Contents Location About the job Benefits Things you need to know Apply and further information Location Colindale (London) About the job Job summary The Antimicrobial Resistance and Healthcare Associated Infections (AMRHAI) Reference Unit is the national reference laboratory for investigation of antibiotic resistance in, and characterisation of, healthcare associated bacterial pathogens. We are seeking to recruit a Healthcare Scientist to work as part of a multidisciplinary team within the unit and contribute to antibiotic evaluation studies, molecular kit evaluations, surveillance and the provisions of the reference service for bacterial samples. Additional requirements for this post are good interpersonal and communication skills, flexibility, team working and working to deadlines. Job Summary To undertake basic microbiology and molecular laboratory duties guided by standard operating procedures, protocols or systems of work based on training provided, and taking into account the operational requirements of the laboratory. To be responsible for technical work in the in-vitro evaluation of novel antibiotics, antimicrobial susceptibility testing kits, molecular testing kits/systems for detecting resistance determinants or surveillance of antimicrobial resistance. To be able to use the LIMS (Laboratory Information Management Systems), MS Excel spreadsheets, MS Access databases and perform general laboratory duties and to complement other members of the team. To seek further development for which training will be given. To assist with maintaining quality and safety systems To perform technical validation of laboratory results To make judgements, plan activities and contribute to service development, and may have responsibility for supervision of new staff, visitors or students. To develop the knowledge of how to deal with a range of non-routine activities, such as work allocation, problem solving for a team or area of work. Job description Your key responsibilities will include: To work as part of a multidisciplinary team within the Department and contribute to antibiotic evaluation studies, new molecular kit evaluations, surveillance and the provision of the reference service for microbiological samples. Work independently or as part of a team to undertake species identification and antibiotic susceptibility profiles (MIC, disc diffusion) of a variety of samples collected as part of surveillance programmes or by the reference service. Prioritize workloads and perform primary analyses of results including screening for anomalous results and selecting strains that may need additional work. Take decisions about the work allocation of those they supervise, determining priorities and monitoring outputs. To assist in the general running and maintenance of the laboratory. Laboratory general To monitor equipment, notifying senior staff where there are discrepancies To take part in and contribute to laboratory meetings To perform laboratory testing, including molecular techniques (such as DNA extraction for WGS, PCR and transfer of plasmids/resistance determinants to lab strains), serological techniques and microbiological techniques such as antibiotic susceptibility testing and generating antibiotic resistant strains following appropriate training and competency assessment. To flag specimens for appropriate tests To escalate risks that cannot be controlled to the AMRHAI Reference Unit management team General preparation work including the ordering of consumables. To be responsible for the reading of less complex test results, maintaining complete and accurate records of the results and entry of results onto the LIMS live system where interpretation of results is required or to MS Access databases or Excel spreadsheets where further analysis of data can be done. To perform laboratory testing, including determining MICs and molecular techniques (such as PCR and DNA extraction for WGS) Use of various manual and automated nucleic acid extraction protocols. To process specimens, run controls and IQC samples according to given protocols as required following training. To support the implementation of new methods and technologies into the laboratory, in order to maximise quality and efficiency of testing For a full list of the main duties and responsibilities of the role, please refer to the attached Job Description. 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. Person specification Essential Criteria: BSc: 2.1 or above in relevant scientific subject Experience of working in a laboratory including using pre analytical techniques applicable to bacterial, Serological or molecular methods and of working in a quality system (working to SOPs, COSHH etc) Experience or knowledge of antimicrobial susceptibility testing methods and antimicrobial resistance Maintains professional competence in biomedical sciences by attending lectures and seminars Knowledge and understanding of laboratory safety requirements and procedures (RA, COSHH etc) Working knowledge of Microsoft Office including Word and Excel Clear communicator with good writing (including report writing), data entry and telephone skills ensuring accuracy Ability to work effectively as part of a team and able to work on own initiative, organising and prioritising own workload to set deadlines Problem solving skills An ability to maintain confidentiality and trust Good time keeping, adaptable and willing to have a flexible approach to work An understanding of and commitment to equality of opportunity and good working relationships Benefits Alongside your salary of £36,187, UK Health Security Agency contributes £10,483 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% Things you need to know Selection process details Selection Process This vacancy will be assessed using a competency-based framework which will assess your qualifications, knowledge and experience and skills and capabilities outlined in the essential criteria. Stage 1: Application & Sift Competency-based Assessments You will be required to complete an application form. You will be assessed on the above listed 12 essential criteria, 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. The CV and Statement of Suitability will be marked together. Please do not exceed 750 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. Stage 2: Interview You will be invited to a (single) face to face interview. In exceptional circumstances, we may be able to offer a remote interview. Knowledge, experience, skills & abilities will be tested at interview. There will be a 5-minute Presentation at the start of the interview. The topic of the presentation will be sent to you if invited to interview. Interviews will be held week commencing TBC. 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. Location This role is being offered as office working based at: 61 Colindale Ave, London NW9 5EQ Eligibility Criteria Open to all external applicants (anyone) from outside the Civil Service (including by definition internal applicants). 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/ Artificial Intelligence (AI) Your application may be rejected and/or you may be subject to disciplinary action if evidence of plagiarism is detected. Examples of plagiarism can include presenting the ideas and experience of others, or generated by artificial intelligence (AI), as your own. Security Clearance Level Requirement Successful candidates must pass a disclosure and barring security check. This role is based at Colindale. If based at one of our scientific locations 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. 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. 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. Medical Successful candidates will be expected to have a medical. 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. 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). Apply and further information The Civil Service welcomes applications from people who have recently left prison or have an unspent conviction. Read more about prison leaver recruitment (opens in 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 : Harry McCullagh Email : Recruitmentukhsa.gov.uk Recruitment team Email : Recruitmentukhsa.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: Complaintsukhsa.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/ Attachments Job description Opens in new window (docx, 126kB) Apply at advertiser's site Share this page Print Email Facebook Twitter LinkedIn GMail