Job summary
- Main area
- Healthcare Scientist
- Grade
- Civil Service: Executive Officer (EO)
- Contract
- Permanent
- Hours
- Full time
- Part time
- Job share
- Flexible working
- Job ref
- 919-CA-309429-EXT
- Employer
- UK Health Security Agency
- Employer type
- Public (Non NHS)
- Site
- Porton Scientific Campus
- Town
- Whiltshire
- Salary
- £28,547 - £33,196 per annum pro rata
- Salary period
- Yearly
- Closing
- 05/01/2026 23:59
Employer heading
Healthcare Scientist
Civil Service: Executive Officer (EO)
Job overview
The successful candidate will work as part of the Porton Pathogen Genomics next generation sequencing team to ensure a clinical service is provided efficiently and to the highest standard.
This job will include routine laboratory work, laboratory housekeeping and maintenance, recording and reporting of results and ensuring the work is carried out to high scientific, safety and quality standards. The post holder will perform a range of scientific techniques primarily focused on high throughput next generation sequencing.
Main duties of the job
- Undertake a range of sequencing and diagnostic assays and techniques as required, meeting the needs of UKHSA Pathogen Genomics service provision
- Perform targeted NGS methods such as the ARTIC protocol
- Support current testing strategies and the development of new assays
- Assist in the identification, evaluation, and adaptation of new technologies to enhance the laboratory’s capabilities and to ensure the laboratory works to a high scientific standard
- Conform to the working standards outlined by UKAS ISO 15189:2022 and ISO 9001:2015
- Operate a range of equipment, e.g., centrifuges, analysers, safety cabinets, fridges and freezers
- Act as a laboratory supervisor ensuring equipment is suitably maintained and calibrated and that documentation relevant to the laboratory is kept up to date
Working for our organisation
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
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Main Duties of the Job (Continued)
- Comply with waste disposal protocols
- Operate, maintain, clean, and disinfect laboratory equipment safely
- Monitor laboratory stocks and supplies daily to help optimise use of consumables and to reduce wastage
- Play a leading role in the training of junior and new staff
- Ensure all work is undertaken in accordance with UKHSA’s safety policies
- Work within the laboratory’s Quality Management System
- Maintain a clean, safe, and tidy working environment
- Escalate risks that cannot be controlled to the Laboratory Head
- Notify accidents, near misses, dangerous situations and shortcomings in health and safety via the appropriate management structure
- Report any personal sickness (during and after such an event) that may have been caused by or may impact upon work, in line with the UKHSA Sickness Absence management policy
- Support UKHSA administrative staff
- Comply with all UKHSA policies and procedures
- Identify any potential conflicts of interest which may impinge on your ability to perform duties effectively as defined by UKHSA Conflict of Interest Policy
- Perform any other duties required by the line manager commensurate with grade
Other
- The above is only an outline of the tasks, responsibilities and outcomes required of the role. You will carry out any other duties as may reasonably be required by the directorate.
- The job description and person specification may be reviewed on an ongoing basis in accordance with the changing needs of the organisation.
- It should be noted that the work of the division is of a confidential nature and must not be communicated to other persons except where required for authorised purposes.
Professional development
You should pursue a programme of continuous professional development in accordance with any relevant professional registration or statutory requirements, while maintaining appropriate awareness of service provider requirements.
As part of a member of staff’s duty they are required to participate in a joint quarterly review of their work.
- Identify, discuss, and action your own professional performance and training needs with your line manager through quarterly performance reviews and individual training plans
- Attend internal and external training events
- Complete all mandatory training as required
- Undergo any training requirements as required for the post
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 This will include:
Internal
- Head of Operations
- Laboratory Head
- UKHSA Porton colleagues
- Scientists
External
- Suppliers
- Sample collection staff
- Referring laboratory staff
- Stores Team
Role Criteria and Other Requirements
Essential role criteria (including qualifications, licenses and registrations):
- Degree or equivalent experience in a relevant microbiology/ biological science discipline.
- Knowledge and understanding of laboratory safety requirements and procedures
- Skills in communication of complex information and administrative matters, requiring developed interpersonal and oral/written communication skills
- Problem solving skills and ability to respond to sudden unexpected demands
- Excellent time management skills with the ability to re-prioritise
- Advanced keyboard skills, use of a range of software
- Ability to work on own initiative and organise own workload with minimal supervision working to tight and often changing timescales
- 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 role criteria:
- Experience in molecular biology.
- Knowledge of automated liquid handling
- Basic knowledge of project principles
- Previous experience as a Healthcare Scientist or equivalent experience in Molecular/ Microbiology.
Selection Process Details
This vacancy is using Success Profiles and will assess your Behaviours, Strengths, Experience and Technical skills.
Stage 1: Application & Sift
At 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)
- Up to 750 number of words Supporting Statement
Healthjobs UK has a word limit of 1500, but your supporting statement must be no more 750 words.
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.
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.
Longlisting
In the event of a large number of applications we will longlist into 3 piles of:
- Meets all essential criteria
- Meets some essential criteria
- Meets no essential criteria
The following will be taken through the next stage: Meets all essential criteria
Shortlisting
In the event of a large number of applications we will shortlist on:
- Degree in a relevant biological science
- Knowledge and understanding of laboratory safety requirements and procedures
The following desirable criteria may be used in the event of a large number of applications / large number of successful candidates:
- Experience in molecular biology.
If you are successful at this stage, you will progress to interview. 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 (success profiles)
You will be invited to a (single) remote interview.
Behaviours tested:
- Communicating and Influencing (Lead Behaviour)
- Working Together
- Developing Self and Others
- Working at Pace
Technical Skills tested:
- Knowledge and understanding of laboratory safety requirements and procedures
Eligibility Criteria
External - Open to all external applicants (anyone) from outside the Civil Service (including internal applicants).
Location
This role is being offered as office/lab based at our Scientific Campus in Porton.
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.
Security Clearance Level Requirement
Successful candidates must pass a disclosure and barring security check.
Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is :
- Basic Personnel Security Standard
- Counter-terrorist Check
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.
Person specification
Application form and Supporting statement
Essential criteria
- Application form and Supporting Statement
Behaviours
Essential criteria
- Communicating and Influencing
- Working Together
- Developing Self and Others
- Working at Pace
Technical Skills
Essential criteria
- Technical Skills
Employer certification / accreditation badges
Documents to download
Further details / informal visits contact
- Name
- Conny Agyei
- Job title
- Resourcing Support Officer
- Email address
- [email protected]
- Additional information
For information regarding the role please contact Rai Broadway [[email protected]]
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