Healthcare Scientific Support Worker

This role is being offered as office/lab based at our site in Colindale, London. When based at one of our labs, 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.Job SummaryIn this role you will be expected:to perform laboratory duties, including receipt and booking in of samples, in Central Specimen Reception (CSR), entry of data onto the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS), distribution of samples to the laboratories, monitoring the airflow of the class 1 microbiological safety Cabinets (MSCs).to deal with queries arising from received samples and to telephone senders for more information. To return and forward samples to other laboratories, when required.to monitor and triage emails sent to the CSR email box.to keep all databases, spreadsheets, telephone forms and error logs up to date and available for management reports and audit.to undertake laboratory housekeeping duties, clerical duties and other duties, while taking into account the operational requirements of the laboratory. These duties will be carried out under supervision and guided by standard operating procedures (SOPs), protocols, or systems of work based on training.Job DescriptionYou will be expectedto follow set protocols and SOPsto receive samples, and process requests in a timely mannerto use scanners and barcode printers, in the processing of samplesto enter details on the LIMSto raise orders and receive deliveries and move them to an appropriate location for storageto prepare, package and dispatch samples to external laboratories; and keep accurate recordsto clean benches and equipment in accordance with agreed protocolsto monitor the airflow of microbiological safety cabinets (MSC), on a weekly basisto telephone sending laboratories for more information, as requiredto carry out maintenance of equipment, as directed by CSR senior staffto collect laboratory coats for the laundry and deliver these to stores*Please be aware that this list is not exhaustive*You will be expectedto follow set protocols and SOPsto receive samples, and process requests in a timely mannerto use scanners and barcode printers, in the processing of samplesto enter details on the LIMSto raise orders and receive deliveries and move them to an appropriate location for storageto prepare, package and dispatch samples to external laboratories; and keep accurate recordsto clean benches and equipment in accordance with agreed protocolsto monitor the airflow of microbiological safety cabinets (MSC), on a weekly basisto telephone sending laboratories for more information, as requiredto carry out maintenance of equipment, as directed by CSR senior staffto collect laboratory coats for the laundry and deliver these to stores*Please be aware that this list is not exhaustive*Person specificationEssential CriteriaGCSEs, Maths, Science, English, or equivalent level of education (may include NVQ Level 2 in Laboratory and Associated Technical Activities)Interest in science and technologyKnowledge of health and safety and safe working practicesWorking knowledge of Microsoft Office and experience of using components of the packageUnderstanding and experience of Data Protection LegislationExcellent attention to detail and to always work precisely and accuratelyAble to work as part of a team and to show willingness to help fellow team members and other staff, and demonstrating excellent communication skillsAble to multi-task and change priorities, often at short notice and under pressure, to meet deadlinesAn understanding of and commitment to equality of opportunity and good working relationshipsDesirable CriteriaPrevious laboratory experiencePrevious experience of using Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS)Experience of training or “buddying” new staff.Alongside your salary of £29,613, UK Health Security Agency contributes £8,578 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.We pride ourselves as being an employer of choice, promoting equality of opportunity to actively encourage applications from everyone, including groups currently underrepresented in our workforce. UKHSA's 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.Learning and development tailored to your roleAn environment with flexible working optionsA culture encouraging inclusion and diversityA Civil Service pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%Selection process detailsSelection ProcessStage 1: Application & Sift This vacancy is using CompetencyAt sift stage you will be assessed against the Knowledge, Skills and Abilities listed in the job advert.You Will Be Required To Complete AnApplication form (‘Employer/ Activity history’ section on the application)500 word supporting statementHealthjobs UK has a word limit of 1500, but your supporting statement must be no more than 500 wordsThis should outline how your skills, experience, and knowledge, provide evidence of your suitability for the role.You will receive a joint score for your application form and statement. (The application form is the kind of information you would put into your C.V –please be advised you will not be able to upload your CV. Please complete the application form in as much detail as possible)If We Receive a Large Number Of Applications An Initial Sift Against The Lead Criteria Will Be Conducted. This Will BeExcellent attention to detailLonglisting: In the event of a large number of applications we may longlist into 3 piles of:Meets all essential criteria Meets some essential criteria Meets no essential criteria We will take through only those meeting ALL essential criteria.Desirable criteria may be used if we receive a large number of applications.Please note feedback will not be provided at this stage.Stage 2: Interview (competency based):You will be invited to a face-to-face interview, but in exceptional circumstances, we may be able to offer a remote interview.This vacancy is being assessed using competencies. During the interview we will assess you against the below:KnowledgeExperienceSkills and AbilitiesFollowing The InterviewThere will be a short assessment on matching “dummy” samples to the correct referral form and noting any discrepancies. Full details will be given at the time of the assessmentOnce this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.Eligibility CriteriaOpen to all external applicants (anyone) from outside the Civil Service (including by definition internal applicants).Please note: If you are successful at interview, and are moving from another government department, NHS, or Local Authority, the relevant starting salary principles for level transfers or promotions will apply. Otherwise, roles are offered at the pay scale minimum for the grade, but in exceptional circumstances there may be flexibility if you are able to demonstrate you are already in receipt of an existing, higher salary. Pay increases are through the relevant annual pay award for the role and terms.Future location UKHSA is investing in a new state-of-the-art National Biosecurity Centre in Harlow, Essex, which will eventually bring together teams currently based at Canary Wharf, Colindale and Porton Down. For more details, please see: Huge biosecurity centre investment to boost pandemic protection - GOV.UK.The new facilities will start becoming operational in the mid-2030s, with full completion by 2038. Staff will move in phases as facilities become available. If you're appointed to a role currently based at Canary Wharf, Colindale or Porton Down, please note that we'll continue investing in these sites for the next decade. As we get closer to the transition, we'll provide full information about relocation support available to staff.Reasonable AdjustmentsThe 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/International Police checkIf 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.Artificial Intelligence (AI) Artificial Intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.Link BelowArtificial intelligence and recruitment , Civil Service CareersInternal 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.Security Clearance Level RequirementSuccessful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed.The level of security needed is Basic Personnel Security StandardSuccessful candidates must pass a basic disclosure and barring security check. CTC - Counter Terrorism CheckCareers websitePlease visit our careers site for more information https://gov.uk/ukhsa/careersFeedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.SecuritySuccessful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is counter-terrorist check (opens in a new window).See our vetting charter (opens in a new window).People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is counter-terrorist check (opens in a new window).See our vetting charter (opens in a new window).People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.Nationality requirementsThis Job Is Broadly Open To The Following GroupsUK nationalsnationals of the Republic of Irelandnationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UKnationals 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) (opens in a new window)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 2020Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil ServiceFurther information on nationality requirements (opens in a new window)Working for the Civil ServiceThe Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) 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 (opens in a new window).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.The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) 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 (opens in a new window).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 InclusionThe 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 (opens in a new window) and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy (opens in a new window).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 applicantsJob ContactName : John InglisEmail : john.inglis@ukhsa.gov.ukRecruitment teamEmail : recruitment@ukhsa.gov.ukFurther informationThe law requires that selection for appointment to the Civil Service is on merit on the basis of fair and open competition as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's Recruitment Principles. If you feel your application has not been treated in accordance with the Recruitment Principles, and you wish to make a complaint, in the first instance, you should contact UKHSA Public Accountability Unit via email: Complaints@ukhsa.gov.ukIf 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