About the job

Job summary

The UK Health Security Agency exists to protect and improve the nation’s health and wellbeing and reduce health inequalities. We do this through world-leading science, knowledge and intelligence, advocacy, partnerships and the delivery of specialist public health services. We are an executive agency of the Department of Health and Social Care, and a distinct delivery organisation with operational autonomy. We provide government, local government, the NHS, Parliament, industry and the public with evidence-based professional, scientific and delivery expertise and support.

We are currently looking for a Process Laboratory Technician to be based at our Chilton site. This is a part time role working 30hrs per week.

The successful candidate will be required to work as part of a small team which is responsible for high-volume issuing and processing of various types of radiation dosemeter. This involves opening and receiving post, preparing dosemeters for dose assessment, loading and monitoring of specialist equipment, use of the groups bespoke databases and assisting in preparation of 9,000 dosemeters per week for issue to customers whilst maintaining an excellent level of customer care.

We are looking for someone who has experience of working in a scientific support role and using computerised data systems. You will require good dexterity and attention to detail, ensuring accuracy plus be a good communicator to liaise with colleagues. The ideal candidate will be able to work using their own initiative; organising and prioritising their own workload to deadlines, plus have the ability to work effectively as part of a team. This administrative/technical role support role is set in a scientific environment and requires operation of computers and bespoke laboratory equipment.

For further information or an informal discussion about the post, please contact Mrs Victoria Herbert on 01235 825352.

Location

This role will require you to be based at our UKHSA Chilton office, Chilton, Didcot, Oxfordshire, OX11 0RQ.

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 Process Laboratory Technician your main responsibilities will include:

• Loading, operating, and monitoring specialised equipment
• Dealing with in-coming post, paperwork and dosemeters returned for processing including customer queries
• Liaising with the Lab Supervisor to investigate customer queries and ensure they are answered in a timely manner
• Using PDS software and equipment to issue and process various types of dosemeters to customers. This requires a high level of thoroughness, accuracy and checking
• Reviewing and monitoring supplies, as necessary
• Assisting the Laboratory Supervisor to ensure an efficient service to the customer at all times, including giving feedback and suggestions on working practices
• Following laboratory and QA procedures, keeping accurate records, and carrying out routine quality assurance procedures.
• Sharing in the planning of the work with the team to meet demand, and managing own time to meet targets

 

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 750 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

• Experience of support work in a process laboratory type of environment
• Experience of working in a customer-oriented, commercial environment with knowledge of good customer care
• Experience of following standard quality procedures
• Min 5 GCSE’s including Maths, English
• Ability to form good working relationships, working flexibly within the PDS team.
• Ability to communicate effectively with colleagues: mainly orally at different levels
• Attention to detail, ensuring accuracy with a high level of concentration and dexterity – including data entry and quality assurance checks
• Good organisational skills, including prioritisation and time management of own workload to set deadlines

 

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £24,291, UK Health Security Agency contributes £6,558 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

This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours.

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 which will be based onsite at UKHSA Chilton, Chilton, Didcot, Oxfordshire, OX11 0RQ.

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. This will be followed by a practical lab test, further details will be given to you during the interview.

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.

The Success Profiles framework will be used to assess and recruit the most suitable candidate.  The following behaviours will be used at the interview:

• Changing and Improving
• Making Effective Decisions
• Communicating and Influencing
• Working together
• Delivering at Pace

 

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.