Job summary We are looking for a Biomedical Scientist to work in the recently established UKHSA Pathogen Genomics laboratory within the Infection Sciences Department at North Bristol NHS Trust. The UKHSA Pathogen Genomics Sequencing Service supports UKHSA's surveillance programmes, aiding in the detection of outbreaks, virulence and antimicrobial resistance mechanisms and generating evidence to support effective interventions, all within the wider UKHSA objective. 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. 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. Main duties of the job The post holder will provide senior scientific input in the development and delivery of whole genome sequencing services (WGS) in the recently established sequencing laboratory in Bristol. The post holder will provide supervision for the day-to-day running of the sequencing laboratory, while acting as part of the team, performing the tests being carried out and ensure essential laboratory-based duties are covered and services are adequately maintained. The post holder will be expected to maintain and apply their up-to-date knowledge of genomic sequencing technologies & science to support the delivery of high-quality services and a cycle of continuous improvement.This role supports the Pathogen Genomics Technical Manager to ensure high standards of safety, quality and training are maintained, supporting the daily workflow of the laboratory, and the recording and reporting of results. About us 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 Date posted 31 January 2025 Pay scheme Agenda for change Band Band 7 Salary £46,148 to £52,809 a year per annum, pro rata Contract Fixed term Duration 2 years Working pattern Full-time, Part-time, Job share, Flexible working Reference number 919-JP-61649737-EXT Job locations UKHSA Bristol, Severn Pathology Southmead Hospital Bristol BS10 5NB Job description Job responsibilities The key responsibilities will include: Provide professional leadership for those members of staff for whom s/he is accountable, leading the staff by example and in a manner which will encourage the development of a positive working attitude by each member. Follow agreed protocols and policies in accordance with the UKHSA policies and procedures. Perform manual and automated laboratory techniques following Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), with leading expertise in WGS. Provide line management for staff within the Bristol service. Supervise the daily workflows of NGS services on a rotational basis, provide supervision of staff or persons seconded to the laboratory. Participate in and carry out formal staff appraisal(s) to agreed UKHSA deadlines. Provide senior scientific support for the Bristol services, with a particular expertise and leadership in health and safety. Provide advice and prepare proposals that contribute to enhancing the effectiveness of the work and achieving laboratory objectives With the designated Laboratory Caldicott Guardian, Data Protection Officer and Security of Information Officer, ensure confidentiality and conformity to the requirements of the Data Protection Act. Identify new and support existing income generation activities. Write, prepare, review and comply with standard documents and draft SOPs as required. Review and analyse data to ensure it is suitable for release to customers Support the development of a flexible team by fostering staff training, development and rotation. Assess, initiate and monitor appropriate action when a situation may cause service delivery delay or failure. Foster good relationships with other departments and establishments including supporting staff rotation or secondments. This will include collaboration with other parties for the efficient delivery of services to all customers. Responsibility for organising and supervising laboratory workflows, these supervisory and laboratory management roles will be assigned on a rotational basis in line with service demands. Please see the attached job description for the full list of roles and responsibilities. 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 You will be required to complete an application form. You will be assessed on the listed 10 essential criteria, and this will be in the form of a: Application form (Employer/ Activity history section on the application) 1000 word Statement of Suitability 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 Statement of Suitability will be marked separately, and you must pass both to move forward to interview. 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 Please note that only applications meeting all the essential criteria will be taken through to shortlisting. Shortlisting: In the event of a large number of applications we will shortlist on: Relevant professional qualification i.e. registration with the Health and Care Professional council (HCPC) as a Biomedical or Clinical Scientist Experience of molecular techniques including nucleic acid extraction and PCR Knowledge of automated liquid handling Knowledge and understanding of laboratory safety requirements and procedures All essential and desirable criteria may be used in the event of a large number of applications / large amount of successful candidates (see attached job description). If you are successful at this stage, you will progress to interview and assessment Please do not exceed 1000 words. We will not consider any words over and above this number. 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. Feedback will not be provided at this stage. Stage 2: Interview (Competency based) You will be invited to a face to face interview. In exceptional circumstances, we may be offer a remote interview. Knowledge, experience, skills & abilities will be tested at interview. There will be a presentation. Interviews will be held week commencing 17th February 2025. Please note, these dates are subject to change. 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). Location This is a lab-based role located at UKHSA Bristol, Severn Pathology, BS10 5NB. Please note hybrid working is not available for this role. 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. 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. 