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Crynodeb o'r swydd

Prif leoliad
Scientist
Gradd
Civil Service: Higher Executive Officer (HEO)
Contract
Parhaol
Oriau
  • Llawnamser
  • Rhan-amser
  • Rhannu swydd
  • Gweithio hyblyg
37.5 awr yr wythnos
Cyfeirnod y swydd
919-CG-309476-EXT
Cyflogwr
UK Health Security Agency
Math o gyflogwr
Public (Non NHS)
Gwefan
Scientific Campus
Tref
Porton
Cyflog
£33,422 - £40,731 per annum, pro rata
Cyfnod cyflog
Yn flynyddol
Yn cau
12/07/2026 23:59

Teitl cyflogwr

UK Health Security Agency logo

Scientist

Civil Service: Higher Executive Officer (HEO)

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) prevents, prepares for and responds to infectious diseases, and environmental hazards, to keep all our communities safe, save lives and protect livelihoods.

We provide scientific and operational leadership, working with local, national and international partners to protect the public’s health and build the nation’s health security capability.

UKHSA is an executive agency, sponsored by the Department of Health and Social Care.

Trosolwg o'r swydd

The Pre-clinical Evaluation Team is a translational research group within the wider Vaccine Development and Evaluation Centre      division at UKHSA Porton Down, investigating high consequence human pathogens. Research undertaken includes development of in vivo models, assays to advance the testing of vaccines, and investigation of organ-on-chip technology as an adjunct to our existing capabilities. This role will lead on the implementation of organ on chip models for the study of virus infections and the efficacy of candidate therapeutics.

The successful candidate will provide technical virological, cell culture and assay expertise in a team within the Pre-clinical Evaluation Unit on a range of projects. This post suits a candidate with experience in the relevant laboratory techniques, and a proven capability in critical thinking and problem solving. You will be expected to take a flexible and adaptable approach to the demands of the projects, have excellent written and verbal communication skills, and be able to collaborate with lab users from other teams.

Prif ddyletswyddau'r swydd

The successful candidate will:

  • Contribute to the development of a range of laboratory methods/assays in support of all activities associated with the projects to ensure project targets are met
  • Take responsibility for the provision of laboratory reagents and consumables required for the project and document storage of materials
  • Take responsibility for laboratory housekeeping and supervision of laboratory maintenance.
  • Ensure that the project operates to a high scientific standard using current methods
  • Ensure accurate documentation and tracking of samples, data, and laboratory records
  • Provide reports, presentations, and publications through analysis of data, using software and databases as necessary, to meet project target
  • Take responsibility for the supervision and training of junior staff allocated to the project as required.
  • Perform other duties required by the Line manager commensurate with grade
  • Ensure that the project team undertakes work in accordance with UKHSA’s Code of Safety Practice and working within any Quality Systems that are applicable to the site
  • Maintain health and safety competence to the national occupational standard ‘Make sure your actions reduce risks to health and safety’ (NOS HSS1)
  • Identifying, discussing, and actioning own professional performance and training / development needs with line manager
  • Undertake risk assessor role, with associated training and ongoing competency

This list is not exhaustive.

Gweithio i'n sefydliad

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

Swydd-ddisgrifiad a phrif gyfrifoldebau manwl

Essential Criteria 

  • PhD, or BSc/MSc (or equivalent) in biological science or a virology subject or equivalent experience working in biological science or virology 
  • Good knowledge and practical familiarity with techniques for the project including standard microbiology, molecular biology, virology techniques, immunoassays, cell-based assays, cell culture and working at containment level 2/containment level 3.
  • Good understanding and experience of safe working practices.
  • Specialist training/experience in some of specific methods required for the post and their applications e.g., virus isolation & propagation, plaque assay, focus forming assay, RT-qPCR, primary ex vivo and differentiated cell culture, Organ-on-a-Chip systems, virus neutralisation assays, ELISA, immune cell isolation, flow cytometry, ELISpot.
  • Clear communicator with excellent writing and presentation skills; capable of constructing and delivering clear ideas and concepts concisely and accurately for diverse audiences.
  • Ability to analyse and interpret information and react dynamically to unanticipated or unplanned events
  • Independent thinker with demonstrated good judgement, problem solving, critical thinking and analytical skills
  • Excellent team working skills with the ability understand the importance of team work to achieve overall team goals

