About the job

Job summary

We are looking for a Scientist to join our Clinical Evaluation Team and contribute to developing assays which will expand the portfolio of testing available to customers and sponsors in our Vaccine Development and Evaluation Centre (VDEC).

The post would suit a candidate with proven experience these areas within a regulated (i.e., GxP) environment. Experience of working to Containment level 3 is desirable although full training will be given.

The post holder will be expected to be flexible and adaptable to the demands of the project, have excellent written and verbal communication skills and demonstrate a proactive and organised approach. Experience of specific methods required for the post e.g., neutralization assays, ELISA, ELISpot, or virus titration is desirable.

The VDEC is a world-class facility that conducts laboratory research to support all stages of vaccine and therapeutic development, from discovery to licensure on a range of emerging health security threats. The Clinical Evaluation team in VDEC played a critical role in the COVID-19 response and is now expanding its scope and impact. As a member of our team, you will help and shape the UK’s vaccine strategy and contribute to the health and economic prosperity of the nation.

Location

This is a lab-based role located at UKHSA Porton Down.

*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, Flexible Working

Job description

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

• supporting the Project Team Leader to implement and use a range of methods/assays/techniques in support of all project activities
• assisting the project team to identify, evaluate and adapt new technologies where appropriate
• the provision of reagents and consumables required for the projects
• maintaining equipment and facilities as required by the project team
• accurately documenting work and usage of equipment and samples in logbooks, laboratory notebooks, and centrally accessible electronic files
• analysing data and providing reports using software as necessary, to meet project targets
• reporting progress and results of investigations within timeframes specified by the Project Team Leader
• ensuring the project operates to a high scientific standard using current methods
• training of junior staff allocated to the project and end users as required
• undertaking lab supervisor role for a Containment Level 2 laboratory, and associated training
• complying with all UKHSA health and safety policies and procedures
• working within Good Clinical Practice guidelines and any other Quality Systems required
• performing any other duties required by the line manager commensurate with grade
• participating in all mandatory training as required e.g., fire safety, information governance etc
• identifying, discussing, and actioning own professional performance and training / development needs with line manager

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.

Please see the attached job description for the full list of duties and responsibilities.

Person specification

It is important through your application and Statement of Suitability of 1250 words that you give evidence and examples of proven experience of each of the following criteria: 

Essential

• Educated to degree level in relevant subject or equivalent level of experience working at a similar level in a specialist area
• Good knowledge and practical familiarity with laboratory techniques including serology, molecular biology, or cell-based assays
• Practical experience of developing analytical methods such as cell-based bioassays or immunological methods
• Good understanding and experience of safe working practices
• Seek and analyse information to inform decisions based on the best available evidence
• Clear communicator with excellent writing and presentation skills; capable of constructing and delivering clear ideas and concepts concisely and accurately for diverse audiences
• Ability to analyse and interpret information, pre-empt and evaluate issues and recommend appropriate course of action to address issues
• Problem solving skills and ability to respond to sudden and unexpected demands

 Desirable

• MSc in relevant area
• Specialist training/experience in some of specific methods required for the post e.g., neutralization assays, ELISA, ELISpot, or virus titration
• Experience and understanding of assay qualification and validation
• Experience of having worked in a regulated environment
• Experience of lab supervision and/or risk assessment

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%

For more information on the UKHSA please visit: UK Health Security Agency - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

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

We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's Recruitment Principles.

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.

The Civil Service welcomes applications from people who have recently left prison or have an unspent conviction. Read more about prison leaver recruitment.

Security clearance level requirement

Successful candidates must pass a disclosure and barring security check.  Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is Basic Personnel Security Standard.  People working with government assets must complete Basic Personnel Security Standard checks.

For posts on UKHSA Civil Service terms and conditions, new entrants to the Civil Service are expected to start on the minimum of the pay band. For existing Civil Servants and roles advertised across government, the rules of transfer apply, i.e., level transfers move on current salary or the pay range minimum, transfers on promotion move to new pay range minimum or receive a 10% increase. Either case is determined by whichever is the highest. 

Please Note

This role is to be appointed under Civil Service Terms & Conditions. Full details on the T&C’s are found https://www.ukhsa.reed.com/

Are you already a civil servant, or employed by a Civil Service Commission accredited public body? Please state home department on your application form.

Do you meet the nationality requirements for this post? https://www.ukhsa.reed.com/

 

Things you need to know

Selection process details

STAGE 1 - APPLICATION & SIFT: 

You will be required to complete an application form and statement of suitability. This will be assessed in line with the advertised essential criteria – please do provide evidence of how you meet this. 

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

STAGE 2 – INTERVIEW 

This competition will involve an interview either by video or face to face. 

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. 

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.

All applicants that progress to interview will be assessed on their technical experience and a blended interview against a mixture of Behaviours and Strength elements of Success Profiles. 

The Behaviours tested during the interview stage will be: 

1. Changing and Improving
2. Delivering at pace
3. Making Effective Decisions 

Technical Skills will also be assessed on:

1. Knowledge and Experience of relevant laboratory techniques
2. Knowledge and Experience of working in a regulated environment

 
Expected Timeline:

Advert close: 23:55hrs on 4th June 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: 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

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.