Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Service delivery

• Receive, sort, unpack, label and process specimens in the laboratory.
• Assist in the provision and organisation of safe, timely, high quality and economical CL2 microbiological, and molecular laboratory duties, guided by standard operating procedures (SOPs) within AMRHAI
• Validate clinical results technically.
• Undertake DNA-based detection of antimicrobial resistance genes in a range of pathogens with assays and techniques such as real-time polymerase chain reaction and whole genome sequencing (WGS)
• Undertake antimicrobial susceptibility testing using a range of phenotypic methods
• Analyse and validate laboratory results, support the senior scientists in dealing with laboratory queries.
• Assist in providing a flexible laboratory response to emergency public health needs including investigation of incidents, of deliberate release of pathogenic organisms and to general investigations of illness as appropriate.
• Assist with evaluation and implementation of new techniques / methods to AMRHAI that enhance effectiveness of the laboratory work.
• Write and update SOPs and controlled documentation.
• Provide technical support to AMRHAI reference services as appropriate including adjusting day-to-day work priorities to meet changing demands or emergency requirements. 
• Deal with telephone enquires in relation to clinical specimens.
• Assist senior staff in the management of supporting staff across AMRHAI and deputise for the ARMS HEO when required

Health and Safety

In collaboration:

• Ensure health, safety and welfare is an afforded priority over other issues and to demonstrate a commitment to health, safety and welfare regarding self, all staff and visitors in the unit
• Assist in maintaining a safe working environment within the unit ensuring risk assessments and COSHH are carried out as and when required and safety policy is adhered to
• Report all accidents and incidents or near misses, dangerous situations or shortcomings in health and safety training instructions and assist in taking remedial action 
• Participate in the internal and external safety audits as required and implement any arising corrective actions
• Your attention is drawn to the Health and Safety at Work Act of 1974 which requires you to take reasonable care for the health and safety of yourself and others who may be affected by your acts and omissions at work; and co-operate with the UKHSA on any matters of health and safety.

Information Technology

• Entry of results into LIMS system and liaison with senior staff in sending laboratory reports

Quality

• Maintain a high standard of work and contribute to developing the service of the laboratory so that service delivery is safe effective and economical and follows best practice according to ISO15189 and 17025 standards

Staff Management and Training

• Train and supervise other staff, visitors and students

Support Services & Equipment

• Oversee the service and maintenance of equipment
• Ensure performance checks on equipment are performed and to take appropriate corrective action if equipment fails to meet specification

Strategy, Policy and Service Development

• Contribute to AMRHAI strategic policies, encourage innovations and develop practices that enhance the effectiveness of the Reference Unit’s wor

Other

• Be prepared to work flexibly across the entire AMRHAI Reference Unit as required, maintaining appropriate levels of training as necessary
• The work of AMRHAI is of a confidential nature and must not be communicated to other persons except where required for authorised purposes.

KEY WORKING RELATIONSHIPS 

The post holder will develop working relationships and communicate regularly with a wide range of individuals, clinical and non-clinical, internal and external to UKHSA. Including:

Internal

• Work in close collaboration with the Section Leads, AMRHAI senior management and other staff within AMRHAI.
• Liaise with other staff within the Bacteriology Reference Department, Public Health Microbiology Division and Health Protection Services.

External

• Customers of AMRHAI including NHS laboratories and private / commercial organisations
• Professional groups, grant-funding bodies and other organizations as required. 
• Service engineers and contractors

Customer Relationships

• Respond to requests and communicate accurately, sensitive information and less complex results to customers, including basic interpretation and reporting written and verbal results

Essential Criteria 

• BSc in Microbiology or relevant biological science or equivalent level of qualification and experience
• HCPC registration as a Biomedical or Clinical Scientist (for AfC terms and conditions)
• Evidence of CPD
• Experience and knowledge of working in a microbiology laboratory at containment level 2
• Good experience and knowledge of multiple laboratory techniques including phenotypic and molecular methods for detection and characterisation of antimicrobial resistance
• Experience in working as part of a team
• Good understanding of quality and safety principles and procedures
• Problem solving skills and ability to respond to sudden unexpected demands
• Independent thinker with demonstrated good judgement, problem-solving and analytical skills
• Able to work without supervision - ability to prioritise work in a timely manner - good organisational skills
• Ability to supervise and organise the daily work for self and others - training skills
• An understanding of and commitment to equality of opportunity and good working relationships

Desirable Criteria

• Experience of writing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
• Takes decisions on difficult and contentious issues where there may be a number of courses of action
• Ability to analyse and interpret information, pre-empt and evaluate issues, and recommend an appropriate course of action to address the issues
• Attention to detail combined with the ability to extract key messages from complex analysis
• Skills for managing aspects of projects ensuring they meet targets

Selection Process Details:

This vacancy will be assessed using a competency-based framework.

Stage 1: Application & Sift 

Competency-based 

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

• Application form (‘Employer/ Activity history’ section on the application)
• 750 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 

If used, the pile 'meets all essential criteria' will proceed to shortlisting.

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

• BSc in Microbiology or relevant biological science or equivalent level of qualification and experience
• HCPC registration as a Biomedical or Clinical Scientist (for AfC terms and conditions)
• Evidence of CPD
• Good experience and knowledge of multiple laboratory techniques including phenotypic and molecular methods for detection and characterisation of antimicrobial resistance

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. Please do not exceed 750 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 single face to face interview. In exceptional circumstances, we may be able to offer a remote interview.

Knowledge, experience, skills & abilities will be tested at 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 based at our Scientific Campus at Colindale.  Please note hybrid working is not available for this role.

Security Clearance Level 

Successful candidates must pass a disclosure and barring security check.  

Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. If based at one of our scientific campuses, 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.

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.

• AfC Band 5 £31,049-£37796 if HCPC registered + Outer London HCAS payment
• EO (Inner London) £32,624- £37,73