About the job

Job summary

This is an exciting role within the High Containment Microbiology (HCM) department in UKHSA. As the Virology Technician, you will provide cell culture expertise and laboratory support for department projects on high consequence viruses.

You will also be responsible for the provision of a high-quality cell culture service for the department’s virology activities, including the routine maintenance and quality control of a range of cell cultures and the provision of cell culture reagents to support the department’s clinical, research and development activities.

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

• To maintain cell cultures, ensuring that they are available for the department’s activities as required and that they are prepared to a high standard.
• To carry out routine quality control procedures to ensure that cell cultures are being prepared, recorded, and archived to a high standard.
• To assist scientific staff in identifying, evaluating, and adapting new technologies where appropriate and to ensure that all activities are undertaken to the highest scientific standards.
• Maintain daily records of cell culture and other activities.
• Assist in creation of new documentation (standard operating procedures, worksheets, inventories etc.) or updating of existing documentation, as required.
• To maintain equipment, including routine monitoring, calibration and safety checks and maintain records of these.
• To facilitate the day to day running of the laboratory by ensuring the availability of stock and reagents.
• To assist in the instruction and training of other staff and visitors, and to ensure compliance with safety and quality systems.

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

Essential

• Degree or equivalent qualification in a relevant biological science
• Experience working in a diagnostic or research microbiology laboratory.
• Experience and/or aptitude for working in a microbiological safety cabinet.
• Evidence of core microbiology laboratory skills (e.g. liquid handling, aseptic technique, light microscopy)
• Knowledge and understanding of laboratory safety requirements and procedures.
• Excellent time management skills with the ability to re-prioritise and ability to respond to sudden unexpected demands.
• Ability to work on own initiative and organise own workload with minimal supervision working to tight and often changing timescales.
• Able to work effectively both independently and as part of a small team.

Desirable

• Experience in cell culture.
• Experience of stock management.

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. 

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).

If you are successful at this stage, you will progress to an interview.

STAGE 2 – INTERVIEW 

This stage will involve an interview by MS Teams. 

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:

• Changing and Improving
• Managing a Quality Service
• Delivering at Pace

Expected Timeline:

Advert close: 23:55hrs on 2nd 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 21st February 2024

Interviews: w/c 5th March 2024

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.