About the job

Job summary

Are you passionate about translational research and do you want to make a difference in global health? If so, this is the perfect opportunity to join the Pre-clinical Evaluation Team. The Pre-Clinical Evaluation team sits within the Vaccine Development and Evaluation Centre, investigating high consequence human pathogens. The research focus within the team is to test and develop new treatments and vaccines and to develop new assays to advance the testing of vaccines.

You will be part of a team of scientists that work on assay development and in-vivo modelling projects that contribute to the vaccine development pathway, from early-stage research through to provision of assays for vaccine licensure or post-licensure studies.  As part of this team, you will directly contribute to UK vaccination policies and guidance as well as ensuring that vaccines and therapeutics are effective against pathogens before they progress to human clinical trials.

 

As a Scientist within the team, you will provide support to deliver projects related to the assessment of vaccines against Respiratory Syncytial virus, and other viral infections in in-vivo models. You will work on a diverse variety of projects with a range of collaborators across academia, industry, government, and non-governmental agencies.

 

This post would suit a candidate with experience in the microbiology and/or virology laboratory environment and proven abilities to undertake a broad range of standard laboratory techniques. The post holder will need good communication skills and ability to work in a team. A high degree of flexibility is expected, as the post holder will work across the Pre- Clinical Evaluation group.

The role will be based at our UKHSA Porton Down site (Manor Farm Road, Porton Down, Salisbury, Wiltshire, SP4 0JG).

*Please be aware that this role can only be worked from within the UK and not overseas. Relocation expenses are not available.*

Job description

• Utilize a range of laboratory methods/assays/techniques in support of all activities associated with the project aims to ensure project targets are met.
• Take responsibility for the provision of laboratory reagents and consumables required for the project and document storage of materials.
• Take responsibility for laboratory housekeeping and supervision of a regulated laboratory following necessary training.
• Ensure that the project operates to a high scientific standard using current methods.
• Ensure accurate documentation, tracking of samples and data and laboratory other records.
• Correctly follow SOP’s.
• Record and provide data, perform analysis as necessary to meet project targets and for preparation of presentations and publications.
• To perform any other duties required by the Line manager commensurate with grade
• To ensure that the project team undertakes work in accordance with applicable UKHSA Safety and Quality systems
• Maintain health and safety competence to the national occupational standard ‘Make sure your actions reduce risks to health and safety’ (NOS HSS1)
• Fulfil the requirements of UKHSA Values and Behaviours commensurate with grade
• Comply with all UKHSA policies and procedures
• 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.

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 following criteria:

Essential

•  BSc (or equivalent) with relevant experience in biological science/virology/immunology subject.
• Experience in relevant methods acquired through previous employment, placements, or taught course, including immunoassays, cell-based assays, cell culture, microbiology, virology.
• Experience of working in a ACDP containment level 2 laboratory environment.
• Good understanding and experience of safe working practices.
• Clear communicator with excellent attention to detail; capable of constructing and delivering clear ideas and concepts concisely and accurately for diverse audiences.
• Computer literate and confident in the use of MS Office and ability to produce documentation and manipulate and present data (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

Desirable

• Experience or understanding of working within a regulated environment (e.g. ISO9001, GCP).

Benefits

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

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%
• Range of health and wellbeing support

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

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 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 competition will involve an interview at our UKHSA Porton Down site. 

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.  

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

Expected Timeline:

Advert close: 23:55hrs on the 4th of 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 5th of February 2024

Interviews: w/c 19th February 2024

Please note these dates could be subject to change. 

Eligibility Criteria

Open to all external applicants (anyone) from outside the Civil Service (including by definition internal applicants)

Nationality requirements

Appointments to roles within UKHSA will be made in accordance with the Civil Service nationality rules. These can be found at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/nationality-rules This job is broadly open to the following groups:

• UK nationals
• Nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
• Nationals of the Republic of Ireland
• Nationals from the EU, EEA or Switzerland with settled or pre-settled status or who apply for either status by the deadline of the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
• Relevant EU, EEA, Swiss or Turkish nationals working in the Civil Service
• Relevant EU, EEA, Swiss or Turkish nationals who have built up the right to work in the Civil Service
• Certain family members of the relevant EU, EEA, Swiss or Turkish nationals

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/

Complaint process: 

The law requires that selection for appointment to the Civil Service is on merit on the basis of fair and open competition as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's Recruitment Principles. If you feel your application has not been treated in accordance with the Recruitment Principles, and you wish to make a complaint, in the first instance, you should contact UKHSA Public Accountability Unit via email: Complaints1@ukhsa.gov.uk. If you are not satisfied with the response you receive from the Department, you can contact the Civil Service Commission: Visit the Civil Service Commission website. 

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.