Job Description

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.



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

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



T his 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 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. I n 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.