Healthcare Scientist/Biomedical Scientist - Civil Service: Executive Officer (EO)/AfC Band 5

Bristol Job Summary The Infection Sciences department at North Bristol NHS Trust is formed from a collaboration between the UK Health Security Agency and North Bristol NHS Trust (Severn Pathology). This is a busy and forward-looking laboratory that receives in excess of 1.3 million specimens a year from a large number of clinical specialties located within Bristol and Bath hospital trusts, and beyond, which contribute to an interesting and varied workload. The laboratory is located within North Bristol NHS Trust and is a new, modern and fully automated laboratory incorporating state of the art equipment. It lies within easy reach of the city of Bath and surrounding villages. We have close links with our host Trusts as well as both Universities in Bristol and the proximity of the motorway network makes an ideal base for travel to London, the Midlands, Wales and the coastal resorts of the Southwest. The UKHSA/NBT collaboration employs approximately 200 staff performing a range of diagnostic, public health and research activities, including high containment level work. We are seeking a Biomedical Scientist AfC Band 5 OR Healthcare Scientist Civil Service EO grade. Salary Bands • AfC Band 5: £31,049 - £37,796, per annum, pro Rata • EO (National): £28,547 - £33,196 per annum, pro rata Candidates holding HCPC registration will be appointed on NHS Terms & Conditions at NHS AfC Band 5. Candidates without HCPC registration will be appointed on Civil Service Terms and Conditions at EO grade. 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. Job Description To work as part of the recently established Bristol laboratory sequencing team, supporting whole genome sequencing service developments and ensuring laboratory outputs are efficient and to the highest standard. This role 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 standard. This job will also involve manipulating electronic data to provide information in the correct formats. • Perform routine genomic workflow processes: nucleic acid extraction, amplicon generation, sequencing library preparation, and loading. • Process specimens and undertake related laboratory tasks following SOPs and policies. • Maintain consumables and equipment in your area, including automated equipment per manufacturer guidelines. • Designate tests for samples based on knowledge and experience. • Adhere to UKHSA and laboratory policies, SOPs, and professional guidelines. • Organise and maintain high standards in laboratory work, technical skills, and professional competence. • Highlight important or unusual results to senior/medical staff and report complaints or anomalies. • Demonstrate understanding of sequencing processes and develop scientific knowledge through ongoing training. • Communicate effectively with team members and healthcare professionals. • To report finalised sequencing results to service users (State registered staff only) • Monitor and respond to quality control results and protocol changes. • Perform manual and automated techniques in WGS workflows, following SOPs. • Supervise lower-grade AO staff and support their development. • Ensure data confidentiality in line with the Data Protection Act. • Support income generation activities and contribute to SOP writing, review, and compliance. • Review and analyse data for customer release. • Take action to prevent service delivery delays or failures. • Collaborate with other departments and support staff secondments or rotations • Assist in staff performance monitoring, daily supervision, and organisation. • Support staff training and be mindful of staff wellbeing. Financial management • Contribute to maintaining and developing laboratory services within available resources. Technical Services • Maintain professional competence and stay updated on relevant technologies. • Support and develop WGS services per UKHSA policy. • Ensure accurate, timely lab results and maintain high work standards. • Troubleshoot WGS-related issues and maintain workflow documentation. • To be responsible for the reporting of sequencing results to service users (State registered staff only) Support Services and Equipment • Assist in equipment maintenance and LIMS support. • Ensure timely and effective delivery of assigned activities. Teaching • Ensure staff and trainees are competent in assigned tasks. • Participate in training programs. • Train staff in WGS methods to ensure service resilience. Quality • Support compliance with UKAS and other accreditation standards. • Participate in internal and external quality assurance programs. • Address housekeeping queries and share relevant updates. Information Technology • Use LIMS systems for sample and result tracking. • Operate software for sequencing workflows, data analysis, and documentation. Support workflow changes for new tests and service improvements. Safety • Promote a strong safety culture and adhere to UKHSA health and safety policies. • Implement remedial actions from safety audits and inspections. To work as part of the recently established Bristol laboratory sequencing team, supporting whole genome sequencing service developments and ensuring laboratory outputs are efficient and to the highest standard. This role 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 standard. This job will also involve manipulating electronic data to provide information in the correct formats. • Perform routine genomic workflow processes: nucleic acid extraction, amplicon generation, sequencing library preparation, and loading. • Process specimens and undertake related laboratory tasks following SOPs and policies. • Maintain consumables and equipment in your area, including automated equipment per manufacturer guidelines. • Designate tests for samples based on knowledge and experience. • Adhere to UKHSA and laboratory policies, SOPs, and professional guidelines. • Organise and maintain high standards in laboratory work, technical skills, and professional competence. • Highlight important or unusual results to senior/medical staff and report complaints or anomalies. • Demonstrate understanding of sequencing processes and develop scientific knowledge