Contents Location About the job Benefits Things you need to know Apply and further information Location UKHSA Bristol, BS10 5NB. About the job 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 UKHSAs 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. 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. Job description Your key responsibilities will include: To 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. To 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. To 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. To participate in and carry out formal staff appraisal(s) to agreed UKHSA deadlines. To provide senior scientific support for the Bristol services, with a particular expertise and leadership in health and safety. To 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, to ensure confidentiality and conformity to the requirements of the Data Protection Act. To identify new and support existing income generation activities. To write, prepare, review and comply with standard documents and draft SOPs as required. To review and analyse data to ensure it is suitable for release to customers. To support the development of a flexible team by fostering staff training, development and rotation. To 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. Senior Biomedical Scientist AfC Band 7 grade staff have 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 job description for the full list of duties and responsibilities. Person specification Essential Criteria Education and Qualifications 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 or Clinical Scientist Knowledge and Experience Extensive knowledge and experience in at least one of the specialist areas of the laboratory Training and supervising a team Skills and Capabilities 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 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 Desirable Criteria Substantive experience in Public Health genetic methods Proven record of supporting WGS and/or Sanger services, and automation in relevant areas Benefits Learning and development tailored to your role An environment with flexible working options A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity Things you need to know 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 Extensive knowledge and experience in at least one of the specialist areas of the laboratory Training and supervising a team 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 24th 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 These are lab-based roles located at UKHSA Bristol, BS10 5NB. Please note hybrid working is not available for either role. The successful candidate will be expected to participate in the provision of extended and/or out of hours services when required. 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. 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/ International Police Checks 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. 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. 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. 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 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 : Jon Payne 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/ Apply at advertiser's site Share this page Print Email Facebook Twitter LinkedIn GMail