Job summary
Employer heading
Outbreak Response Laboratory Scientist
Civil Service: Senior Executive Officer (SEO)
Job overview
The outbreak response laboratory scientist plays a vital role in supporting various aspects of laboratory work aimed at combating infectious disease outbreaks in ODA-eligible countries. They will actively participate in the development, validation, and optimisation of assays crucial for the accurate and timely detection of infectious agents from patient specimens. The outbreak response laboratory scientist is also responsible for conducting routine maintenance tasks and implementing quality control measures to ensure that the RRML remains fully functional and ready for deployment. They will provide support and expertise to microbiology-focused UK-PHRST research projects and capacity strengthening activities. Collaborating with partners in ODA-eligible countries, they will contribute to building local capacity in microbiological techniques and outbreak response strategies in order to foster sustainable improvements in global public health.
The outbreak response laboratory scientist will be expected to deploy as part of the response function of the UK-PHRST. They will be part of a wider team on deployment and may be asked to act as team leader if needed.
Main duties of the job
- To support the microbiology team with the verification and optimisation of molecular assays required to maintain outbreak response capability of the UK-PHRST Rapid Response Mobile Laboratory.
- Assist in the identification, evaluation and adaptation of new technologies and diagnostic tests to enhance the laboratories capabilities both during peace time and when deployed to respond to outbreaks
- To take a leading role in quality, health and safety and training within the laboratory including the writing and review of documentation to ensure the rapid response mobile laboratory meets WHO standards for RRMLs.
- Undertake general laboratory duties including waste handling, equipment maintenance, stock control and ensuring a safe working environment.
- Prioritise, co-ordinate and organise own workload in line with the priorities of the UK-PHRST Microbiology Team.
- Engage with and support UK-PHRST Microbiology research and capacity-building initiatives during deployment.
- To ensure commitment to health, safety and welfare of self, colleagues, and visitors and to always comply with relevant UKHSA health and safety policies.
- To always work to the highest scientific standards.
- Undergo any training requirements as required for the post.
- To comply with all other UKHSA policies and procedures
Working for our organisation
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.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
For a full list of the main duties and responsibilities of the role, please refer to the attached Job Description.
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.
Stage 1: Application & Sift
You will be required to complete an application form. You will be assessed on essential criteria, and this will be in the form of
- a CV
- a 1500 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 CV and Statement of Suitability will be marked together.
In the event of a large number of applications we will longlist.
In the event of a large number of applications we will shortlist based on experience with molecular microbiology and validation/verification of assays.
Unfortunately, late applications will not be considered.
If you are successful at this stage, you will progress to interview & assessment
Please do not exceed 1500 words. We will not consider any words over and above this number.
Feedback will not be provided at this stage.
Stage 2: Interview (competency based)
You will be invited to a remote interview.
Knowledge, experience, skills & abilities will be tested at interview.
Interviews will be held week commencing 12th August 2024. Please note, these dates are subject to change.
Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.
Location Information
This role will be based at Porton Down Salisbury, Wiltshire, SP4 0JG office – Including travel to other UKHSA sites. Post will involve overseas travel as required by the UK-PHRST.
Eligibility Criteria
Open to all external applicants (anyone) from outside the Civil Service (including by definition internal applicants).
Security Clearance Level Requirement
Successful candidates for this role must pass an enhanced disclosure and barring security check before they can be appointed.
Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is Security Clearance.
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 5 years as the role requires Security check. 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.
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 welcomes applications from people who have recently left prison or have an unspent conviction. Read more about prison leaver recruitment.
It’s 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 is determined by whichever is the highest.
For further details please refer to the Information Sheet - Starting Salaries & Benefits attachment.
Person specification
Qualification
Essential criteria
- MSc or higher qualification in an appropriate medical / microbiological/biological science or equivalent level of experience at working at a similar level
Desirable criteria
- HCPC registration
Knowledge and experience
Essential criteria
- Experience of molecular microbiology, (including real time PCR) and serology (including ELISA and IFA)
- Experience in validation and verification of molecular assays for a diagnostic laboratory
- Experience of working in a regulated environment including the use and adherence to quality management systems (e.g. ISO 15189)2
Desirable criteria
- Trained and experienced at working in ACDP Containment Level 3
- Experience of working in low and middle income countries or prior experience of working on previous incident responses
Skills and capabilities
Essential criteria
- Clear communicator with excellent report writing and presentation skills; capable of constructing and delivering clear ideas and concepts concisely and accurately for diverse audiences
- The ability to analyse and interpret information, pre-empt and evaluate issues, and recommend an appropriate course of action to address the issues
- Independent thinker with demonstrated problem-solving and analytical skills with the ability to respond to sudden unexpected demands
- Skilled at working independently and efficiently managing tasks, even when facing tight or changing deadlines
- An effective team player able to liaise with and work with colleagues at all levels and is adaptable, flexible and can cope with uncertainty and change
Desirable criteria
- Ability to communicate at a working level in other languages such as French, Portuguese, or Arabic
Equality and diversity
Essential criteria
- An understanding of and commitment to equality of opportunity and good working relationships, but also in relation to management systems and working with multi-ethnic and multi-cultural teams.
Documents to download
Further details / informal visits contact
- Name
- Natasha Kukadia
- Job title
- Resourcing support
- Email address
- [email protected]
- Additional information
For information regarding the role please contact Daniel Carter, UK-PHRST Public Health Microbiologist (Genomics) - [email protected]
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