• Job Description

  Req#: K9919-24-0343?language=en&page=209&sort=publicationDateDesc

  Job summary

  Are you looking for an excellent opportunity to enhance your scientific career and gain laboratory experience and knowledge. Join the team in Food & Environmental Proficiency Testing Unit (FEPTU) at UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and make a difference in supporting the work we do.

  FEPTU is part External Quality Assurance services and provide external quality assessment (EQA) schemes for food, water and clinical microbiology laboratories throughout the United Kingdom, and worldwide. Results reported by microbiology laboratories often play a significant role in health protection and managing public health incidents; tools such as External quality assessment/Proficiency Testing is essential for laboratories to be able to demonstrate that their results are accurate, reliable and reproducible.

  We are looking for a Healthcare scientist for scientific activities for the External Quality Assessment (EQA) schemes. Performing laboratory work in FEPTU. Perform routine diagnostic tests. Undertake preparation and dispatch of simulated specimens to participants worldwide for EQA Services. This will incorporate food, water and environmental microbiology culture and biochemical based techniques as well as molecular based techniques. Assist with the research and development of new FEPTU products and methodologies.

  Main duties of the job

  Your key responsibilities will include:-

  - Conduct microbiological testing of simulated food, water and environmental samples. By applying knowledge of the relevant microbiology specialism (food or water microbiology) in the design, quality control and stability testing of EQA samples

  - Collaborate with the quality manager and laboratory co-ordinator and laboratory supervisor in maintaining a high standard of work, and contribute to developing the service of the laboratory so that service delivery is safe, effective, and economical and follows best practice- To work in a safe and responsible manner with a large variety of pathogenic organisms and handling them in large concentrations

  - To take part in continual professional development with internal and external learning opportunities

  - Assist in departmental research and development projects.

  - Collate data and enter accurately on correct computer system or software.

  About us

  We pride ourselves as being an employer of choice, where Everyone Matters promoting equality of opportunity to actively encourage applications from everyone, including groups currently underrepresented in our workforce.

  UKHSA ethos is to be an inclusive organisation for all our staff and stakeholders. To create, nurture and sustain an inclusive culture, where differences drive innovative solutions to meet the needs of our workforce and wider communities. We do this through celebrating and protecting differences by removing barriers and promoting equity and equality of opportunity for all.

  Date posted

  20 June 2024

  Pay scheme

  Other

  Salary

  £29,737 to £34,453 a year per annum, pro rata

  Contract

  Permanent

  Working pattern

  Full-time, Job share

  Reference number

  919-BM-1334688-EXT

  Job locations

  Colindale

  London

  NW9 5EQ

  
  

  Job description

  Job responsibilities

  This role offers a rewarding opportunity to work within a busy laboratory environment at UKHSA Colindale. You'll play a vital role in supporting the delivery of External Quality Assessment (EQA) programs for microbiology testing.

  Gain valuable experience working with a leading public health organization and make a significant contribution to public health by supporting accurate microbiology testing.

  Develop your skills and knowledge in a supportive and collaborative environment.

  The successful candidate will maintain a high standard of work and contribute to developing the service of the laboratory so that service delivery is safe, effective, economical and follows best practice.

  If you're a motivated and detail-oriented individual with a passion for science, we encourage you to apply!

  Essential criteria:

  • Degree in biological/biomedical science/food/water microbiology or a related subject OR equivalent experience
  • GCSE or equivalent qualifications at grade C or above in English and Maths
  • Good level of experience of laboratory Microbiology testing
  • Understanding of quality management systems, especially in relation to UKAS Accreditation
  • Knowledge and understanding of laboratory safety requirements and procedures
  • Problem solving skills and ability to respond to suddenunexpected demands
  • Excellent time management skills with the ability toprioritise work and work unsupervised

  • Evidence of use of computer software packages

  • Able to concentrate for long periods of time

  • An understanding of and commitment to equality of opportunity and good working relationships

  Selection Process:

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

  Stage 1:Application& SiftCompetency-basedassessments

  You willbe requiredto complete an application form. You will be assessed onthe above listedessentialcriteria,and this will be in the form of

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

  • a 1500 wordStatement of Suitability.

