Job summary The Food, Water and Environmental (FW&E) Microbiology Laboratories are specialist microbiology laboratories within the UKHSA. Based in 3 sites across the country, the laboratories are geographically well placed to work with local authorities to protect the public from health threats posed by contaminated food, water and the environment. The York FW&E Laboratory provides a microbiology testing and advisory service to Local Authorities, Port Health Authorities, hospitals and commercial clients across the North of England. The laboratory is accredited to ISO 17025 and is recognised as an Official Laboratory for the microbiological examination of food and foodstuffs. Main duties of the job As a Healthcare Scientist Specialist, the appointed person will play a crucial role in delivering diagnostic testing for food, water, and environmental samples, aiding in outbreak investigations, food poisoning cases, and routine control measures. They will perform both basic and complex laboratory investigations, manage staff, and actively participate in our Quality System and Health and Safety arrangements, which may include working within Containment Level 3 facilities. Training and development of FW&E staff will also be a key responsibility. 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 06 November 2024 Pay scheme Other Salary £30,473 to £37,215 a year per annum, pro rata Contract Permanent Working pattern Full-time, Part-time, Job share, Flexible working Reference number 919-JP-300564-EXT Job locations UKHSA York York Biotech Campus, York YO41 1LZ Job description Job responsibilities The role holder will assist in supervising the daily operations of the FW&E laboratory undertaking full microbiological analysis of samples, interpret results, and report significant findings. They will communicate complex results and sensitive information to customers, including Local and Port Health Authorities and commercial clients. In addition they will maintain and develop the Quality System in accordance with UKAS requirements, support ISO 17025 accreditation, and participate in regular audits/non-conforming work investigations. They will ensure the efficient operation and routine maintenance of laboratory equipment, manage reagent and consumable stocks, and contribute to the care and security of the laboratory. They will supervise day-to-day laboratory activities, providing training to staff, and support individual performance reviews and personal development plans. They will assist in the long-term development of FW&E services, implement new methods and technologies, and support income generation activities. They will competently use the laboratorys IT systems and assisting with data management will be necessary. They will ensure confidentiality, comply with data protection and safety policies, implement safety objectives, and risk assessments, and report any health and safety concerns.They will actively pursue continuous professional development and participate in mandatory training and internal and external teaching programs. The post holder may train to act as a Food Examiner who provides a technical service to local authorities (LAs) and commercial clients for the diagnostic testing of Food, Water and Environmental samples as an aid to the investigation of outbreaks, food poisoning and routine control. They will perform basic and more complex laboratory investigations and be required to manage staff in sections of the laboratory. Main duties: As theHealthcare Scientist Specialist, you will be expected to: Assist with the supervision of the day to day running of the FW&E laboratory Participate in the provision of an analytical microbiology service for food, water and environmental samples, including the production of accurate and relevant results and reports Deputise for senior staff in their absence To be involved all aspects of sample reception and complete pre-analysis processing for the microbiological examination of samples received in the laboratory, ensuring samples are valid and tested appropriately Work independently or as part of a team to undertake the full microbiological analysis of a wide range of samples, including test selection, in accordance with laboratory and customer requirements Use specialist FW&E microbiology skills to interpret results in line with appropriate guidelines Ensure important or unusual results are drawn to the attention of senior staff and to report complaints and anomalies as soon as possible To assist the Quality Manager in ensuring good working practices and to maintain a high standard of work especially with respect to Internal Quality Control and External Quality Assessment schemes Assist other team members in all aspects of technical work and take on delegated responsibilities from more senior staff Assist in the management of outbreaks, ensuring adequate resources are available to carry out the necessary work Liaise with medical, scientific and other staff of UKHSA / NHS laboratories in all matters of common interest For a full list of the main duties and responsibilities of the role, please refer to the attached Job Description. Essential Criteria BSc (Hons) degree in relevant science subject OR equivalent experience Suitable qualification and experience to act as a Food Examiner, according to the Food Safety (Sampling and Qualifications) Regulation Understanding of quality management systems, especially in relation to UKAS Accreditation Previous experience of supervising and/or training staff Knowledge and understanding of laboratory safety requirements and procedures Further training or significant experience in project management, financial management or supporting change management processes Have extensive working knowledge of laboratory areas, including both practical and theoretical knowledge of the various methods employed. Also to demonstrate a sound understanding of the basic scientific principles relevant to microbiology Experience of automated testing systems Development of special interest and expertise in one or more areas of the laboratory (e.g. quality, R&D, safety, training, IT) Selection Process Details Stage 1: Application & Sift (Success Profiles) Success profiles will be used throughout the process, and you will be assessed against the following behaviours: Making Effective Decisions Working Together Developing Self and Others Managing a Quality Service Delivering at Pace 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 be required to complete an application form. You will be assessed on the above listed essential criteria, and this will be in the form of: an Application form (Employer/ Activity history section on the application) a 1250 word Statement of Suitability. The Application and Statement of Suitability will be marked separately, and you must pass both to move forward to interview. Unfortunately, late applications will not be considered. Please do not exceed 1250 words. We will not consider any words over and above this number. If you are successful at this stage, you will progress to interview. Feedback will not be provided at this stage. Stage 2: Interview (Success profiles) You will be invited to a single face to face interview. In exceptional circumstances, we may be able to offer a remote interview. Behaviours will be tested at interview. The Behaviours tested during the interview stage will be: Making Effective Decisions Working Together Developing Self and Others Managing a Quality Service Delivering at Pace 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 UKHSA York, York Biotech Campus, YO41 1LZ. Please note hybrid working is not available for this role. 