About the job

Job summary

This is an exciting opportunity to join one of the largest Virology departments in England. The Virology department forms part of Infection sciences within Severn Pathology, a collaboration between North Bristol NHS Trust (NBT) and UKHSA.

The Infection sciences department employs approximately 200 staff and has a workload in excess of 1,000,000 specimens per year. The department embraces all aspects of a modern clinical virology service combining traditional methodologies with laboratory automation.

It has a friendly atmosphere with good team spirit and offers the opportunity for you to develop personally and professionally. The department is a designated IBMS training laboratory, has an extensive quality system in operation and is fully accredited by UKAS (ISO15189 standard). We actively encourage CPD activities.

Location

This is a Lab based role, located at UKHSA Severn Pathology, Southmead Hospital, Bristol BS10 5NB.

*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; the department requires staff to support in delivering a comprehensive Virology service over 7 days. Staff may be required to work a variety of shifts, including weekends, throughout the 24 hour period if appropriate to the post.

Job description

• Under the guidance of the Laboratory Manager, to be responsible for and participate in the day-to-day running of a laboratory section providing routine and specialist diagnostic laboratory services in Virology in accordance with national and professional standards.
• To take responsibility for the technical performance of the section, ensuring the production of reliable, relevant, and timely results and reports.
• With the Laboratory Manager, contribute to the development of the services provided to meet the users’ requirements.
• With other senior staff, participate in the supervision, training and development of staff in the department.
• Deputise for the Training Lead as required and liaise with the Training Lead concerning staff attendance at Conferences, external training events etc.
• You will be required to attend Training Officer meetings at NBT, UKHSA and occasionally at UWE as required and liaise with the Training Lead concerning staff undertaking academic qualifications e.g. MSc, Top-up modules, Foundation degree, QCF, Apprenticeships etc.
• Required to review and sign off IBMS pre-registration portfolios for staff (IBMS membership essential to relevant membership level) and supervise registered staff with IBMS Specialist portfolio and act as internal verifier (IBMS member ship essential to relevant membership level).
• To be involved in selection of trainees as required.
• Be responsible for the day-to-day supervision of staff within their section.
• You would need to participate in competency assessment of Biomedical Scientists, trainees and Medical Laboratory Assistants within the section.
• You would need to monitor and manage performance of Biomedical Scientists, Trainees, Medical Laboratory assistants and Clerical staff as appropriate.

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 up to 1250 words that you give evidence and examples of proven experience of each of the following criteria: 

Essential

• Biomedical Science (BMS) degree or equivalent academic achievement ratified by the IBMS
• Further study – e.g. MSc or professional qualification (completed or underway) or extensive experience in a Virology laboratory.
• IBMS Specialist Diploma in Virology
• Registration with Health Professions Council (HCPC)
• Membership of the IBMS
• IBMS Certificate of Expert Practice in Training (will be required to complete this is not already done).

Benefits

Working for the UKHSA

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 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.

STAGE 2 – INTERVIEW 

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

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.

Please note that you may be asked to undertake a test or presentation at interview.

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

Please note, as part of the selection process, you may be asked to take a test or deliver a presentation.

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

• Changing and Improving
• Making Effective Decisions
• Leadership
• Working Together
• Developing Self and Others
• Analytical, Change Agent, Decisive, Efficient, Emotionally Intelligent, Enabler, Improver, Organiser, Problem Solver, Service Focused, Team Leader, Team Player.

Expected Timeline:

Advert close: 23:55hrs on 19th of 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: 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

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.