Desirable Criteria:

  • Practical experience of developing and troubleshooting analytical methods such as cell-based bioassays or immunological methods
  • Experience of working with in vitro/ ex vivo models for a variety of viral pathogens including assays to support model characterisation.  
  • Demonstrable experience of having worked within a regulated environment (e.g., GCP, ISO9001) and undergoing audits
  • Experience of lab supervision and/or risk assessment.
  • Experience of complex data analysis, presentations, reports, and publications.
 

Selection Process Details(Success Profiles)

This vacancy is using Success Profiles and  will assess your Behaviours and Experience.

Stage 1: Application & Sift

Success profiles Success Profiles - GOV.UK

You will be required to complete an application form. You will be assessed on the listed  8 essential  criteria,  and this will be in the form of a: 

  • Application form (Employer/ Activity history’ section on the application) 
  • 1000  word supporting statement. 

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.  
 
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). Please do not email us your CV.

Healthjobs UK has a word limit of 1500, but your supporting statement must be no more than 1000 words. We will not consider any words over  1000 words.

Longlisting: 

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

  1. Meets all essential criteria  
  2. Meets some essential criteria 
  3.  Meets no essential criteria  

If used, the piles ‘Meets all essential criteria’ and ‘Meets some essential criteria’ will  proceed  to shortlisting. 

Shortlisting:  

In the event ofa large number of applications we may conduct an initial sift, on the lead criteria of:

  • PhD, or BSc/MSc (or equivalent) in biological science or a virology subject or equivalent experience working in biological science or virology 

Desirable criteria may be used in the event ofa large number of applications  or large  amount  of successful candidates.

If you are successful at this stage, you will progress to interview & assessment. 

Stage 2: Interview

Success profiles Success Profiles - GOV.UK

You will be invited to a single face to face interview at UK Health Security Agency, Porton Down, Salisbury, Wiltshire, SP4 0JG

If face to face interviews are planned, in exceptional circumstances, we may be able to offer a remote interview.

Behaviours and  Experience will be tested at interview.

The Behaviours tested during the interview stage will be:

  • Working Together (Lead behaviour)
  • Seeing the Big Picture
  • Making Effective Decisions
  • Developing Self and Others

Interviews dates are to be confirmed.

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 lab based at our Scientific Campus in Porton. Based at our scientific campus, 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.

Security Clearance Level Requirement

Successful candidates must pass a basic 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 Check (SC).

Eligibility Criteria

External: Open to all external applicants (anyone) from outside the Civil Service (including internal applicants). 

Salary Information
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.

Manyleb y person

Application form and supporting statement

Meini prawf hanfodol
  • Application form and supporting statement

Behaviours

Meini prawf hanfodol
  • Seeing the Big Picture
  • Making Effective Decisions
  • Working Together
  • Developing Self and Others

Bathodynnau ardystio / achredu cyflogwyr

Purple SpaceApprenticeships logoNo smoking policyAge positiveImproving working livesMindful employer.  Being positive about mental health.Disability confident employerThe Employers Network for Equality & Inclusion (enei) is the UK's leading employer network covering all aspects of equality and inclusion issues in the workplace.Carer Confident -AccomplishedHappy to Talk Flexible Working

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Gwneud cais ar-lein nawr

Rhagor o fanylion / cyswllt ar gyfer ymweliadau anffurfiol

Enw
Charlene Gwekwerere
Teitl y swydd
Resourcing Support Officer
Cyfeiriad ebost
[email protected]
Gwybodaeth i gefnogi eich cais

For further information regarding the role please contact Naomi Coombes [email protected]

Gwneud cais ar-lein nawrAnfonwch hysbysiadau ataf am swyddi gwag tebyg