About the job

Job summary

The UKHSA Mycology Reference Laboratory in Bristol is one of the few reference laboratories that are situated outside the main reference facility currently at Colindale. The laboratory undertakes local diagnostic testing and national reference and referred tests across a varied panel, together these currently amount to more than 65,000 tests per year. It currently employs 16 staff members.

The Mycology Reference Laboratory (MRL) provides a comprehensive national diagnostic and reference service to assist with the diagnosis, treatment, prevention and surveillance of fungal infection and antifungal drug resistance. This includes the isolation and identification of fungi from clinical material, serological, phenotypic, proteomic, molecular and biomarker tests, examination of histopathological sections, antifungal drug assays, in collaboration with the North Bristol Trust Antimicrobial Reference Laboratory, and susceptibility tests. The MRL is also responsible for the provision of expert advice in the diagnosis, treatment and management of superficial and invasive fungal infection. The MRL is responsible for the UK National Collection of Pathogenic Fungi (NCPF). Together with the Quality Assurance Laboratory, the MRL is responsible for the UK National External Quality Assessment Scheme (NEQAS) for identification and susceptibility testing of fungi. The MRL conducts formal training courses in mycology as well as providing individual training to visitors from the UK and abroad.

Working for your organisation

We pride ourselves as being an employer of choice, where Everyone Matters promoting equality of opportunity to actively encourage applications from everyone, including groups currently underrepresented in our workforce.   

UKHSA ethos is to be an inclusive organisation for all our staff and stakeholders. To create, nurture and sustain an inclusive culture, where differences drive innovative solutions to meet the needs of our workforce and wider communities. We do this through celebrating and protecting differences by removing barriers and promoting equity and equality of opportunity for all.  

Job description

The holder of this post will be responsible to the Head of the Mycology Reference Laboratory for the organisation and maintenance of the NCPF and for the organisation of the mycology section of the UKNEAS for Microbiology and participate in the provision of a comprehensive diagnostic and reference service for the management of fungal infection in the UK.

 After suitable training the post holder will deputise in the absence of the Head and Deputy Head of the Mycology Reference Laboratory in managerial, scientific and clinical matters.

For a full list of the main duties and responsibilities of the role, please refer to the attached Job Description. 

Person specification

Essential Criteria : Please be aware that we will assess on the 7 essential criteria stated on the advert rather than the full list on the job description document. 

• The Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) Clinical Scientist registration
• PhD in an area relevant to medical mycology
• Good working knowledge of fungal diseases and fungal taxonomy
• Understanding and experience of LIMS
• Significant post-doctoral experience in medical mycology
• Ability to perform and interpret a wide range of diagnostic tests in medical mycology
• Good people management skills

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

Selection Process:

• This vacancy will be assessed using a competency-based framework which will assess your Qualifications, knowledge and experience and / or skills and capabilities outlined in the essential criteria.

Stage 1: Application & Sift

You will be required to complete an application form. You will be assessed on the above listed 7 essential criteria, and this will be in the form of:

• A CV/ Application form (‘Employer/ Activity history’ section on the application)
• A 1000 word Statement of Suitability.

This should outline how your skills, experience, and knowledge, provide evidence of your suitability for the role, with reference to the essential criteria.

The CV and Statement of Suitability will be marked together.

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

Please do not exceed 1000 words. We will not consider any words over and above this number.

Feedback will not be provided at this stage.

Unfortunately, late applications will not be considered   

Stage 2: Interview (competency based)

You will be invited to a face to face interview (in exceptional circumstances, we may be able to offer a remote interview).

Knowledge, experience, skills & abilities will be tested at interview.

There may be a Test or a Presentation at interview - details of this will be sent prior to the interview. 

Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.

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.