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. Job description Job responsibilities The key responsibilities will include: Provide professional leadership for those members of staff for whom s/he is accountable, leading the staff by example and in a manner which will encourage the development of a positive working attitude by each member. Follow agreed protocols and policies in accordance with the UKHSA policies and procedures. Perform manual and automated laboratory techniques following Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), with leading expertise in WGS. Provide line management for staff within the Bristol service. Supervise the daily workflows of NGS services on a rotational basis, provide supervision of staff or persons seconded to the laboratory. Participate in and carry out formal staff appraisal(s) to agreed UKHSA deadlines. Provide senior scientific support for the Bristol services, with a particular expertise and leadership in health and safety. Provide advice and prepare proposals that contribute to enhancing the effectiveness of the work and achieving laboratory objectives With the designated Laboratory Caldicott Guardian, Data Protection Officer and Security of Information Officer, ensure confidentiality and conformity to the requirements of the Data Protection Act. Identify new and support existing income generation activities. Write, prepare, review and comply with standard documents and draft SOPs as required. Review and analyse data to ensure it is suitable for release to customers Support the development of a flexible team by fostering staff training, development and rotation. Assess, initiate and monitor appropriate action when a situation may cause service delivery delay or failure. Foster good relationships with other departments and establishments including supporting staff rotation or secondments. This will include collaboration with other parties for the efficient delivery of services to all customers. Responsibility for organising and supervising laboratory workflows, these supervisory and laboratory management roles will be assigned on a rotational basis in line with service demands. Please see the attached job description for the full list of roles and responsibilities. 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 You will be required to complete an application form. You will be assessed on the listed 10 essential criteria, and this will be in the form of a: Application form (Employer/ Activity history section on the application) 1000 word Statement of Suitability 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 Statement of Suitability will be marked separately, and you must pass both to move forward to interview. 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 Please note that only applications meeting all the essential criteria will be taken through to shortlisting. Shortlisting: In the event of a large number of applications we will shortlist on: Relevant professional qualification i.e. registration with the Health and Care Professional council (HCPC) as a Biomedical or Clinical Scientist Experience of molecular techniques including nucleic acid extraction and PCR Knowledge of automated liquid handling Knowledge and understanding of laboratory safety requirements and procedures All essential and desirable criteria may be used in the event of a large number of applications / large amount of successful candidates (see attached job description). If you are successful at this stage, you will progress to interview and assessment Please do not exceed 1000 words. We will not consider any words over and above this number. 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. Feedback will not be provided at this stage. Stage 2: Interview (Competency based) You will be invited to a face to face interview. In exceptional circumstances, we may be offer a remote interview. Knowledge, experience, skills & abilities will be tested at interview. There will be a presentation. Interviews will be held week commencing 17th February 2025. Please note, these dates are subject to change. 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). Location This is a lab-based role located at UKHSA Bristol, Severn Pathology, BS10 5NB. Please note hybrid working is not available for this role. 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. 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. 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. Person Specification Application Form Essential Application Form Statement of Suitability Essential Statement of Suitability Qualifications Essential Post-graduate degree in relevant subject i.e., microbiology or biological science (or equivalent experience) Educated to degree in relevant subject i.e., microbiology, biological science, molecular biology Relevant professional qualification i.e. registration with the health and care professional council (HCPC) as a Biomedical Scientist Knowledge and Experience Essential Extensive knowledge and experience in at least one of the specialist areas of the laboratory Training and supervising a team Desirable Substantive experience in Public Health genetic methods Proven record of supporting WGS and/or Sanger services, and automation in relevant areas Skills and Capabilities Essential Able to provide/receive highly complex information, negotiate and present to peers/customers/others Evidence of using technical experience to assess new and existing technologies and processes to innovate and initiate change in laboratory practice Ability to undertake evaluation of new WGS services to allow efficient service delivery Demonstrated capability to plan over short, medium and long-term timeframes and adjust plans and resource requirements accordingly Equality and Diversity Essential 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 Person Specification Application Form Essential Application Form Statement of Suitability Essential Statement of Suitability Qualifications Essential Post-graduate degree in relevant subject i.e., microbiology or biological science (or equivalent experience) Educated to degree in relevant subject i.e., microbiology, biological science, molecular biology Relevant professional qualification i.e. registration with the health and care professional council (HCPC) as a Biomedical Scientist Knowledge and Experience Essential Extensive knowledge and experience in at least one of the specialist areas of the laboratory Training and supervising a team Desirable Substantive experience in Public Health genetic methods Proven record of supporting WGS and/or Sanger services, and automation in relevant areas Skills and Capabilities Essential Able to provide/receive highly complex information, negotiate and present to peers/customers/others Evidence of using technical experience to assess new and existing technologies and processes to innovate and initiate change in laboratory practice Ability to undertake evaluation of new WGS services to allow efficient service delivery Demonstrated capability to plan over short, medium and long-term timeframes and adjust plans and resource requirements accordingly Equality and Diversity Essential 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 Disclosure and Barring Service Check This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions. Certificate of Sponsorship Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab). From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab). UK Registration Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window). Additional information Disclosure and Barring Service Check This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions. Certificate of Sponsorship Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab). From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab). UK Registration Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window). Employer details Employer name UK Health Security Agency Address UKHSA Bristol, Severn Pathology Southmead Hospital Bristol BS10 5NB Employer's website https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/uk-health-security-agency (Opens in a new tab)