Job summary The Deputy Director's job is to provide the scientific leadership and direction for the containment level 4 facilities and the biological services including animal facilities in the UKHSA. The work of the Biosafety and Biosecurity division is to support UKHSA's commitment to diagnosing imported threats to the UK, aid surveillance programmes, to aid detection of infectious diseases, to characterise microbial pathogens efficiently and effectively, develop animal models and provide evidence to support effective treatments and interventions, all within the wider UKHSA objective, to significantly reduce their overall public health burden. Biosafety and Biosecurity division operates within and supports the wider UKHSA structure and provides safe, effective, efficient and innovative services. It has a critical role which supports the delivery of the primary UKHSA function to protect the public health. Main duties of the job The post-holder must ensure that UKHSA Biosafety and Biosecurity division and its services are at the forefront of scientific innovation, and that the evidence base for intervention in, and prevention of, outbreaks, and surveillance of infectious disease covered by their service is global facing and leading, has strategies in place to respond to surge demand in case of heightened response to threats and is at forefront of assay development. The quality and regulatory standards must be of the highest order and will be regularly monitored by the HSE, Security Services, MHRA and Home Office due to the inherent risks and categorisation of the work of the Biosafety and Biosecurity division. Engagement in the global health security arena will be paramount for this role. Success will be dependent on two key activities: firstly, the effective and efficient delivery of Biosafety and Biosecurity services to the highest scientific and regulatory standards, and, secondly, robust career development of the scientific and technical staff. The first of these requires close working with other laboratory functions, and with other UKHSA leaders. The post holder will require the capability to work in three settings, namely: Clinical diagnostics, development of suited systems and animal model development for pathogen research and use in translational activities e.g. product licensure, testing 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 10 February 2025 Pay scheme Other Salary £76,000 to £117,800 a year per annum, pro rata Contract Permanent Working pattern Full-time, Flexible working Reference number 919-AR-302277-EXT Job locations Porton Down Salisbury OX11 0RQ Job description Job responsibilities Key responsibilities will include: To provide scientific and operational leadership of UKHSAs Biosafety and Biosecurity division, its activities, and services. Take overall scientific and operational responsibility for the division, and provision of services to stakeholders, internal and external, including the public. Set the strategic direction of Biosafety and Biosecurity within the UKHSAs strategic framework and overall science and research strategy. Ensure that income generation for Biosafety and Biosecurity is maximised as appropriate in the context of the Science and research strategy and that services are costed and priced appropriately. Work closely with the leadership of the UKHSA to ensure that commissioning of expert microbiology services is well planned and resourced Deliver reports and advice, utilising and interpreting highly complex data in order to support the delivery of UKHSA priorities. Lead work to strengthen biosafety and biosecurity in UKHSAs laboratories working to foster best practice and developing capacity. Be responsible for policy development in Biosafety and Biosecurity and the creation, implementation and review of clinical guidelines in conjunction with other consultant colleagues and clinical users. Take responsibility for the upkeep and provision of quality and information systems related to the Biosafety and Biosecurity division. Support and develop the Biosafety and Biosecurity workforce across the whole system, in line with UKHSAs remit, to support capability and capacity, including technical and professional skills to meet the challenges involved in protecting and improving the publics health. Deliver the research priorities of UKHSA with regard to laboratory microbiology. To maintain oversight and assurance of ongoing research within the division. Take overall scientific responsibility for development work of the division. This role will influence the following key stakeholders: Internal UKHSA Chief Scientific Officer (CSO) UKHSA Executive and Senior Leaders Deputy Directors of UKHSAs microbiology laboratory services Director of Science Strategy and Evidence Director Scientific Facilities and Performance Director, Radiation, Chemicals, Climate and Environmental Hazards Other members of the CSO Group Senior Management Team UKHSA Colleagues in other directorates, e.g., Data & Analytics, Chief Medical Advisor, Health Protection Operations UKHSA corporate colleagues, including Finance, Communications, HR and Health and Safety Clinical and research governance specialists External Department of Health and Social Care Cabinet Office Home Office MOD BEIS DSTL Academics in the respective fields The Health and Safety Executive UKAS NHS Pathology Services and national leaders Other laboratory providers Industry providers of microbiology testing and supporting services Stakeholders working in the field, e.g., the APHA, FSA, etc. Suppliers of laboratory equipment Research funding bodies National and international organisations and committees relating to the field Research funding bodies World Health Organisation Essential Criteria Significant experience, in providing operational public