Job description

Job responsibilities

Your key responsibilities will include:

Technical and Scientific Duties

• To process specimens, sub culture, perform nucleic acid extractions and routine phenotypic and genotypic microbiology diagnostic methods run controls and IQC samples according to given protocols as required following training to undertake and assist in cross unit wide MALDI-TOF rota for the identification of a range of bacterial pathogens for AMRHAI
• To work within the AMRHAI Reference Unit to deliver reference services and to participate in surveillance projects.
• To assist in carrying out laboratory testing, including molecular techniques such as NA extraction, PCR (including real-time PCR) and DNA sequencing and standard microbiological procedures e.g., antimicrobial susceptibility testing and Molecular typing.
• To undertake basic microbiology and molecular laboratory duties under supervision guided by standard operating procedures, protocols or systems of work based on training provided, and taking into account the operational, safety and quality requirements of the laboratory.
• You will be able to make judgements, plan activities and contribute to service development, and may have responsibility for supervision of some staff. You will have knowledge of how to deal with a range of non-routine activities, such as work allocation, problem solving for a team or area of work
• To be responsible for the reading and analysis of test results generated and entry of results onto the LIMS system and to score typing results and technically validate the results.
• Collate and present data for discussion.
• To undertake responsibilities related to UKAS accreditation requirements and Safety regulations through Technical Manager such as IQA submission/review, equipment activities, follow up on internal/external audit findings
• Adhering to external and internal quality control practices.
• Attend meetings, plan and implement project plans.
• Monitor safety cabinets and carry out routine quality control procedures in order to maintain set standards.

Research and development

• To participate in and support the R&D activities within the laboratory and the organisation.

Health and Safety

In accordance with UKHSA policies and procedures, the post holder will be responsible of the following:

• To be responsible for health, safety and welfare of self, staff and visitors in your own area, ensuring that health and safety are afforded priority over other issues.
• To ensure a safe and healthy working environment by maintaining adequate safety levels.
• To notify any accidents, incidents or near misses, dangerous situations or shortcomings in health and safety training instructions via the appropriate management structure.

Quality

• Ensure compliance of work with UKAS ISO15189.
• Participate in internal and external audits and implementing corrective actions
• Take responsibility for maintenance and acquisition of stock in order to ensure adequate service provision and continuity.

Information Technology

• Use databases and software packages as appropriate.
• Apply computer technology to the management of biological information.
• Data entry, spreadsheet analysis and managing the flow of paperwork.

Support Services and Equipment

• Ensure that routine services are maintained/designed to a satisfactory standard.
• Take responsibility for maintenance and acquisition of stock in order to ensure adequate service provision and continuity.
• Monitor the performance and maintenance of laboratory equipment.

General Employment Responsibilities

• Ensure confidentiality and conformity to the requirements of the Data Protection Act in collaboration with the designated Caldicott Guardian, Data Protection Officer and Security of Information Officer.
• Actively participate and maintain a continuing professional development programme and be aware of relevant developments in microbiology and other biomedical science.
• Develop professional expertise by undertaking further appropriate training as required.

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.

Selection process details

This vacancy will be assessed using a competency-based framework which will assess your Qualifications, knowledge and experience and/or skills and capabilities outlined in the essential criteria.

You will be required to complete an application form. You will be assessed on the 8 essential criteria listed, and this will be in the form of a:

• Application form (Employer/ Activity history section on the application)

• 750-word Statement of Suitability

This should outline how you consider your skills, experience, and knowledge, provide evidence of your suitability for the role, with reference to the essential criteria.

The Application form and Statement of Suitability will be marked together.

Longlisting : In the event of a large number of applications we will longlist into 3 piles of:

• Meets all essentialcriteria

• Meets some essential criteria

• Meets no essential criteria

Piles Meets all essentialcriteriawill be moved through to the shortlisting stage.

Shortlisting: In the event of a large number of applications we will shortlist on:

• Post-qualification laboratory experience in microbiology pathogens or antimicrobial susceptibility testing.

Please do not exceed 750 words. We will not consider any words over and above this number. If you are successful at this stage, you will progress to an interview. Unfortunately, late applications will not be considered.