  This should outline howyou consideryour skills,experience,andknowledge, provide evidence of your suitability for the role, with reference to the essential criteria.

  The CV/ Application formand Statement of Suitability will be markedseparately,and you must pass both to move forward to interview.

  Longlisting:In the event ofa large number ofapplications we will longlist.

  Shortlisting:In the event ofa large number ofapplications we will shortlist on 'Experience of working in a healthcare environment'.

  If you are successful at this stage, you will progress to interview & assessment

  Please do not exceed 1500words.We will not consider any words over and above this number.

  Feedback will not be provided at this stage.

  Stage 2: Interview

  You will be invited to a (single) face to face interview at UKHSA Colindale, London. Due to the requirements of the role, interviews cannot be conducted remotely.

  Knowledge, experience, skills & abilities will be tested at interview.

  There will be a practical assessment at interview in the form of a basic lab test.

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

  Eligibility Criteria

  Open to all external applicants (anyone) from outside the Civil Service (includingby definition internalapplicants).

  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.

  Working for the Civil Service:

  TheCivil Service Codesets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.We recruit by meriton the basis offair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission'srecruitment principles.

  The Civil Service welcomes applications from people who have recently left prison or have an unspent conviction.Read more about prison leaver recruitment.

  Its important to note that there are currently exceptions to applications being considered if your conviction relates to any of the following:

  • life sentences

  • arson

  • sexual offences

  • hate and terror offences

  Some departments will also consider the specific offence against the nature of the business, i.e., a conviction for fraud may rule you out for a finance role.

  If you are interviewed for the post and do not meet the required threshold for the specified grade, your application may be assessed against a similar, lower grade role and you may be offered the post should one be available

  Starting salary

  Entrants to the Civil Service are expected to start on the minimum of the pay band.

  The internal roles rules apply to existing Civil Servants,i.e.level transfers move on current salary or the pay range minimum, transfers on promotion move to new pay range minimum or receive 10% increase.

  Either case isdeterminedby whichever is the highest.

  For further details please refer to the Information Sheet- Starting Salaries & Benefits attachment.

  Job description

  Job responsibilities

  This role offers a rewarding opportunity to work within a busy laboratory environment at UKHSA Colindale. You'll play a vital role in supporting the delivery of External Quality Assessment (EQA) programs for microbiology testing.

  Gain valuable experience working with a leading public health organization and make a significant contribution to public health by supporting accurate microbiology testing.

  Develop your skills and knowledge in a supportive and collaborative environment.

  The successful candidate will maintain a high standard of work and contribute to developing the service of the laboratory so that service delivery is safe, effective, economical and follows best practice.

  If you're a motivated and detail-oriented individual with a passion for science, we encourage you to apply!

  Essential criteria:

  • Degree in biological/biomedical science/food/water microbiology or a related subject OR equivalent experience
  • GCSE or equivalent qualifications at grade C or above in English and Maths
  • Good level of experience of laboratory Microbiology testing
  • Understanding of quality management systems, especially in relation to UKAS Accreditation
  • Knowledge and understanding of laboratory safety requirements and procedures
  • Problem solving skills and ability to respond to suddenunexpected demands
  • Excellent time management skills with the ability toprioritise work and work unsupervised

  • Evidence of use of computer software packages

  • Able to concentrate for long periods of time

  • An understanding of and commitment to equality of opportunity and good working relationships

  Selection Process:

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

  Stage 1:Application& SiftCompetency-basedassessments

  You willbe requiredto complete an application form. You will be assessed onthe above listedessentialcriteria,and this will be in the form of

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

  • a 1500 wordStatement of Suitability.

  This should outline howyou consideryour skills,experience,andknowledge, provide evidence of your suitability for the role, with reference to the essential criteria.

  The CV/ Application formand Statement of Suitability will be markedseparately,and you must pass both to move forward to interview.

  Longlisting:In the event ofa large number ofapplications we will longlist.

