Diagnostic Technician Scientist

This role is being offered as lab based at our Scientific Campus in Porton. Job Summary The Diagnostics & Pathogen Characterisation department is based at Porton and has approximately 130 staff, performing a range of research activities, including high containment level work. The department’s work covers a broad range of projects involving pathogen characterisation; virology and pathogenesis; diagnostics, innovation and evaluation, and biosafety and environmental microbiology. The department is part of the UKHSA ambition to be world-leading in capabilities and contribution to vaccines, therapeutics and diagnostics. The Diagnostic Accelerator requires staffing, expertise, and capabilities to deliver diagnostics for pandemic preparedness. The work will focus on the rapid development of diagnostics, in response to and to be better prepared for, outbreaks of new and emerging pathogens. The accelerator will collaborate with external commercial and /or academic partners, as well as with other teams in the division, across Science Group within UKHSA. Externally the function will work with academia, commercial diagnostic firms, HMG, FIND, CEPI, WHO, BMGF, USG and other bodies to support the development, regulatory approval and deployment of diagnostics. The function will also work closely with Standards, Regulatory and Quality Assurance directorate to ensure compliance with all appropriate national and international regulations. Working for your 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 Job Description We have an exciting opportunity to appoint a Technician Scientist to the Diagnostic Accelerator team. The successful candidate will work as part of a team on scientific and technical projects that require serological, molecular, or antigenic techniques to be utilised. The Post Holder Will: • Support the wider project team in the analysis and evaluation of commercial assays contributing to the delivery of new/improved/refined diagnostic assays for pandemic preparedness / outbreak response for use in UKHSA, NHS or other diagnostic labs. • Undertake training to support the provision of surge capacity in the event of an outbreak. Working under the direction of the senior scientists and with the diagnostic research scientists, you will complete tasks for projects ensuring the scientific objectives of the team and department are met. • Have excellent communication and organisational skills and use their prior laboratory experience to support successfully project delivery. Main Duties And Responsibilities • Under the direction of senior scientists, utilise a range of molecular, serological and antigenic methods in support of diagnostic evaluation activities for ACDP HG 2/3/4 pathogens, ensuring targets are met according to agreed specifications and timelines. • Take responsibility for the provision of equipment, reagents and consumables required for the project and documented storage of materials generated. • Ensure data produced is of a high scientific standard ready to be utilised in project reports and presentations. • Undertake training to deputise for the diagnostic research scientists in the supervision of CL2 laboratories and support the completion of housekeeping duties in line with site specific procedures. • Provide support to other laboratory staff, ensuring appropriate consumables and reagents are available for project delivery. • To perform any other duties required by the Line manager commensurate with grade. • To ensure that the project team undertakes work in accordance with UKHSA’s Code of Safety Practice and to work within any Quality Systems that are applicable to the site. • To maintain health and safety competence. • To fulfil the requirements of UKHSA Values and Behaviours and the Civil Service Code. • To comply with all UKHSA policies and procedures We have an exciting opportunity to appoint a Technician Scientist to the Diagnostic Accelerator team. The successful candidate will work as part of a team on scientific and technical projects that require serological, molecular, or antigenic techniques to be utilised. Main Duties And Responsibilities • Under the direction of senior scientists, utilise a range of molecular, serological and antigenic methods in support of diagnostic evaluation activities for ACDP HG 2/3/4 pathogens, ensuring targets are met according to agreed specifications and timelines. • Take responsibility for the provision of equipment, reagents and consumables required for the project and documented storage of materials generated. • Ensure data produced is of a high scientific standard ready to be utilised in project reports and presentations. • Undertake training to deputise for the diagnostic research scientists in the supervision of CL2 laboratories and support the completion of housekeeping duties in line with site specific procedures. • Provide support to other laboratory staff, ensuring appropriate consumables and reagents are available for project delivery. • To perform any other duties required by the Line manager commensurate with grade. • To ensure that the project team undertakes work in accordance with UKHSA’s Code of Safety Practice and to work within any Quality Systems that are applicable to the site. • To maintain health and safety competence. • To fulfil the requirements of UKHSA Values and Behaviours and the Civil Service Code. • To comply with all UKHSA policies and procedures Person specification Essential Criteria: • Degree in relevant subject e.g., Biomedical Science Microbiology/Virology/Molecular Biology/Immunology or equivalent experience of working with a number of relevant analytical techniques in a suitable laboratory with personal responsibility for the quality of results produced. • Knowledge with some prior experience of microbiological diagnostic test development, evaluation and validation for the diagnosis of bacteria and viruses such as Real-time PCR, ELISA, LFD • Experience in working at ACDP CL2 with a range of microbial pathogens using techniques including nucleic acid extraction, real-time PCR and antigen preparation. • Some prior experience