Job summary The UK Health Security Agency exists to protect and improve the nation's health and wellbeing and reduce health inequalities. We do this through world-leading science, knowledge and intelligence, advocacy, partnerships and the delivery of specialist public health services. We are an executive agency of the Department of Health and Social Care, and a distinct delivery organisation with operational autonomy. We provide government, local government, the NHS, Parliament, industry, and the public with evidence-based professional, scientific and delivery expertise and support. Main duties of the job The post holder will act as a laboratory assistant to provide support to the scientific team providing services to patients and clients as an aid to clinical diagnosis. You will be expected to work flexibly between the hours of 8.30 am - 8 pm Monday to Sunday. Works as part of Laboratory Team Be expected to rotate through various managed units within Virology 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 Other Salary £23,489 to £25,394 a year per annum, pro rata Contract Permanent Working pattern Full-time, Part-time, Job share, Flexible working Reference number 919-HM-309445-EXT Job locations Manchester Royal Infirmary Oxford Road Manchester M13 9WL Job description Job responsibilities Your key responsibilities will include: Sample receipt and handing. Sample preparation and reagent preparation following protocols. Clerical duties, including use of computers, and data entry, telephone enquiries. Provide results service to wards, GPs, and other hospitals Dealing with patients, visitors, and deliveries. Monitor and maintain appropriate stock levels, receipt of deliveries and preparation of orders. Cleaning and disinfection of equipment and laboratory areas. Perform manual, semi-automated and automated tests according to protocols. Disposal of patient samples in accordance with relevant guidelines Autoclaving of waste material and patient samples (involves moderate lifting). Portering duties, exchange of gas cylinders (involves moderate lifting). The duties/responsibilities listed above describe the post as it is at present and is not intended to be exhaustive. The Job holder is expected to accept reasonable alterations and additional tasks of a similar level that may be necessary. 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 capabilities outlined in the essential criteria. Stage 1: Application & Sift You will be required to complete an application form. You will be assessed on the 9essential criteria listed, and this will be in the form of a: Application form (Employer/ Activity history section on the application 750 word Statement of Suitability 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. Please note that you will only be assessed on the essential criteria listed within the advert and not all those listed in the job description. The Application form and Statement of Suitability will be marked together. Longlisting : In the event of a large number of applications we will longlist into 3 piles of: Meets all essentialcriteria Meets some essential criteria Meets no essential criteria Piles Meets all essentialcriteria and Meets some essential criteriawill be moved through to the shortlisting stage. Shortlisting: In the event of a large number of applications we will shortlist on: Experience of working in a healthcare environment Please do not exceed 75 0 words. We will not consider any words over and above this number. If you are successful at this stage, you will progress to an interview. Unfortunately, late applications will not be considered. 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 (single) face to face interview. Knowledge, experience, skills & abilities will be tested at interview. In exceptional circumstances, we may be able to offer a remote interview. There may be a Technical Test/assessment. 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 being offered as lab based at our site in Manchester. If based at one of our labs, 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 Open to all external applicants (anyone) from outside the Civil Service (including by definition internal applicants). Security Clearance Level Requirement Successful candidates must pass a disclosure and barring security check. Job description Job responsibilities Your key responsibilities will include: Sample receipt and handing. Sample preparation and reagent preparation following protocols. Clerical duties, including use of computers, and data entry, telephone enquiries. Provide results service to wards, GPs, and other hospitals Dealing with patients, visitors, and deliveries. Monitor and maintain appropriate stock levels, receipt of deliveries and preparation of orders. Cleaning and disinfection of equipment and laboratory areas. Perform manual, semi-automated and automated tests according to protocols. Disposal of patient samples in accordance with relevant guidelines Autoclaving of waste material and patient samples (involves moderate lifting). Portering duties, exchange of gas cylinders (involves moderate lifting). The duties/responsibilities listed above describe the post as it is at present and is not intended to be exhaustive. The Job holder is expected to accept reasonable alterations and additional tasks of a similar level that may be necessary. 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 capabilities outlined in the essential criteria. Stage 1: Application & Sift You will be required to complete an application form. You will be assessed on the 9essential criteria listed, and this will be in the form of a: Application form (Employer/ Activity history section on the application 750 word Statement of Suitability 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. Please note that you will only be assessed on the essential criteria listed within the advert and not all those listed in the job description. The Application form and Statement of Suitability will be marked together. Longlisting : In the event of a large number of applications we will longlist into 3 piles of: Meets all essentialcriteria Meets some essential criteria Meets no essential criteria Piles Meets all essentialcriteria and Meets some essential criteriawill be moved through to the shortlisting stage. Shortlisting: In the event of a large number of applications we will shortlist on: Experience of working in a healthcare environment Please do not exceed 75 0 words. We will not consider any words over and above this number. If you are successful at this stage, you will progress to an interview. Unfortunately, late applications will not be considered. 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 (single) face to face interview. Knowledge, experience, skills & abilities will be tested at interview. In exceptional circumstances, we may be able to offer a remote interview. There may be a Technical Test/assessment. 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 being offered as lab based at our site in Manchester. If based at one of our labs, 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 Open to all external applicants (anyone) from outside the Civil Service (including by definition internal applicants). Security Clearance Level Requirement Successful candidates must pass a disclosure and barring security check. Person Specification Essential Essential Previously worked in Laboratory Experience of working in a health care environment Clear communicator with good writing, data entry and telephone skills ensuring accuracy Ability to work effectively as part of a team Able to work on own initiative, organising and prioritising own workload to set deadlines An ability to maintain confidentiality and trust Good time keeping Flexible approach to work Ability to follow written protocols Person Specification Essential Essential Previously worked in Laboratory Experience of working in a health care environment Clear communicator with good writing, data entry and telephone skills ensuring accuracy Ability to work effectively as part of a team Able to work on own initiative, organising and prioritising own workload to set deadlines An ability to maintain confidentiality and trust Good time keeping Flexible approach to work Ability to follow written protocols 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). 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). Employer details Employer name UK Health Security Agency Address Manchester Royal Infirmary Oxford Road Manchester M13 9WL Employer's website https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/uk-health-security-agency (Opens in a new tab)