About the job

Job summary

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

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

Location

This is a lab-based role at our Porton Down, Salisbury, Wiltshire, SP4 0JG lab.

*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

The above is only an outline of the tasks, responsibilities and outcomes required of the role. You will carry out any other duties as may reasonably be required by your line manager. The job description and person specification may be reviewed on an ongoing basis in accordance with the changing needs of the division and UKHSA.

It should be noted that the work of the division is of a confidential nature and must not be communicated to other persons except where required for authorised purposes.

Person specification

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.

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 a 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 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 30th July 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

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.