Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Delegated responsibility from the SSRS Lead Scientist, Section Head, Technical Manager and other senior Clinical and Technical staff in accordance with UKHSA policies and procedures and contribute to the day-to-day reference and surveillance activities of SSRS.

Day to day responsibility for assisting in the management and implementation of SSRS reference laboratory work, surveillance, scientific development, and specialist service activities.. To undertake development and application of laboratory methods, including whole-genome sequencing of SSRS. The post holder will be closely working with another SEO in delivering both Staphylococcus & Streptococcus Reference service routine. The post holder will also be required to collaborate with internal, external and international scientists on projects relevant to SSRS pathogens.

Comply with UKHSA and AMRHAI safety regulations, guidelines and quality standards in relation to work carried out.

Technical Services

• Responsible for the review of molecular tests as well as further development and validation of molecular typing services at SSRS
• Facilitating/assisting with delivery of surveillance programmes for Group A Streptoccus
• Responsible for providing an efficient, effective and timely management of workload in SSRS, ensuring sufficient staffing levels
• Conduct staff appraisals and manage performance issues as required
• Perform laboratory tests applicable to the services provided
• Interpret and record test results according to given protocols, including scrutiny of controls and standards and troubleshooting of assay/test failure
• Responsible for maintaining a high standard of work
• Assist with the organisation of, and participation in, suitable training programmes for staff, postgraduate students and visitors
• Collate/present data for discussion
• Evaluate state of the art test procedures/equipment and produce reports
• Validate and authorise reports as required
• Provide advice to internal/external laboratories/users
• Prepare documents including SOPs and COSSH/risk assessments.
• Participate in laboratory-based research projects and analyse the results.

Management of Staff

To ensure, with others, efficient and effective management of technical, scientific, support workers and clerical staff as appropriate in accordance with UKHSA policies and procedures, including:

• Set work programmes for other staff
• Supervise day to day laboratory work at SSRS, as required, ensuring sufficient staffing levels
• Assist with the organisation of, and participation in, suitable training programmes for staff and visitors, ensuring that all staff competency is assessed as often as required
• Act as Laboratory Training Officer
• Develop and maintain good working relationships with staff
• Take responsibility for maintenance/acquisition of stock in order to ensure adequate service provision and continuity
• Ensure confidentiality and conformity to the requirements of the Data Protection Act in collaboration with the designated Caldicott Guardian, Data Protection Officer and Security Information Officer
• Maintain professional competence and be aware of relevant developments in microbiology and other biomedical sciences
• Develop professional/management expertise by undertaking further appropriate training as required.

Management of Support Services and Equipment

• Have shared responsibility for the acquisition, control and utilisation of stock and consumables
• In collaboration with the Technical Lead, assist in the acquisition of agreed equipment purchases and ensuring maintenance of equipment
• Contribute towards the development and maintenance of the MOLIS LIMs 
• Help maintain the departmental web site.

Quality / Governance

In collaboration with the Technical Manager and Quality Manager to:

• Be responsible for maintaining a high standard of work so that service delivery is safe, efficient, effective and economical and follows best practice
• Ensure compliance with ISO15189 and other accreditation and certification standards
• To assist in the processing and reporting of External Quality Assessments for SSRS
• Take part in the identification and implementation of ongoing quality improvements
• Ensure the continual development and compliance of internal and external audit programmes and corrective actions
• Be responsible for preparing and maintaining relevant methodologies, SOPs and risk assessments
• Suggest quality improvements, including helping to set up and coordinate a UK-wide antimicrobial resistance EQA programme in collaboration with UKNEQAS.

Essential Criteria 

• HCPC State registration as a biomedical scientist
• BSc (Hons) (or equivalent qualification) in Biomedical science or related subject, 2:1 or above
• MSc (or equivalent qualification) in Medical Microbiology or Bioinformatics or related subjects OR equivalent relevant experience
• Maintains professional competence in biomedical sciences by attending lectures and seminars
• Minimum of 3 years’ experience of working in a microbiology laboratory
• Good understanding of WGS data and experience of working with Bioinformatics pipelines
• Good in-depth knowledge and experience in the development and validation of molecular and phenotypic methods in the analysis of microbial pathogens
• Knows and understands quality assurance and laboratory safety requirements and procedures
• Experience in managing surveillance and/or research-based activities and projects
• Experience in communication and collaboration at national and international level with a track record of peer-reviewed publications and oral presentations
• Experience in training others
• An understanding of and commitment to equality of opportunity and good working relationships, both in terms of day-to-day working practices, but also in relation to management systems

Desirable criteria:

• Good understanding of Staphylococcal and Streptococcal Microbiology

Selection Process:

This vacancy will be assessed using a competency-based framework which will assess your qualifications, knowledge and experience and/or skills and abilities outlined in the essential criteria. 

Stage 1: Application & Sift 

You are required to complete an application form and will be assessed on the listed 12 essential criteria, in the form of a: 

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

This should outline how your skills, experience and knowledge provide evidence of your suitability for the role, with reference to the essential criteria. 

The Application form and supporting statement will be marked together.

Longlisting: 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 

The pile meets all essential criteria will proceed to shortlisting.

Shortlisting: In the event of a large number of applications we may complete an initial sift on the 3 essential criteria in bold above.

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

If you are successful at this stage, you will progress to interview & assessment. Do not exceed 1000 words.  We will not consider any words over and above this number. Feedback will not be provided at this stage.

Stage 2: Interview 

You will be invited to a single face to face interview. Knowledge, experience, skills & abilities will be tested at interview. 

You will be asked to prepare and present a 5-10 minute presentation at the start of your interview. The subject of this will be sent to you prior to interview.

Interview dates 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.

Selection Process 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. 

Location This role is being offered as hybrid working based at our Scientific Campus in Colindale.  We offer great flexible working opportunities at UKHSA and operate using a hybrid working model where business needs allow. This provides us with greater flexibility about how and where we work, to get the best from our workforce. As a hybrid worker, you will be expected to spend a minimum of 60% of your contractual working hours (approximately 3 days a week pro rata, averaged over a month) based at Colindale.

Security Clearance Level Requirement Successful candidates must pass a disclosure and barring security check.  

If based at one of our scientific campuses, you will be required to have a minimum of 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 External: Open to all external applicants (anyone) from outside the Civil Service (including internal applicants).  

Face to Face Interviews In exceptional circumstances, we may be able to offer a remote interview.
 
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.