through ongoing training. • Communicate effectively with team members and healthcare professionals. • To report finalised sequencing results to service users (State registered staff only) • Monitor and respond to quality control results and protocol changes. • Perform manual and automated techniques in WGS workflows, following SOPs. • Supervise lower-grade AO staff and support their development. • Ensure data confidentiality in line with the Data Protection Act. • Support income generation activities and contribute to SOP writing, review, and compliance. • Review and analyse data for customer release. • Take action to prevent service delivery delays or failures. • Collaborate with other departments and support staff secondments or rotations • Assist in staff performance monitoring, daily supervision, and organisation. • Support staff training and be mindful of staff wellbeing. Financial management • Contribute to maintaining and developing laboratory services within available resources. Technical Services • Maintain professional competence and stay updated on relevant technologies. • Support and develop WGS services per UKHSA policy. • Ensure accurate, timely lab results and maintain high work standards. • Troubleshoot WGS-related issues and maintain workflow documentation. • To be responsible for the reporting of sequencing results to service users (State registered staff only) Support Services and Equipment • Assist in equipment maintenance and LIMS support. • Ensure timely and effective delivery of assigned activities. Teaching • Ensure staff and trainees are competent in assigned tasks. • Participate in training programs. • Train staff in WGS methods to ensure service resilience. Quality • Support compliance with UKAS and other accreditation standards. • Participate in internal and external quality assurance programs. • Address housekeeping queries and share relevant updates. Information Technology • Use LIMS systems for sample and result tracking. • Operate software for sequencing workflows, data analysis, and documentation. Support workflow changes for new tests and service improvements. Safety • Promote a strong safety culture and adhere to UKHSA health and safety policies. • Implement remedial actions from safety audits and inspections. Person specification Essential Criteria • Undergraduate degree in an appropriate medical/microbiology/biological science discipline (or equivalent experience) • For Biomedical Scientist post only - Relevant professional qualification i.e. registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) as a Biomedical Scientist. • Some experience working in a diagnostic microbiology, virology or genomics laboratory. Understanding of: • UKAS standards. • Supporting R&D activities. • Health & Safety • Data Protection and Information Governance legislation • National Standards. • Experience of using computerized systems • Experience of working in a health care environment. • Clear communicator and effective interpersonal skills. Articulate and clear thinking • Able to respond positively to change • Ability to work effectively as part of a team • Ability to solve problems in a calm and efficient manner • Enthusiastic and self-motivated • Working knowledge of Microsoft office with intermediate keyboard skills Desirable Criteria • Experience of working in whole genome sequencing and/or sanger services, and automation in relevant areas • Experience of training staff • Experience of evaluating new techniques/equipment Alongside your salary of £28,547, UK Health Security Agency contributes £8,270 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% This role can also be offered under Agenda for Change (AFC) Terms and Conditions if you have a professional registration: • If you are already on AFC T&Cs or accept the role on a fixed-term contract, you will be enrolled in the NHS Pension Scheme or keep your current AFC Pension. • If you take the role on a loan or temporary promotion, you will retain your existing substantive T&Cs. • If the role is available under either AFC or Civil Service T&Cs depending on your registration, your pension scheme will align accordingly. Artificial intelligence 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 (opens in a new window) for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use. Selection process details 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 Required You will be required to complete an application form. You will be assessed on the listed (11) essential criteria, and this will be in the form of a: • Application form (‘Employer/ Activity history’ section on the application) • up to 1,200 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 1,200 words. We will not consider any words over 1,200 words. 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 following pile will proceed to shortlisting. • Meets all essential criteria Shortlisting In the event of a large number of applications we may conduct an initial sift, on the lead criteria of: • Undergraduate degree in an appropriate medical/microbiology/biological science discipline (or equivalent experience) • Some experience working in a diagnostic microbiology, virology or genomics laboratory. Understanding of: • UKAS standards. • Supporting R&D activities. • Health & Safety • Data Protection and Information Governance legislation • National Standards. 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. Feedback will not be provided at this stage. Stage 2: Interview You will be invited to a single face to face interview at the Bristol laboratory. In exceptional circumstances, we may be able to offer a remote interview. Knowledge, experience, skills & abilities will be tested at interview. 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 based in Bristol. Please note hybrid working is not available for this role. 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 Counter-terrorist Check. 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. 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. 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. 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 : Gurkamal Bhambra • Email : gurkamal.bhambra@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