health or health related services at a senior level including knowledge and experience of high containment and biological services. Experience in the leadership/management of a science focused role, including the leadership/management of multidisciplinary services, including microbiology and/or epidemiology Experience of managing significant commercial and financial activities, including revenue, capital projects, and budgets to Experience of overseeing standards, quality and safety across laboratories, from policy development through to implementation and monitoring Proven working knowledge and experience of laboratory quality and compliance Experience of managing significant revenue and capital projects to time, cost, and quality, including writing business cases and completing business justification templates Experience of working within laboratory operating, safety and quality systems and delivering special projects. Leadership of operational services for a national organisation Evidence of managing major change successfully and positively Proven skill in people management in mobilising and motivating multi- disciplinary teams to learn, develop and deliver to high standards An understanding of and commitment to equality of opportunity and good working relationships. Desirable Criteria Additional knowledge of the following is preferable but not mandatory: Familiarity with quality and regulatory standards, particularly ISO standards, including 17025, 15189, 9001 For full details, please refer to the attached Candidate Pack. External Open to all external applicants (anyone) from outside the Civil Service (including by definition internal applicants). Stage 1: Application & Sift You will be required to complete an application form. You will be assessed on essential criteria, and this will be in the form of an Application form (Employer/ Activity history section on the application) a 1500 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 together. Please note you will not be able to upload your CV. You must complete the application form in as much detail as possible. Unfortunately, late applications will not be considered. If you are successful at this stage, you will progress to interview & assessment. Please do not exceed 1500 words. We will not consider any words over and above this number. Feedback will not be provided at this stage. Stage 2: Interview (success profiles) You will be invited to virtual interview. Behaviours and experience will be tested at interview. The Behaviours tested during the interview stage will be Seeing the Big Picture Making Effective Decisions Leading and Communicating Collaborating and Partnering Managing a Quality Service Delivering at Pace Interviews will be held week commencing 10th March 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. 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 Security Clearance. 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 5 years as the role requires Security Check (SC). 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. This role is being offered as office/lab based at our Scientific Campus in insert location. If based at one of our scientific campuses, you will be required to have a Counter TerrorismCheck security vetting check as a minimum. For meaningful National Security Vetting checks tobe carried out individuals need to have lived in the UK for a sufficient period of time. You shouldnormally have been resident in the United Kingdom for the last 3 years as the role requiresCounter Terrorism Check (CTC) clearance. In exceptional circumstances UK residency less than the outlined periods may not necessarily bar you from gaining national security vetting andapplicants should contact the Vacancy Holder/Recruiting Manager listed in the advert for furtheradvice. Relocation expenses are not available. Job description Job responsibilities Key responsibilities will include: To provide scientific and operational leadership of UKHSAs Biosafety and Biosecurity division, its activities, and services. Take overall scientific and operational responsibility for the division, and provision of services to stakeholders, internal and external, including the public. Set the strategic direction of Biosafety and Biosecurity within the UKHSAs strategic framework and overall science and research strategy. Ensure that income generation for Biosafety and Biosecurity is maximised as appropriate in the context of the Science and research strategy and that services are costed and priced appropriately. Work closely with the leadership of the UKHSA to ensure that commissioning of expert microbiology services is well planned and resourced Deliver reports and advice, utilising and interpreting highly complex data in order to support the delivery of UKHSA priorities. Lead work to strengthen biosafety and biosecurity in UKHSAs laboratories working to foster best practice and developing capacity. Be responsible for policy development in Biosafety and Biosecurity and the creation, implementation and review of clinical guidelines in conjunction with other consultant colleagues and clinical users. Take responsibility for the upkeep and provision of quality and information systems related to the Biosafety and Biosecurity division. Support and develop the Biosafety and Biosecurity workforce across the whole system, in line with UKHSAs remit, to support capability and capacity, including technical and professional skills to meet the challenges involved in protecting and improving the publics health. Deliver the research priorities of UKHSA with regard to laboratory microbiology. To maintain oversight and assurance of ongoing research within the division. Take overall scientific responsibility for development work of the division. This role will influence the