About the job

Job summary

We currently have two exciting opportunities to join the Virology and Pathogenesis group. Our group is part of the Diagnostics and Pathogen Characterisation (DPC) Division, which focuses on the initial steps in controlling infections, including pathogen identification, characterisation, and diagnostic development. As a member of the Virology and Pathogenesis research group, you will be actively involved in working with emerging and re-emerging viral pathogens that pose a threat to public health in the UK and internationally.

The successful postholders will be joining a dynamic team of scientists dedicated to improving public health through the development of industry-leading virology pathogens.

Location:

This role will be based on site at: UKHSA Porton, 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. *

Type and term of contract:

x2 positions – Fixed Term Contract for 24 months

Job description

Responsibilities section:

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

• Develop, implement, and utilise a range of virology and immunology techniques in support of project activities.
• Keep accurate records of clinical outputs generated from in vivo studies and process samples resulting from these studies (e.g., sera separation and isolation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells)
• Take responsibility for the provision of reagents and consumables required for the project area.
• Produce data for review by Senior Scientists for input into reports.
• Provide reports through analysis of data using software and databases as necessary, for preparation of presentations and publications.
• Present data at internal group meetings and national/international conferences
• Lead in laboratory supervision, ensuring appropriate equipment is available and calibrated.
• Perform any other duties required by the Line manager commensurate with grade.
• Undertake work in accordance with applicable UKHSA Safety and Quality systems.
• Maintain health and safety competence.

Please review 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

Essential Criteria:

It is important through your application and Statement of Suitability of 1000 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

• Degree in an appropriate discipline e.g., virology / molecular biology
• Experience of utilising a variety of virology methods (e.g., cultivation, quantification, characterisation)
• Knowledge and/or experience of immunological assays
• Knowledge and/or experience of animal models of disease.
• Good record keeping, attention to detail.
• Experience of working in a regulated environment and knowledge of UKAS and/or ISO quality standards

 Desirable

• MSc or equivalent level of experience in an appropriate virology / molecular biology field
• Previous experience in similar role in public sector

Please review the job description the full criteria.

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 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 stage will involve an in-person 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:

• Changing and Improving
• Making effective decisions
• Working together
• Delivery at pace

 Expected Timeline:

Advert close: 23:55hrs on 13th 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 13th February 2024

Interviews: w/c 20th February 2024

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.