• Operate, maintain, clean and disinfect laboratory equipment safely.
• To identify to management any potential conflicts of interest which may impinge on their ability to perform their duties effectively as defined by UKHSA Conflict of Interest Policy.
• Perform basic calibration and equipment checks.
• Maintain clean safe and tidy working environment. Monitor laboratory stocks and supplies on a daily basis to help optimise use of consumables and to reduce wastage
• Undergo any training requirements as required for the post.
• Play a leading role in the training of junior and new staff
• To ensure all work in undertaken in accordance with the UKHSA’s Code of Safety Practice and to work within UKAS ISO15189 Quality standard.
• To comply with UKHSA policy and procedures.
• To perform any other duties required by the line manager commensurate with grade.
• To escalate risks that cannot be controlled to the Section Head.
• To notify accidents, near misses, dangerous situations and shortcomings in health and safety via the appropriate management structure
• As part of a member of staff’s duty they are required to participate in a joint annual review of their work. The process is described in the Human Resources Handbook found on the UKHSA Intranet.

Person specification

Essential Criteria

• GCSE English and Maths at C grade or above (Or equivalent)
• Experience in handling clinical specimens
• Experience of working in a regulated environment
• Experience using laboratory information management systems
• Ability to work in a team and individually
• Good communication, organisational and time management skills
• Intermediate keyboard skills
• Ability to prioritize activities and workload against conflicting demands
• Able to participate in surge/outbreak cover situations as required
• An understanding of and commitment to equality of opportunity and good working relationships, both in terms of day-to-day working practices, but also in relation to management systems

Benefits

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

You will be required to complete an application form. This will be assessed and sifted in line with the essential criteria.

This vacancy is using Success Profiles and will assess your Behaviours and Experience.

This part of the selection process should outline how you consider your skills, experience and achievements, and provide evidence of your suitability for the role, with particular reference to the essential criteria outlined.

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. This will be used in sifting process and will be scored.

Stage 1: Application & Sift

As part of the application process, you will be asked to provide a Statement of Suitability in no more than 1250 words providing examples of how you meet the essential criteria. It should also detail what you and your experience can bring to the role. We suggest using the STAR (situation, task, action, result) method to demonstrate real-life examples for the specified essential criteria. Please note, only information provided within the stated word count will be considered.

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

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

Stage 2: Panel Interview

All candidates who are successful at the sift stage will undertake a single video / an in-person blended interview against a mixture of Behaviours and technical ability elements of Success Profiles.

The Behaviours tested during the interview stage will be: Seeing the big picture, working together, developing self and others and delivering at pace.

Expected Timeline:

Advert close: 23:55hrs on 21st February 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 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.