About the job

Job summary

We currently have two exciting opportunities within the Virology and Pathogenesis Group where we are seeking to appoint two Senior Scientists with previous virology and immunology experience alongside working with in vivo disease models.

The successful postholders will be joining a dynamic team of scientists dedicated to improving public health through the development of innovative virology programmes.

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. *

Job description

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

• Develop, implement, and utilise a range of virology and immunological methods/assays/techniques in support of all activities associated with the project aimed to ensure project targets are met.
• Provide reports through analysis of data using software and databases as necessary, to meet project targets and for preparation of presentations and publications.
• Take responsibility for the provision of reagents and consumables required for project area.
• Lead the project team to identify, evaluate and adapt new technologies and scientific techniques where appropriate and ensure that the project operates to a high scientific standard.
• Provide line and project management as required and indicated by SPTL, Head of Department & Scientific Lead(s) (SL)
• Take responsibility for the supervision and training of junior staff allocated to the project as required.
• 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.
• To maintain health and safety competence
• To fulfil the requirements of UKHSA Values and the Civil Service Code.
• To comply with all UKHSA policies and procedures

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 1250 words that you give evidence and examples of each of the essential criteria (for full details of all essential criteria please refer to the attached job description):

Essential

• PhD or equivalent years’ experience in or higher qualification in an appropriate virology / immunology field
• Extensive experience utilising a variety of virology methods.
• Knowledge and experience of animal model development for viral diseases
• Good record keeping, attention to detail.
• Experience of working in a regulated environment with quality systems and knowledge of UKAS or ISO quality standards
• Clear communicator with excellent writing, report writing and presentation skills; capable of constructing and delivering clear ideas and concepts concisely and accurately for diverse audiences.

Desirable

• Experience of undertaking immunology techniques.
• Previous experience in similar role in public sector
• Strategic thinking – ability to anticipate.
• Takes decisions on difficult and contentious issues where they may be a number of courses of action.

 Please review the job description for 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

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:

• Making Effective Decisions
• Leadership
• Working Together
• Delivering 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 20

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.