Job summary We are currently recruiting for a Commercial Biosafety Scientist to work within the Commercial Biosafety Team based in the Diagnostics and Genomics division at Porton Down. The Commercial arm of the Biosafety, Air and Water Microbiology Group has been carrying out independent testing of infection control interventions for use in laboratories, health care, workplace and domestic settings for over thirty years. Our expertise is in air, surface and water microbiology applied to nosocomial, pharmaceutical and containment situations. This position will suit an enthusiastic scientist interested in working in a busy microbiology laboratory, with the opportunity to learn new techniques and assays. The successful candidate will join a multidisciplinary team which provides a specialist bespoke research, testing and evaluation service for commercial customers and the delivery of independent analyses and reports. This skilled member of the Commercial Biosafety team will be responsible for carrying out microbiology testing for external commercial customers to defined protocols and writing the draft reports for the work. The successful applicant will assist with planning & development, testing and reporting of the protocols used for testing. This position will also fulfil a number of duties in other research projects involving aerobiology, microbiology and biocontainment. Main duties of the job o Utilise a range of methods/assays/techniques (aerosol generation, air sampling, biology, bacterial culture, etc.) in support of all activities associated with the projects aimed to ensure project targets are met on time and within budget.o Assist the project team to identify, evaluate and report new procedures where appropriate and to ensure that the project operates to a high scientific level.o To develop skills and understanding in the fields of microbiology, aerobiology and biocontainment.o Supply data to agreed timescales to enable the preparation of project reports, presentations and publications.o Take responsibility for the control and stocks of reagents for their own area of the project.o To perform any other duties required by the Line manager commensurate with grade.o To ensure that the project team undertakes work in accordance with the UKHSA's Code of Safety Practice and to work within any Quality Systems that are applicable to the siteo To fulfil the requirements of UKHSA Values and Behaviours: 'Health, Safety and Wellbeing' commensurate with grade. To comply with all UKHSA policies and procedures, other good practice and guidance 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 30 January 2025 Pay scheme Other Salary £27,275 to £31,778 a year Per annum, Pro rata Contract Permanent Working pattern Full-time, Part-time, Job share, Flexible working Reference number 919-ROG-61903149-EXT Job locations UKHSA Porton Manor Farm Road Salisbury SP4 0JG Job description Job responsibilities The post holder must have at least a BTEC level 3 qualification and significant experience (>2 years) in a microbiology topic or commercial testing environment. With proven abilities to undertake a broad range of aerobiology practices, standard bacteriological and bacteria phage techniques. A high degree of flexibility is expected, as the project is closely linked to other programmes of work within Biosafety. This post holder will primarily be responsible for the delivery of testing for commercial customers using microbiology laboratory assays, laboratory housekeeping and maintenance, recording and reporting of results and ensuring the work is carried out to high scientific, safety and quality standard. The successful applicant will also be expected to: Utilise a range of methods/assays/techniques (aerosol generation, air sampling, bacterial culture, etc.) in support of all activities associated with the projects aimed to ensure project targets are met on time and within budget. Conduct testing of biocontainment equipment, such as HEPA filters and centrifuge rotors to standard testing procedures. Write draft reports for the work. Results will be disseminated to commercial stakeholders through discussion and written reports. Take responsibility for the control and stockpile of reagents for their own area of the project. Assist the project team to identify, evaluate and report new procedures where appropriate and to ensure that the project operates to a high scientific level. Supply data to agreed timescales to enable the preparation of project reports, presentations and publications. To develop skills and understanding in the fields of microbiology, aerobiology and biocontainment. Essential criteria You will be assessed on the below 9 essential criteria, which have been selected from the Job Description At least a BTEC level 3 qualification and significant experience (>2 years) in a microbiology topic or commercial testing environment Experience in relevant methods (bacteriology, aerobiology, containment equipment) acquired through previous employment, placements or taught course relevant for project Good understanding and experience of safe working practices in microbiology. Good understanding and experience of safe working practices Good communication skills Self-motivating, organized & meticulous Able to work flexibly to meet varying needs Willing to undertake further training Demonstrated ability to work in teams and independently Stage 1: Application & Sift Success profiles 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. This vacancy is using success profiles and will assess your behaviours, experience, and strengths. You will be required to complete an application form. You will be assessed on the above listed 9 essential criteria above, and this will be in the form of a: Application form (Employer/ Activity history section on the application) 1250 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. Longlisting: In the event ofa large number ofapplications we willlonglistinto 3 piles of: Meets all essential criteria Meets some essential criteria Meets no essential criteria In order to be shortlisted you must meet all and some of the essential criteria listed above. Shortlisting : In the event of a large number of applications we will shortlist on: Experience in relevant methods (bacteriology, aerobiology, containment equipment) acquired through previous employment, placements or taught course relevant for project