Healthcare Scientist

This is a lab based role at our Colindale location. Our core HQ offices are modern and newly refurbished with excellent city centre transport link and benefit from benefit from co-location with other government departments such as the Department for Health and Social Care (DHSC).Please be aware hybrid working is not available for this role.Job SummaryThe Virus Reference Department (VRD) is a national and international reference centre for a wide range of virus infections. The Blood Borne Virus Unit (BBVU) sits within VRD and provides specialist diagnostic services and advice on hepatitis viruses A through to E. The unit also has an active research and development programme investigating aspects of viral diversity and its implications to viral phenotype, antiviral resistance and vaccine efficacy. The unit works closely with epidemiology colleagues delivering on national public health surveillance programmes for the hepatitis infections.The Key Objectives For This Post Will BeTo undertake the development and delivery of hepatitis surveillance activitiesTo implement methodologies and deliver service functions of the UnitTo develop and undertake project based workJob DescriptionTo undertake developmental work for blood borne virus infections as defined by the unit head/senior scientistTo develop, optimise and validate novel and improved tools and methods for delivering public heath functions related to blood borne virus infectionsTo perform molecular and serological diagnostic tests for viral hepatitis markers as required by the Unit to deliver a clinical service. To develop and undertake project based work as defined by the unit head/senior scientistTo compile and update data and supporting documentation for inclusion in technical files, to support the validation of assays used within the Unit, to meet standards required for UKAS accreditationTo work to appropriate quality standards, including the maintenance of appropriate records associated with the projectsPlease be aware this list is not exhaustive.To undertake developmental work for blood borne virus infections as defined by the unit head/senior scientistTo develop, optimise and validate novel and improved tools and methods for delivering public heath functions related to blood borne virus infectionsTo perform molecular and serological diagnostic tests for viral hepatitis markers as required by the Unit to deliver a clinical service. To develop and undertake project based work as defined by the unit head/senior scientistTo compile and update data and supporting documentation for inclusion in technical files, to support the validation of assays used within the Unit, to meet standards required for UKAS accreditationTo work to appropriate quality standards, including the maintenance of appropriate records associated with the projectsPlease be aware this list is not exhaustive.Person specificationThe post encompasses three main areas of work: 1) delivery of specialist clinical services for the hepatitis viruses; 2) undertaking national public health surveillance projects and 3) contributing to the development and research functions of the unit. The post holder will be expected to hold a BSc in biological sciences or equivalent and to have experience working in a virology laboratory with skills in both molecular and serology methods.The post holder will contribute to the delivery of the unit’s specialist clinical service. This will involve working as part of the team to undertake serological and molecular testing for viral hepatitis markers. Monitoring of assay performance, data analysis and result interpretation will be an essential part of this role. The post holder will also work collaboratively with epidemiological colleagues in the development and delivery of national public health surveillance projects. These programmes are dynamic and will evolve in response to changing public health questions and being able to work flexibly will be important. The unit also has a strong innovation function and will undertake developmental and translational research which is informed by surveillance, diagnostic or public health needs. This includes the development of in-house assays, generation of novel reagents such as recombinant proteins and monoclonal antibodies and methods for virus phenotyping. Some experience in project and developmental work will be important for this role.It will be expected that the post holder undertake data analysis and interpretation, report and manuscript writing and we would encourage the scientific presentation of data.Professional developmentIdentify, discuss and action own professional performance and training / development needs with your line manager through appraisal / individual development plan. Attending internal / external training eventsTo participate in all mandatory training as required, i.e. fire safety, information governance and all other mandatory trainingKey working relationshipsThe post holder will develop working relationships and communicate regularly with a wide range of individuals, clinical and non-clinical, internal and external to UKHSA. This will include;InternalTo work with other staff throughout the Unit and with medical and scientific colleagues across the organisation. ExternalExternal bodies including national and international collaborators, as required.Role Criteria And Other RequirementsEssential role criteria (including qualifications, licenses and registrations):BSc in Biological Sciences, Virology, Microbiology, Biology, Biomedical SciencesExperience of working in a virology laboratoryExperience of nucleic acid extraction and amplification and strain identificationExperience with serological toolsEvidence of project and developmental workClear communicator with excellent writing, report writing and presentation skills; capable of constructing and delivering clear ideas and concepts concisely and accuratelyAbility to analyse and interpret information, pre-empt and evaluate issues, and recommend an appropriate course of action to address the issuesAdvanced keyboard skills, use of a range of software Proficient in Word, Excel and Powerpoint. Ability to use Access would be an advantage.An understanding of and commitment to equality of opportunity and good working relationshipDesirable Role CriteriaKnowledge of administrative procedures, project management or information analysisAlongside your salary of £37,749, UK Health Security Agency contributes £10,935 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 roleAn environment with flexible working optionsA culture encouraging inclusion and diversityA Civil Service pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%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/careersSelection process detailsStage 1: Application & SiftAt sift stage you will be assessed against the essential criteria listed in the job advert.You Will Be Required To Complete An Application form (‘Employer/ Activity history’ section on the application) A 500 word supporting technical statements Healthjobs UK has a word limit of 1500, but your supporting statement must be no more than 500 words word count.This 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 essential criteria will be conducted.LonglistingIn 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 criteriaWe will take through those that meet all essential criteria .ShortlistingIn the event of a large number of applications we will shortlist on:BSc in Virology, Microbiology, Biology, Biomedical SciencesPlease note feedback will not be provided at this stage.Stage 2: Interview stageYou will be invited to a face to face interview. In exceptional circumstances, will may invite you to a remote interview.Interview dates are to be confirmed.This Vacancy Is Being Assessed Using The Competency Framework. During The Interview We Will Assess Against The Below Using Essential CriteriaKnowledgeExperienceSkills and Abilities You will be asked to prepare and present a 5-10 minute presentation at the start of your interview. The subject of this presentation will be around the prevention of Hepatitis B virus transmission.Additional InformationEligibility CriteriaOpen to all external applicants (anyone) from outside the Civil Service (including by definition internal applicants).  Location This role is an office based role at our Colindale location. Our core HQ offices are modern and newly refurbished with excellent city centre transport link and benefit from benefit from co-location with other government departments such as the Department for Health and Social Care (DHSC).Please be aware hybrid working is not available for this role.Eligibility to work in the Civil Service Open to all external applicants (anyone) from outside the Civil Service (including by definition internal applicants).  Security Clearance Level RequirementAll successful candidates must meet the basic security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is:DBS RequirementStandard DBS For This Role You Will Also Need To MeetCounter Terrorism Check (CTC)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.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: Artificial 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.Careers websitePlease visit our careers site for more information https://gov.uk/ukhsa/careersReasonable 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: Artificial 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.Careers 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).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 : Tom GeldeardEmail : Tom.Geldeard@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