Job summary Please note that is a part-time role, working Fridays only (7.5 hours per week) based in Colindale The Gastrointestinal Bacteria Reference Unit (GBRU) is a National Reference Laboratory and provides specialist and reference services for a specific range of hazard group 2 and 3 gastrointestinal and foodborne bacterial pathogens notably Bacillus cereus, Clostridium perfringens, C. botulinum, E. coli, Listeria, Campylobacter, Helicobacter, Salmonella, Shigella, Yersinia and Vibrio species. GBRU works at local, regional, national, and international levels to reduce the impact of food, water and environmentally borne illnesses on people's health. Activities include provision of bacterial typing services to assist national surveillance, the detection and investigation of outbreaks and specialist microbiological services for the examination of clinical samples Main duties of the job Applications are sought for the position of a part-time (1 day per week) Healthcare Scientist in GBRU. The post holder will work primarily within the Campylobacter reference and Helicobacter pylori clinical services. The post holder will assist the sections senior scientists in providing technical support within the Unit in ensuring that GBRU provides a national and international service in all aspects of the work of the Section; including molecular and conventional microbiological analysis of bacterial isolates and clinical specimens. This is a laboratory-based role within GBRU with primary focus on service delivery and, assisting senior staff members to maintain an excellent Safety and Quality Management Systems to ensure compliance with accreditation standards. 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 27 February 2025 Pay scheme Other Salary £31,224 to £36,176 a year per annum, pro rata Contract Permanent Working pattern Part-time Reference number 919-JP-15017601-EXT Job locations UKHSA Colindale 61 Colindale Ave London NW9 5EQ Job description Job responsibilities The main duties will be to: assist in the provision and organisation of safe, timely, high quality and economical CL2 and CL3 reference services within GBRU undertake DNA-based detection and typing for a range of pathogens with assays and techniques such as real-time polymerase chain reaction and whole genome sequencing (WGS) analyse genotypic data with relevant software such as BioNumerics and assist in the development and maintenance of the genotypic subtyping databases within the Section. assist in providing a flexible laboratory response to emergency public health needs including investigation of incidents, of deliberate release of pathogenic organisms and to general investigations of illness as appropriate. assist with evaluation and implementation of new techniques / methods to the unit that enhance effectiveness of the laboratory work. write and update SOPs and controlled documentation. provide technical support to GBRU Reference Services as appropriate including adjusting day-to-day work priorities to meet changing demands or emergency requirements. assist senior staff in the management of supporting staff across GBRU and deputise senior staff as and when required. Please see the job description for the full list of duties and responsibilities. Essential Criteria BSc in Microbiology or relevant biological science or equivalent level of qualification and experience Evidence of Continued Professional Development Experience and knowledge of working in a microbiology laboratory at containment level 2 Good experience and knowledge of multiple laboratory techniques including phenotypic and molecular methods Experience in working as part of a team Good understanding of quality assurance principles and procedures Problem solving skills and ability to respond to sudden unexpected demands Independent thinker with demonstrated good judgement, problem-solving and analytical skills Use of micropipettes, sub-culturing organisms - good manual dexterity - work by paying attention to detail Able to work without supervision - ability to prioritise work in a timely manner - good organisational skills Ability to supervise and organise the daily work for self and others - training skills Selection Process: This vacancy is using Success Profiles and will assess your behaviours, strengths, technical skills and ability. Stage 1: Application & Sift You will be required to complete an application form. You will be assessed on the 11 essential criteria listed above which have been selected from the job description 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 you consider your skills, experience, and knowledge, provide evidence of your suitability for the role, with reference to the 11 essential criteria. The application form and Statement of Suitability will be marked together. 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 only those application meeting all essential criteria will be taken through to shortlisting. Shortlisting: In the event of a large number of applications we will shortlist on: Experience and knowledge of working in a microbiology laboratory at containment level 2 Please do not exceed 1500 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 (Success profiles) You will be invited to a remote interview. Behaviours, strengths, technical skills and ability will be tested at interview. The Behaviours tested during the interview stage will be Seeing the Big Picture Changing and Improving Managing a Quality Service 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 This role is being offered as lab based at our Scientific Campus in Colindale, London, NW9 5EQ. Security Requirements 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 Checks. 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. Job description Job responsibilities The main duties will be to: assist in the provision and organisation of safe, timely, high quality and economical CL2 and CL3 reference services within GBRU undertake DNA-based detection and typing for a range of pathogens with assays and techniques such as real-time polymerase chain reaction and whole genome sequencing (WGS) analyse genotypic data with relevant software such as BioNumerics and assist in the development and maintenance of the genotypic subtyping databases within the Section. assist in providing a flexible laboratory response to emergency public health needs including investigation of incidents, of deliberate release of pathogenic organisms and to general investigations of illness as appropriate. assist with evaluation and implementation of new techniques / methods to the unit that enhance effectiveness of the laboratory work. write and update SOPs and controlled documentation. provide technical support to GBRU Reference Services as appropriate including adjusting day-to-day work priorities to meet changing demands or emergency requirements. assist senior staff in the management of supporting staff across GBRU and deputise senior staff as and when required. Please see the job description for the full list of duties and responsibilities. Essential Criteria BSc in Microbiology or relevant biological science or equivalent level of qualification and experience Evidence of Continued Professional Development Experience and knowledge of working in a microbiology laboratory at containment level 2 Good experience and knowledge of multiple laboratory techniques including phenotypic and molecular methods Experience in working as part of a team Good understanding of quality assurance principles and procedures Problem solving skills and ability to respond to sudden unexpected demands Independent thinker with demonstrated good judgement, problem-solving and analytical skills Use of micropipettes, sub-culturing organisms - good manual dexterity - work by paying attention to detail Able to work without supervision - ability to prioritise work in a timely manner - good organisational skills Ability to supervise and organise the daily work for self and others - training skills Selection Process: This vacancy is using Success Profiles and will assess your behaviours, strengths, technical skills and ability. Stage 1: Application & Sift You will be required to complete an application form. You will be assessed on the 11 essential criteria listed above which have been selected from the job description 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 you consider your skills, experience, and knowledge, provide evidence of your suitability for the role, with reference to the 11 essential criteria. The application form and Statement of Suitability will be marked together. 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 only those application meeting all essential criteria will be taken through to shortlisting. Shortlisting: In the event of a large number of applications we will shortlist on: Experience and knowledge of working in a microbiology laboratory at containment level 2 Please do not exceed 1500 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 (Success profiles) You will be invited to a remote interview. Behaviours, strengths, technical skills and ability will be tested at interview. The Behaviours tested during the interview stage will be Seeing the Big Picture Changing and Improving Managing a Quality Service 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 This role is being offered as lab based at our Scientific Campus in Colindale, London, NW9 5EQ. Security Requirements 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 Checks. 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. Person Specification Application Form and Statement of Suitability Essential Application Form and Statement of Suitability Behaviours Essential Seeing the Big Picture Changing and Improving Managing a Quality Service Person Specification Application Form and Statement of Suitability Essential Application Form and Statement of Suitability Behaviours Essential Seeing the Big Picture Changing and Improving Managing a Quality Service 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 Colindale 61 Colindale Ave London NW9 5EQ Employer's website https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/uk-health-security-agency (Opens in a new tab)