Job Description

Details

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Reference number

402155
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Salary

31,224 - 36,176
Per annum, pro rata
A Civil Service Pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%
GBP
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Job grade

Executive Officer###

Contract type

Permanent###

Type of role

Science###

Working pattern

Flexible working, Full-time, Job share, Part-time###

Number of jobs available

1

Contents

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Location About the job Benefits Things you need to know Apply and further information

Location

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London, London (region), NW9 5EQ

About the job

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Job summary

At the Reference Services Division - Colindale (RSDC) laboratory teams undertake services of complex and highly skilled techniques which often require nationally or internationally unique capabilities or facilities. RSDC are required to provide authoritative, final and validated analysis for complex clinical or food microbiological/virological problems and be innovative in driving microbiological/virological methodology developments and standards. They have a key role in provision of expert advice to government, national and international agencies, risk assessment for new and emerging microbiological/virological threats and play an important role in teaching and training organism specific and subject matter expertise to all grades of professional medical, nursing, scientific and technical staff. Design of national microbiological/virological surveillance programmes and sampling strategies and outbreak detection and control are part of day to day work of reference laboratories.


The Antimicrobial Resistance and Healthcare Associated Infections (AMRHAI) Reference Unit is the national reference laboratory for investigation of antibiotic resistance in, and characterization of, healthcare associated pathogens. We seek to define outbreaks and identify transmission pathways. We use established and developmental phenotypic and genotypic methods to type isolates, to identify markers of virulence, fitness and epidemicity, and to determine their susceptibility to relevant antibiotics. Likely mechanisms of antimicrobial resistance are inferred by interpretive reading, and we offer molecular detection and confirmation of the genetic determinants of key resistances and monitor their dissemination. AMRHAI undertakes surveillance of resistance, advises on outbreak investigation, antimicrobial agents that may be appropriate for therapy, and on any public health risk. It is also the national reference laboratory for pathogens from patients with cystic fibrosis (CF).


In addition, we provide specialist identification services for 'unknowns', which includes atypical, difficult to isolate or emerging bacterial pathogens detected in culture-negative clinical samples and for isolates with no national reference facility.

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Job description

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.

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Person specification

Essential criteria

BSc in biological science or equivalent experience working in a biological science laboratory Post-qualification laboratory experience in microbiology pathogens or antimicrobial susceptibility testing Experience of working in a laboratory including using Pre Analytical techniques applicable to Bacterial, Serological or Molecular methods Experience in use of LIMS, and a range of common software (Microsoft Office, Access) Good communicator and team worker with leadership skills. Able to organise own workload and delegated priorities to junior staff Confident in presentation of ideas and information with excellent analytical skills. Good organisation skills with particular attention to detail Self-motivating, organized and meticulous, and able to problem solve in a calm and efficient manner 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

Benefits

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Alongside your salary of 31,224, UK Health Security Agency contributes 9,045 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.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 employer contribution of 28.97%

Things you need to know

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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

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

Meets all essential criteria Meets some essential criteria Meets no essential criteria

Piles Meets all essential criteria will 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).

Reasonable Adjustments

The Civil Service is committed to making sure that our selection methods are fair to everyone.


To help you during the recruitment process, we will consider any reasonable adjustments that could help you.


An adjustment is a change to the recruitment process or an adjustment at work.


This is separate to the Disability Confident Scheme.


If you need an adjustment to be made at any point during the recruitment process you should:


Contact the recruitment team in confidence as soon as possible to discuss your needs.


You can find out more information about reasonable adjustments across the Civil Service here: https://www.civil-service-careers.gov.uk/reasonable-adjustments/

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Your application may be rejected and/or you may be subject to disciplinary action if evidence of plagiarism is detected. Examples of plagiarism can include presenting the ideas and experience of others, or generated by artificial intelligence (AI), as your own.

Organisation info

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.


Please visit our careers site for more information https://gov.uk/ukhsa/careers

Internal Fraud check

If successful for this role as one aspect of pre-employment screening, applicant's personal details - name, national insurance number and date of birth - will be checked against the Cabinet Office Internal Fraud Hub and anyone included on the database will be refused employment unless they can show exceptional circumstances. Currently this is only for External candidates to the Civil Service.

International Police check:

If you have spent more than 6 months abroad over the last 3 years you may need an International Police Check. This would not necessarily have to be in a single block, and it could be time accrued over that period.

Security Clearance Level Requirement

Successful candidates must pass a disclosure and barring security check.



Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.###

Security

Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is counter-terrorist check .



See our vetting charter .
People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.###

Medical

Successful candidates will be expected to have a medical.###

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) 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
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Working for the Civil Service

The Civil Service Code 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 .
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.###

Diversity and Inclusion

The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see the Civil Service People Plan and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy .

Apply and further information

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The Civil Service welcomes applications from people who have recently left prison or have an unspent conviction. Read more about prison leaver recruitment (opens in new window).
Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.###

Contact point for applicants

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Job contact :

Name : Harry McCullagh Email : harry.mccullagh@ukhsa.gov.uk
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Recruitment team

Email : recruitment@ukhsa.gov.uk ###

Further information

Complaints@ukhsa.gov.uk If you are not satisfied with the response you receive from the Department, you can contact the Civil Service Commission: Visit the Civil Service Commission website: https://civilservicecommission.independent.gov.uk/