The Antimicrobial Resistance and Healthcare Associated Infections (AMRHAI) Reference Unit is the national reference laboratory for investigation of antibiotic resistance in, and characterization of, healthcare associated pathogens. We seek to define outbreaks and identify transmission pathways. We use established and developmental phenotypic and genotypic methods to type isolates, to identify markers of virulence, fitness and epidemicity, and to determine their susceptibility to relevant antibiotics. Likely mechanisms of antimicrobial resistance are inferred by interpretive reading, and we offer molecular detection and confirmation of the genetic determinants of key resistances and monitor their dissemination. AMRHAI undertakes surveillance of resistance, advises on outbreak investigation, antimicrobial agents that may be appropriate for therapy, and on any public health risk. It is also the national reference laboratory for pathogens from patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). In addition, we provide specialist identification services for unknowns, which includes atypical, difficult to isolate or emerging bacterial pathogens detected in culture-negative clinical samples and for isolates with no national reference facility. This post is positioned within the Bacteriology Reference Department (Colindale site), working within the Antimicrobial Resistance and Healthcare Associated Infections Reference Unit. Please be aware that we will assess on the 7 essential criteria stated on the advert rather than the full list on the job description document. Selection Process: Stage 1: Application & Sift Competency-based You will be required to complete an application form. You will be assessed on the 7 listed essential criteria, and this will be in the form of: Application form (Employer/Activity history section on the application 500 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 In the event of a large number of applications we will shortlist on the lead criteria: GCSE (or equivalent) in English, Maths and Science or relevant equivalent experience Experience of working in a laboratory including using pre-analytical techniques applicable to bacterial, serological or molecular methods Previous experience of working in a laboratory environment using computerised data systems If you are successful at this stage, you will progress to interview and assessment Please do not exceed 500 words. We will not consider any words over and above this number. 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 and abilities will be tested at interview. Interviews dates to be confirmed. 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 at Colindale. Please note hybrid working is not available for this role. Eligibility Criteria External- open to all external applicants (anyone) from outside the Civil Service (including by definition internal applicants). Security Clearance Level Requirements 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.