Please note you will not be able to upload your CV. You must complete the application form in as much detail as possible. Please do not email us your CV.

Feedback will not be provided at this stage.

Stage 2: Interview (competency based)

You will be invited to a (single) face to face interview. In exceptional circumstances, we may be able to offer a remote interview.

Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.

Location

This role is being offered as office/lab based at our Scientific Campus in Colindale.

If based at one of our scientific campuses, you will be required to have a Counter Terrorism Check security vetting check as a minimum. For meaningful National Security Vetting checks to be carried out individuals need to have lived in the UK for a sufficient period of time. You should normally have been resident in the United Kingdom for the last 3 years as the role requires Counter Terrorism Check (CTC) clearance. In exceptional circumstances UK residency less than the outlined periods may not necessarily bar you from gaining national security vetting and applicants should contact the Vacancy Holder/Recruiting Manager listed in the advert for further advice.

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.

Job responsibilities

Your key responsibilities will include:

Technical and Scientific Duties

• To process specimens, sub culture, perform nucleic acid extractions and routine phenotypic and genotypic microbiology diagnostic methods run controls and IQC samples according to given protocols as required following training to undertake and assist in cross unit wide MALDI-TOF rota for the identification of a range of bacterial pathogens for AMRHAI
• To work within the AMRHAI Reference Unit to deliver reference services and to participate in surveillance projects.
• To assist in carrying out laboratory testing, including molecular techniques such as NA extraction, PCR (including real-time PCR) and DNA sequencing and standard microbiological procedures e.g., antimicrobial susceptibility testing and Molecular typing.
• To undertake basic microbiology and molecular laboratory duties under supervision guided by standard operating procedures, protocols or systems of work based on training provided, and taking into account the operational, safety and quality requirements of the laboratory.
• You will be able to make judgements, plan activities and contribute to service development, and may have responsibility for supervision of some staff. You will have knowledge of how to deal with a range of non-routine activities, such as work allocation, problem solving for a team or area of work
• To be responsible for the reading and analysis of test results generated and entry of results onto the LIMS system and to score typing results and technically validate the results.
• Collate and present data for discussion.
• To undertake responsibilities related to UKAS accreditation requirements and Safety regulations through Technical Manager such as IQA submission/review, equipment activities, follow up on internal/external audit findings
• Adhering to external and internal quality control practices.
• Attend meetings, plan and implement project plans.
• Monitor safety cabinets and carry out routine quality control procedures in order to maintain set standards.

Research and development

• To participate in and support the R&D activities within the laboratory and the organisation.

Health and Safety

In accordance with UKHSA policies and procedures, the post holder will be responsible of the following:

• To be responsible for health, safety and welfare of self, staff and visitors in your own area, ensuring that health and safety are afforded priority over other issues.
• To ensure a safe and healthy working environment by maintaining adequate safety levels.
• To notify any accidents, incidents or near misses, dangerous situations or shortcomings in health and safety training instructions via the appropriate management structure.

Quality

• Ensure compliance of work with UKAS ISO15189.
• Participate in internal and external audits and implementing corrective actions
• Take responsibility for maintenance and acquisition of stock in order to ensure adequate service provision and continuity.

Information Technology

• Use databases and software packages as appropriate.
• Apply computer technology to the management of biological information.
• Data entry, spreadsheet analysis and managing the flow of paperwork.

Support Services and Equipment

• Ensure that routine services are maintained/designed to a satisfactory standard.
• Take responsibility for maintenance and acquisition of stock in order to ensure adequate service provision and continuity.
• Monitor the performance and maintenance of laboratory equipment.

General Employment Responsibilities

• Ensure confidentiality and conformity to the requirements of the Data Protection Act in collaboration with the designated Caldicott Guardian, Data Protection Officer and Security of Information Officer.
• Actively participate and maintain a continuing professional development programme and be aware of relevant developments in microbiology and other biomedical science.
• Develop professional expertise by undertaking further appropriate training as required.

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.

Selection process details

This vacancy will be assessed using a competency-based framework which will assess your Qualifications, knowledge and experience and/or skills and capabilities outlined in the essential criteria.