If you are successful at this stage, you will progress to interview and assessment Please do not exceed 1250 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 a face to face interview Behaviours, Technical skills and strengths will be tested at interview. The Behaviours tested during the interview stage will be: Managing a Quality Service Working Together Developing Self and Others Delivering at Pace A technical question will be asked at interview 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 (includingby definition internalapplicants). Location This role is being offered as office/lab based at our Scientific Campus in Porton.If based at one of our scientific campuses, 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 andapplicants should contact the Vacancy Holder/Recruiting Manager listed in the advert for further advice. Security Clearance Level Requirement Successful candidates must pass a disclosure and barring security 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 / 5 / 10 years as the role requires Counter Terrorism Check (CTC) Job description Job responsibilities The post holder must have at least a BTEC level 3 qualification and significant experience (>2 years) in a microbiology topic or commercial testing environment. With proven abilities to undertake a broad range of aerobiology practices, standard bacteriological and bacteria phage techniques. A high degree of flexibility is expected, as the project is closely linked to other programmes of work within Biosafety. This post holder will primarily be responsible for the delivery of testing for commercial customers using microbiology laboratory assays, laboratory housekeeping and maintenance, recording and reporting of results and ensuring the work is carried out to high scientific, safety and quality standard. The successful applicant will also be expected to: Utilise a range of methods/assays/techniques (aerosol generation, air sampling, bacterial culture, etc.) in support of all activities associated with the projects aimed to ensure project targets are met on time and within budget. Conduct testing of biocontainment equipment, such as HEPA filters and centrifuge rotors to standard testing procedures. Write draft reports for the work. Results will be disseminated to commercial stakeholders through discussion and written reports. Take responsibility for the control and stockpile of reagents for their own area of the project. Assist the project team to identify, evaluate and report new procedures where appropriate and to ensure that the project operates to a high scientific level. Supply data to agreed timescales to enable the preparation of project reports, presentations and publications. To develop skills and understanding in the fields of microbiology, aerobiology and biocontainment. Essential criteria You will be assessed on the below 9 essential criteria, which have been selected from the Job Description At least a BTEC level 3 qualification and significant experience (>2 years) in a microbiology topic or commercial testing environment Experience in relevant methods (bacteriology, aerobiology, containment equipment) acquired through previous employment, placements or taught course relevant for project Good understanding and experience of safe working practices in microbiology. Good understanding and experience of safe working practices Good communication skills Self-motivating, organized & meticulous Able to work flexibly to meet varying needs Willing to undertake further training Demonstrated ability to work in teams and independently Stage 1: Application & Sift Success profiles 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. This vacancy is using success profiles and will assess your behaviours, experience, and strengths. You will be required to complete an application form. You will be assessed on the above listed 9 essential criteria above, and this will be in the form of a: Application form (Employer/ Activity history section on the application) 1250 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. Longlisting: In the event ofa large number ofapplications we willlonglistinto 3 piles of: Meets all essential criteria Meets some essential criteria Meets no essential criteria In order to be shortlisted you must meet all and some of the essential criteria listed above. Shortlisting : In the event of a large number of applications we will shortlist on: Experience in relevant methods (bacteriology, aerobiology, containment equipment) acquired through previous employment, placements or taught course relevant for project If you are successful at this stage, you will progress to interview and assessment Please do not exceed 1250 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 a face to face interview Behaviours, Technical skills and strengths will be tested at interview. The Behaviours tested during the interview stage will be: Managing a Quality Service Working Together Developing Self and Others Delivering at Pace A technical question will be asked at interview 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 (includingby definition internalapplicants). Location This role is being offered as office/lab based at our Scientific Campus in Porton.If based at one of our scientific campuses, 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 andapplicants should contact the Vacancy Holder/Recruiting Manager listed in the advert for further advice. Security Clearance Level Requirement Successful candidates must pass a disclosure and barring security 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 / 5 / 10 years as the role requires Counter Terrorism Check (CTC) Person Specification Application form and Statement of Suitability Essential Application form and Statement of Suitability Behaviours Essential Delivering at Pace Developing Self and Others Working Together Managing a Quality Service Technical Essential Technical Person Specification Application form and Statement of Suitability Essential Application form and Statement of Suitability Behaviours Essential Delivering at Pace Developing Self and Others Working Together Managing a Quality Service Technical Essential Technical 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 Porton Manor Farm Road Salisbury SP4 0JG Employer's website https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/uk-health-security-agency (Opens in a new tab)