  Shortlisting:In the event ofa large number ofapplications we will shortlist on 'Experience of working in a healthcare environment'.

  If you are successful at this stage, you will progress to interview & assessment

  Please do not exceed 1500words.We will not consider any words over and above this number.

  Feedback will not be provided at this stage.

  Stage 2: Interview

  You will be invited to a (single) face to face interview at UKHSA Colindale, London. Due to the requirements of the role, interviews cannot be conducted remotely.

  Knowledge, experience, skills & abilities will be tested at interview.

  There will be a practical assessment at interview in the form of a basic lab test.

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

  Eligibility Criteria

  Open to all external applicants (anyone) from outside the Civil Service (includingby definition internalapplicants).

  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.

  Working for the Civil Service:

  TheCivil Service Codesets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.We recruit by meriton the basis offair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission'srecruitment principles.

  The Civil Service welcomes applications from people who have recently left prison or have an unspent conviction.Read more about prison leaver recruitment.

  Its important to note that there are currently exceptions to applications being considered if your conviction relates to any of the following:

  • life sentences

  • arson

  • sexual offences

  • hate and terror offences

  Some departments will also consider the specific offence against the nature of the business, i.e., a conviction for fraud may rule you out for a finance role.

  If you are interviewed for the post and do not meet the required threshold for the specified grade, your application may be assessed against a similar, lower grade role and you may be offered the post should one be available

  Starting salary

  Entrants to the Civil Service are expected to start on the minimum of the pay band.

  The internal roles rules apply to existing Civil Servants,i.e.level transfers move on current salary or the pay range minimum, transfers on promotion move to new pay range minimum or receive 10% increase.

  Either case isdeterminedby whichever is the highest.

  For further details please refer to the Information Sheet- Starting Salaries & Benefits attachment.

  Person Specification

  Qualifications

  Essential

  • Degree in biological/biomedical science/food/water microbiology or a related subject OR equivalent experience
  • GCSE or equivalent qualifications at grade C or above in English and Maths

  Knowledge and experience

  Essential

  • Good level of experience of laboratory Microbiology testing
  • Understanding of quality management systems, especially in relation to UKAS Accreditation
  • Knowledge and understanding of laboratory safety requirements and procedures

  Skills and capabilities

  Essential

  • Problem solving skills and ability to respond to sudden unexpected demands
  • Excellent time management skills with the ability to prioritise work and work unsupervised
  • Evidence of use of computer software packages
  • Able to concentrate for long periods of time

  Equality and diversity

  Essential

  • An understanding of and commitment to equality of opportunity and good working relationships

  Person Specification

  Qualifications

  Essential

  • Degree in biological/biomedical science/food/water microbiology or a related subject OR equivalent experience
  • GCSE or equivalent qualifications at grade C or above in English and Maths

  Knowledge and experience

  Essential

  • Good level of experience of laboratory Microbiology testing
  • Understanding of quality management systems, especially in relation to UKAS Accreditation
  • Knowledge and understanding of laboratory safety requirements and procedures

  Skills and capabilities

  Essential

  • Problem solving skills and ability to respond to sudden unexpected demands
  • Excellent time management skills with the ability to prioritise work and work unsupervised
  • Evidence of use of computer software packages
  • Able to concentrate for long periods of time

  Equality and diversity

  Essential

  • An understanding of and commitment to equality of opportunity and good working relationships

  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).

  Additional information

  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

  Colindale

  London

  NW9 5EQ

  
  

  Employer's website

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

  Employer details

  Employer name

  UK Health Security Agency

  Address

  Colindale

  London

  NW9 5EQ

  
  

  Employer's website

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

• About the company

  National Health Service (NHS) is the umbrella term for the publicly-funded healthcare systems of the United Kingdom (UK). The founding principles were that services should be comprehensive, universal and free at the point of delivery—a health service based on clinical need, not ability to pay. Each service provides a comprehensive range of health services, free at the point of use for people ordinarily resident in the United Kingdom apart from dental treatment and optical care.

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