You will be required to complete an application form. You will be assessed on the 8 essential criteria listed, and this will be in the form of a:

• Application form (Employer/ Activity history section on the application)

• 750-word Statement of Suitability

This should outline how you consider your skills, experience, and knowledge, provide evidence of your suitability for the role, with reference to the essential criteria.

The Application form and Statement of Suitability will be marked together.

Longlisting : In the event of a large number of applications we will longlist into 3 piles of:

• Meets all essentialcriteria

• Meets some essential criteria

• Meets no essential criteria

Piles Meets all essentialcriteriawill be moved through to the shortlisting stage.

Shortlisting: In the event of a large number of applications we will shortlist on:

• Post-qualification laboratory experience in microbiology pathogens or antimicrobial susceptibility testing.

Please do not exceed 750 words. We will not consider any words over and above this number. If you are successful at this stage, you will progress to an interview. Unfortunately, late applications will not be considered.

Please note you will not be able to upload your CV. You must complete the application form in as much detail as possible. Please do not email us your CV.

Feedback will not be provided at this stage.

Stage 2: Interview (competency based)

You will be invited to a (single) face to face interview. In exceptional circumstances, we may be able to offer a remote interview.

Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.

Location

This role is being offered as office/lab based at our Scientific Campus in Colindale.

If based at one of our scientific campuses, you will be required to have a Counter Terrorism Check security vetting check as a minimum. For meaningful National Security Vetting checks to be carried out individuals need to have lived in the UK for a sufficient period of time. You should normally have been resident in the United Kingdom for the last 3 years as the role requires Counter Terrorism Check (CTC) clearance. In exceptional circumstances UK residency less than the outlined periods may not necessarily bar you from gaining national security vetting and applicants should contact the Vacancy Holder/Recruiting Manager listed in the advert for further advice.

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.

Person Specification

Essential criteria 1

Essential

• BSc in biological science or equivalent experience working in a biological science laboratory

Essential criteria 2

Essential

• Post-qualification laboratory experience in microbiology pathogens or antimicrobial susceptibility testing

Essential criteria 3

Essential

• Experience of working in a laboratory including using Pre Analytical techniques applicable to Bacterial, Serological or Molecular methods

Essential criteria 4

Essential

• Experience in use of LIMS, and a range of common software (Microsoft Office, Access)

Essential criteria 5

Essential

• Good communicator and team worker with leadership skills. Able to organise own workload and delegated priorities to junior staff

Essential criteria 6

Essential

• Confident in presentation of ideas and information with excellent analytical skills. Good organisation skills with particular attention to detail

Essential criteria 7

Essential

• Self-motivating, organized and meticulous, and able to problem solve in a calm and efficient manner

Essential criteria 8

Essential

• An understanding of and commitment to equality of opportunity and good working relationships, both in terms of day-to-day working practices, but also in relation to management systems

Essential criteria 1

Essential

• BSc in biological science or equivalent experience working in a biological science laboratory

Essential criteria 2

Essential

• Post-qualification laboratory experience in microbiology pathogens or antimicrobial susceptibility testing

Essential criteria 3

Essential

• Experience of working in a laboratory including using Pre Analytical techniques applicable to Bacterial, Serological or Molecular methods

Essential criteria 4

Essential

• Experience in use of LIMS, and a range of common software (Microsoft Office, Access)

Essential criteria 5

Essential

• Good communicator and team worker with leadership skills. Able to organise own workload and delegated priorities to junior staff

Essential criteria 6

Essential

• Confident in presentation of ideas and information with excellent analytical skills. Good organisation skills with particular attention to detail

Essential criteria 7

Essential

• Self-motivating, organized and meticulous, and able to problem solve in a calm and efficient manner

Essential criteria 8

Essential

• An understanding of and commitment to equality of opportunity and good working relationships, both in terms of day-to-day working practices, but also in relation to management systems

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

Employer details

Employer name

UK Health Security Agency

Address

UKHSA Colindale

61 Colindale Ave

London

NW9 5EQ

Employer's website

https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/uk-health-security-agency (Opens in a new tab)