following key stakeholders: Internal UKHSA Chief Scientific Officer (CSO) UKHSA Executive and Senior Leaders Deputy Directors of UKHSAs microbiology laboratory services Director of Science Strategy and Evidence Director Scientific Facilities and Performance Director, Radiation, Chemicals, Climate and Environmental Hazards Other members of the CSO Group Senior Management Team UKHSA Colleagues in other directorates, e.g., Data & Analytics, Chief Medical Advisor, Health Protection Operations UKHSA corporate colleagues, including Finance, Communications, HR and Health and Safety Clinical and research governance specialists External Department of Health and Social Care Cabinet Office Home Office MOD BEIS DSTL Academics in the respective fields The Health and Safety Executive UKAS NHS Pathology Services and national leaders Other laboratory providers Industry providers of microbiology testing and supporting services Stakeholders working in the field, e.g., the APHA, FSA, etc. Suppliers of laboratory equipment Research funding bodies National and international organisations and committees relating to the field Research funding bodies World Health Organisation Essential Criteria Significant experience, in providing operational public health or health related services at a senior level including knowledge and experience of high containment and biological services. Experience in the leadership/management of a science focused role, including the leadership/management of multidisciplinary services, including microbiology and/or epidemiology Experience of managing significant commercial and financial activities, including revenue, capital projects, and budgets to Experience of overseeing standards, quality and safety across laboratories, from policy development through to implementation and monitoring Proven working knowledge and experience of laboratory quality and compliance Experience of managing significant revenue and capital projects to time, cost, and quality, including writing business cases and completing business justification templates Experience of working within laboratory operating, safety and quality systems and delivering special projects. Leadership of operational services for a national organisation Evidence of managing major change successfully and positively Proven skill in people management in mobilising and motivating multi- disciplinary teams to learn, develop and deliver to high standards An understanding of and commitment to equality of opportunity and good working relationships. Desirable Criteria Additional knowledge of the following is preferable but not mandatory: Familiarity with quality and regulatory standards, particularly ISO standards, including 17025, 15189, 9001 For full details, please refer to the attached Candidate Pack. External Open to all external applicants (anyone) from outside the Civil Service (including by definition internal applicants). Stage 1: Application & Sift You will be required to complete an application form. You will be assessed on essential criteria, and this will be in the form of an Application form (Employer/ Activity history section on the application) a 1500 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 together. Please note you will not be able to upload your CV. You must complete the application form in as much detail as possible. Unfortunately, late applications will not be considered. If you are successful at this stage, you will progress to interview & assessment. Please do not exceed 1500 words. We will not consider any words over and above this number. Feedback will not be provided at this stage. Stage 2: Interview (success profiles) You will be invited to virtual interview. Behaviours and experience will be tested at interview. The Behaviours tested during the interview stage will be Seeing the Big Picture Making Effective Decisions Leading and Communicating Collaborating and Partnering Managing a Quality Service Delivering at Pace Interviews will be held week commencing 10th March 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. 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 Security Clearance. 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 5 years as the role requires Security Check (SC). 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. This role is being offered as office/lab based at our Scientific Campus in insert location. If based at one of our scientific campuses, you will be required to have a Counter TerrorismCheck security vetting check as a minimum. For meaningful National Security Vetting checks tobe carried out individuals need to have lived in the UK for a sufficient period of time. You shouldnormally have been resident in the United Kingdom for the last 3 years as the role requiresCounter Terrorism Check (CTC) clearance. In exceptional circumstances UK residency less than the outlined periods may not necessarily bar you from gaining national security vetting andapplicants should contact the Vacancy Holder/Recruiting Manager listed in the advert for furtheradvice. Relocation expenses are not available. Person Specification Experience Essential Application Form & Statement of Suitability Behaviours Essential Seeing the Big Picture Making Effective Decisions Leading and Communicating Collaborating and Partnering Managing a Quality Service Delivering at Pace Person Specification Experience Essential Application Form & Statement of Suitability Behaviours Essential Seeing the Big Picture Making Effective Decisions Leading and Communicating Collaborating and Partnering Managing a Quality Service Delivering at Pace 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 Porton Down Salisbury OX11 0RQ Employer's website https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/uk-health-security-agency (Opens in a new tab)