About the job

Job summary

The Infection Sciences department at North Bristol NHS Trust is formed from a collaboration between the UK Health Security Agency and North Bristol NHS Trust (Severn Pathology). This is a busy and forward-looking laboratory that receives in excess of 1.3 million specimens a year from a large number of clinical specialities located within Bristol and Bath hospital trusts, and beyond, which contribute to an interesting and varied workload.

The laboratory is located within North Bristol NHS Trust and is a new, modern and fully automated laboratory incorporating state of the art equipment. It lies within easy reach of the city of Bath and surrounding villages. We have close links with our host Trusts as well as both Universities in Bristol and the proximity of the motorway network makes an ideal base for travel to London, the Midlands, Wales and the coastal resorts of the Southwest.

The UKHSA/NBT collaboration employs approximately 200 staff performing a range of diagnostic, public health and research activities, including high containment level work. The virology department has recently established a partnership with Colindale to re-establish a national bacterial STI reference laboratory.

You will act as STI Reference Laboratory Operational Lead and deputise for the Virology Laboratory Manager with delegated responsibility to lead the day-to-day management of the work of the Virology department and associated STI Reference Laboratory functions in cooperation with the Virology Laboratory Manager. You all also assist with liaison between the Bristol and Colindale laboratories and other units of UKHSA, NHS organisations and local authorities.

You would be expected to assist in any UKHSA coordinated response or activity of a national/international nature, e.g. a bioterrorism incident or a major disease outbreak, e.g. SARS. 

We do this through world-leading science, knowledge and intelligence, advocacy, partnerships and the delivery of specialist public health services. We are an executive agency of the Department of Health and Social Care, and a distinct delivery organisation with operational autonomy. We provide government, local government, the NHS, Parliament, industry and the public with evidence-based professional, scientific and delivery expertise and support.

Location

This is a lab based role located at 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.*

Job description

As the STI Reference Laboratory Operational Lead (Deputy Virology Lab Manager), you will be required to carry out the following responsibilities, activities and duties:

• To deputise in the absence of the Regional Head of Laboratory Operations / Laboratory Managers and other Senior Team Managers staff
• Assist the Virology Laboratory Manager in the recruitment and selection of appropriate staff and in the induction, education and training and professional development of staff.
• Maintain professional competence and be aware of relevant developments in microbiology and other biomedical sciences
• To maintain the physical skills and knowledge obtained through practice to work in order to support the working of the laboratory as a whole when required
• To carry out and interpret highly complex tests, including a variety of molecular techniques.
• To be responsible for analysis of biological samples involving complex/specialist investigations
• Manage the provision of an efficient and timely Clinical Virology and STI Reference Laboratory service and monitor the service against the standards agreed with users
• Lead the introduction, maintenance and improvement of methodologies and innovations within Clinical Virology and the STI Reference Laboratory in cooperation with the Service Development and Clinical Scientists and working with the Consultant Virologist and clinical leads to develop the service according to clinical need
• Review the performance and appropriateness of laboratory methods at regular intervals ensuring technical standards are maintained
• Take a lead role in advising staff regarding technical difficulties
• Advise external service users regarding Clinical and STI Reference Laboratory technical issues
• Validate and authorise reports as required
• Responsible for the receipt and processing of samples requiring legal chain of evidence documentation
• Lead in the evaluation and assessment of new equipment and consumable items
• Actively participate as a member of the Virology protocols group
• Lead in the production, review and update of Standard Operating procedures for the Clinical Virology and STI Reference Laboratory
• Participate in and support the R&D activities within the laboratory and UKHSA
• Perform any other duties required by the line manager commensurate with the grade
• Manage the surveillance and epidemiological activity within Clinical Virology and STI Reference Laboratory

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.

For the full list of responsibilities and duties, please see the full job description. 

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

• Registered with the HCPC as a Biomedical Scientist or Clinical Scientist.
• IBMS Specialist Portfolio or relevant experience.
• An MSc (or a degree and relevant experience) in Microbiology or Biological Science or related subject.
• Health and Safety qualification IOSSH or equivalent.
• Laboratory experience in working within the field of STI diagnostics
• Knows and understands laboratory safety requirements and procedures.
• Understands quality assurance principles and procedures.
• Ability to work individually and as part of a team
• Ability to prioritise work in a timely manner
• Evidence of using technical experience to assess new and existing systems and initiate change in laboratory practice
• Evidence of in depth technical and theoretical knowledge of molecular techniques.
• Able to demonstrable organisational and managerial skills. Plan own time and that of others effectively.
• Able to respond positively to change.
• Able to convey ideas and opinions clearly, concisely, orally and in writing
• Evidence of negotiating skills
• An ability to maintain confidentiality and trust.

Desirable

• Relevant management training and qualification to certification level
• Understanding of training programmes and training assessment
• Evidence of motivating others
• Experience in marketing and liaising with customers

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

Please note that you may be asked to undertake a test or presentation at 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 and strengths will be used at the interview:

• Seeing the Big Picture
• Making Effective Decisions
• Leadership
• Working Together
• Developing Self and Others
• Managing a Quality Service
• Analytical
• Challenger
• Decisive
• Organiser
• Problem Solver
• Responsible
• Strategic

Expected Timeline:

Advert close: 23:55hrs on 14th 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: TBC 2024

Interviews: w/c TBC 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)

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 NHS 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/

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.