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. The post holder will be expected to work 37.5 hrs flexibly between 7:30am 7:00pm Monday to Friday and Saturday and Sunday as required. Please note hybrid working is not available for this role. 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 meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is Basic Personnel Security Standard and Counter Terrorism Check security vetting. Job description Job responsibilities The role holder will assist in supervising the daily operations of the FW&E laboratory undertaking full microbiological analysis of samples, interpret results, and report significant findings. They will communicate complex results and sensitive information to customers, including Local and Port Health Authorities and commercial clients. In addition they will maintain and develop the Quality System in accordance with UKAS requirements, support ISO 17025 accreditation, and participate in regular audits/non-conforming work investigations. They will ensure the efficient operation and routine maintenance of laboratory equipment, manage reagent and consumable stocks, and contribute to the care and security of the laboratory. They will supervise day-to-day laboratory activities, providing training to staff, and support individual performance reviews and personal development plans. They will assist in the long-term development of FW&E services, implement new methods and technologies, and support income generation activities. They will competently use the laboratorys IT systems and assisting with data management will be necessary. They will ensure confidentiality, comply with data protection and safety policies, implement safety objectives, and risk assessments, and report any health and safety concerns.They will actively pursue continuous professional development and participate in mandatory training and internal and external teaching programs. The post holder may train to act as a Food Examiner who provides a technical service to local authorities (LAs) and commercial clients for the diagnostic testing of Food, Water and Environmental samples as an aid to the investigation of outbreaks, food poisoning and routine control. They will perform basic and more complex laboratory investigations and be required to manage staff in sections of the laboratory. Main duties: As theHealthcare Scientist Specialist, you will be expected to: Assist with the supervision of the day to day running of the FW&E laboratory Participate in the provision of an analytical microbiology service for food, water and environmental samples, including the production of accurate and relevant results and reports Deputise for senior staff in their absence To be involved all aspects of sample reception and complete pre-analysis processing for the microbiological examination of samples received in the laboratory, ensuring samples are valid and tested appropriately Work independently or as part of a team to undertake the full microbiological analysis of a wide range of samples, including test selection, in accordance with laboratory and customer requirements Use specialist FW&E microbiology skills to interpret results in line with appropriate guidelines Ensure important or unusual results are drawn to the attention of senior staff and to report complaints and anomalies as soon as possible To assist the Quality Manager in ensuring good working practices and to maintain a high standard of work especially with respect to Internal Quality Control and External Quality Assessment schemes Assist other team members in all aspects of technical work and take on delegated responsibilities from more senior staff Assist in the management of outbreaks, ensuring adequate resources are available to carry out the necessary work Liaise with medical, scientific and other staff of UKHSA / NHS laboratories in all matters of common interest For a full list of the main duties and responsibilities of the role, please refer to the attached Job Description. Essential Criteria BSc (Hons) degree in relevant science subject OR equivalent experience Suitable qualification and experience to act as a Food Examiner, according to the Food Safety (Sampling and Qualifications) Regulation Understanding of quality management systems, especially in relation to UKAS Accreditation Previous experience of supervising and/or training staff Knowledge and understanding of laboratory safety requirements and procedures Further training or significant experience in project management, financial management or supporting change management processes Have extensive working knowledge of laboratory areas, including both practical and theoretical knowledge of the various methods employed. Also to demonstrate a sound understanding of the basic scientific principles relevant to microbiology Experience of automated testing systems Development of special interest and expertise in one or more areas of the laboratory (e.g. quality, R&D, safety, training, IT) Selection Process Details Stage 1: Application & Sift (Success Profiles) Success profiles will be used throughout the process, and you will be assessed against the following behaviours: Making Effective Decisions Working Together Developing Self and Others Managing a Quality Service Delivering at Pace 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 be required to complete an application form. You will be assessed on the above listed essential criteria, and this will be in the form of: an Application form (Employer/ Activity history section on the application) a 1250 word Statement of Suitability. The Application and Statement of Suitability will be marked separately, and you must pass both to move forward to interview. Unfortunately, late applications will not be considered. Please do not exceed 1250 words. We will not consider any words over and above this number. If you are successful at this stage, you will progress to interview. Feedback will not be provided at this stage. Stage 2: Interview (Success profiles) You will be invited to a single face to face interview. In exceptional circumstances, we may be able to offer a remote interview. Behaviours will be tested at interview. The Behaviours tested during the interview stage will be: Making Effective Decisions Working Together Developing Self and Others Managing a Quality Service Delivering at Pace 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 UKHSA York, York Biotech Campus, YO41 1LZ. Please note hybrid working is not available for this role. 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. The post holder will be expected to work 37.5 hrs flexibly between 7:30am 7:00pm Monday to Friday and Saturday and Sunday as required. Please note hybrid working is not available for this role. 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 meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is Basic Personnel Security Standard and Counter Terrorism Check security vetting. Person Specification Application Form Essential Application Form Statement Of Suitability Essential Statement of Suitability Behaviours Essential Making Effective Decisions Working Together Developing Self and Others Managing a Quality Service Delivering at Pace Person Specification Application Form Essential Application Form Statement Of Suitability Essential Statement of Suitability Behaviours Essential Making Effective Decisions Working Together Developing Self and Others 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 UKHSA York York Biotech Campus, York YO41 1LZ Employer's website https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/uk-health-security-agency (Opens in a new tab)