of working with clinical samples and commercial diagnostic tests. • Knowledge with some experience of working within a regulated environment (e.g. ISO 9001;ISO15189, GLP, UKAS). • Experience of working as part of a successful team with respect to project delivery. • 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: • Some experience in working at ACDP CL3 with a range of microbial pathogens including culture, nucleic acid extraction, antigen preparation. • Experience with use of molecular automation including point of care devices, extraction and real-time PCR platforms. • Awareness of laboratory risk and COSHH assessment and audit. • Experience of LIMS systems for patient sample management including data analysis and queries on samples, sample types and tests. • HCPC registration (Biomedical Scientist, Clinical Scientist) Alongside your salary of £27,275, UK Health Security Agency contributes £7,901 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 role • An environment with flexible working options • A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity • A Civil Service pension with an employer contribution of 28.97% Selection process details This vacancy is using Success Profiles and will assess your behaviours, experience and strengths. Stage 1: Application & Sift You Will Be Required To Complete An Application Form. You Will Be Assessed Against The 7 Essential Criteria Listed In The Job Advert; This Will Be In The Form Of: • Application form (‘Employer/ Activity history’ section on the application) • up to 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. You will receive a joint score for your application form and supporting statement. 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 that ‘Meets all the essential criteria’ will be moved through to the shortlisting stage. Shortlisting: In the event of a large number of applications we will shortlist on the following essential criteria: • Knowledge with some prior experience of microbiological diagnostic test development, evaluation and validation for the diagnosis of bacteria and viruses such as Real-time PCR, ELISA, LFD Desirable criteria may be used in the event of a large number of applications / large amount of successful candidates. Please do not exceed 750 words on your supporting statement. We will not consider any words over and above this number. If you are successful at this stage, you will progress to interview. Unfortunately, late applications will not be considered. Please note that 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. Please note feedback will not be provided at this stage. Stage 2: Interview Success profiles You will be invited to a face-to-face interview at our Porton office. In exceptional circumstances, we may be able to offer a remote interview. Behaviours and Strengths will be assessed at interview. The Behaviours Testing During The Interview Stage Will Be: • Delivering at pace (Lead behaviour) • Making effective decisions • Communicating and influencing • Working together Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records. Eligibility Criteria Open to all external applicants (anyone) from outside the Civil Service (including by definition internal applicants). For Temporary Appointments, if you are not currently a civil servant, you will take up the post on a Fixed Term appointment.  You may be able to take this role up as a Secondment. If you are an existing Civil Servant, based outside of the UKHSA, you will take up the post as a loan which you will need your department to agree. You cannot take the post up as a fixed term. If you are an existing UKHSA member of staff, you will take up the post as either a level transfer or a temporary promotion as per the UKHSA’s Pay policy. Location This role is being offered as lab based at our Scientific Campus in Porton. Future location UKHSA is investing in a new state-of-the-art National Biosecurity Centre in Harlow, Essex, which will eventually bring together teams currently based at Canary Wharf, Colindale and Porton Down. For more details, please see: Huge biosecurity centre investment to boost pandemic protection - GOV.UK. The new facilities will start becoming operational in the mid-2030s, with full completion by 2038. Staff will move in phases as facilities become available. If you're appointed to a role currently based at Canary Wharf, Colindale or Porton Down, please note that we'll continue investing in these sites for the next decade. As we get closer to the transition, we'll provide full information about relocation support available to staff. 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 Counter-terrorist Check. 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. Reasonable Adjustments The 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 check If 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 Below: Artificial intelligence and recruitment , Civil Service Careers Internal 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 website Please visit our careers site for more information https://gov.uk/ukhsa/careers Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment. Security 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. 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 requirements This Job Is Broadly Open To The Following Groups: • UK nationals • nationals of the Republic of Ireland • nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK • nationals 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 2020 • Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service Further information on nationality requirements (opens in a new window) Working for the Civil Service 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. 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 Inclusion The 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 applicants Job Contact : • Name : Carmelita Goodwin • Email : carmelita.goodwin@ukhsa.gov.uk Recruitment team • Email : recruitment@ukhsa.gov.uk Further information The 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.uk If 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