About the job

Job summary

Scientific Campus Site Management & Engineering Division looks after the main scientific campuses of UK Health Security Agency. The role of scientific campus support is to ensure all of our customers have the materials they need and that the waste is safely taken from their laboratories. The work in the laboratories is varied, from the vaccine task force, reference laboratories, and the food, water & environmental laboratories.

The role offers the opportunity to work with a variety of customers working at the cutting edge of microbiology and being responsible for the washing, preparation and sterilization of specialized glassware and equipment as required by laboratories across the Porton site. To be involved in the manufacture of microbiological growth media, the customer relations, and the ordering of media components.  The post holder will also provide support to the departments supervisor and oversee the supply of clean sterile glassware in the absence of the area lead.

The post holder needs to be fully trained and conversant in all the appropriate regulatory protocols and regulations. The safe handling and disposal of microbiological waste and the supply of clean sterile glassware and equipment within the regulatory and ISO 9001 environment. The post-holder is responsible for ensuring the designated facilities are compliant with the appropriate regulatory and safety regulations.

Location

Manor Farm Road, Porton Down, Salisbury, SP4 0JG

*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

Responsibilities section:

The job holder will be required to carry out the following responsibilities, activities and duties:

• Provide a high level of customer focus and output, to meet the needs and requirements of the Unit’s customers in a timely and efficient manner
• Perform a wide range of routine and non-routine technical procedures and understand the rationale behind the procedures and practices
• To follow all relevant protocols and standard operating procedures accurately
• To carry out the preparation, production and dispensing of culture media
• To assist in the washing and preparation of general glassware collected from the laboratories to enable it to be returned for use.
• To assist with the sterilization of general glassware and equipment for use within the laboratories
• To assist with the washing, preparation and if required sterilization of specialized laboratory glassware and equipment as required by customers
• To assist and/or deputize for the Sterilization Autoclave Operator by qualifying as an Autoclave Operator
• To work at all times in accordance with the detailed and appropriate Safety regulations and guidance and to comply with safety policies, procedures, COSHH and risk assessments
• To work flexibly to assist the needs of the team and requirements of local line management

 

Please see the job description for a full list of responsibilities

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

We are looking for an exceptional Production and Glassware Operative.

It is important through your application and Statement of Suitability of 500 words that you give evidence and examples of proven experience of each of the following criteria:

Essential

• Educated to GCSE level or equivalent experience
• Knowledge of lab work or catering
• Attention to detail
• Good numeracy skills

 

Desirable

• Knowledge of sterilisation
• Experience of autoclave operation and use
• Experience of working in a ISO9001 environment

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

STAGE 1 - APPLICATION & SIFT: 

You will be required to complete an application form. This will be assessed in line with the advertised essential criteria – please 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 a video interview.

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. 

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

• Seeing the Big Picture
• Working Together
• Managing a Quality Service
• Delivering at Pace

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

Expected Timeline:

Advert close: 23:55hrs on 12th December 2023 – 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 18th December 2023

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.