Contents Location About the job Benefits Things you need to know Apply and further information Location London (Colindale) About the job Job summary External Quality Assessment (EQA) Services is part of UKHSA Quality and Regulatory Assurance division and provides external quality assessment (EQA) schemes (also known as proficiency testing (PT) schemes) for food, water and clinical microbiology laboratories throughout the United Kingdom, and worldwide. Results reported by microbiology laboratories often play a significant role in health protection and managing public health incidents; tools such as EQA/PT is essential for laboratories to be able to demonstrate that their results are accurate, reliable and reproducible. UK National External Quality Assessment (UK NEQAS) for Microbiology is a team within the External Quality Assessment (EQA) Services department that specialises in providing EQA schemes to clinical microbiology laboratories worldwide. The Healthcare Scientist Practitioner will work within the laboratory team. Main duties: Assist in the preparation of external quality assessment specimens for UK NEQAS for Microbiology. This is carried out by applying knowledge of clinical microbiology in the design, quality control and stability testing of these specimens using routine methods commonly applied in clinical diagnostic microbiology. Take part in the data transfer and validation of participants' results and data entry of in-house test results onto computer databases. Work as a member of a team liaising closely with colleagues from the same team, and with other teams working on common activities. Participate in quality assurance audits and maintain up to date records in QPulse on a daily basis. Work to Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) and Good Manufactu r ing Practices (GMP) in compliance with ISO 17043 accreditation. Job description Technical/Scientific Duties Work responsibly and safely with large volumes of organisms in hazard groups 2/3 on daily basis Prepare all types of quality assessment specimens distributed Undertake quality control and stability testing of these specimens applying knowledge of diagnostic microbiology Ensure all processes and results are documented in accordance with quality requirements Ensure all non-conforming results are fully investigated and are brought to the attention of the scheme manager Participate in rotation around the various sections within the clinical microbiology schemes Key Working Relationships The post holder will develop working relationships and communicate regularly with a wide range of individuals, clinical and non-clinical, internal and external to UKHSA. This will include: Internal Required to liaise with other technical, scientific and administrative staff in UK NEQAS and across EQA Services Plan daily work activities with supervisor External Other colleagues in UKHSA Personal & People Development Actively participate in annual performance and development review Actively participate and maintain a continuing professional development programme and be aware of relevant developments in their field Develop professional/management expertise by undertaking further appropriate training as required Ensure the induction, education, training and professional development of staff. Service Improvement Work with other staff to improve working practices. Health, Safety & Security In collaboration with the Laboratory Safety Officer and complying with safety policies and procedures: Ensure that health, safety and welfare is an afforded priority over other issues and demonstrate a commitment to health, safety and welfare regarding self, staff and visitors. Work in a safe manner. Report/notify all accidents and incidents or near misses, dangerous situations or shortcomings in health and safety training instructions via the appropriate management structure. Participate in the internal and external safety audits, as required. Comply with safety policies, procedures, COSHH and risk assessments. Co-operate on matters of health and safety to enable UKHSA to comply with its health and safety responsibilities. Your attention is drawn to the Health and Safety at Work Act of 1974 which requires you to take reasonable care for the health and safety of yourself and others who may be affected by your acts and omissions at work; and co-operate with the PHE on any matters of health and safety Quality In collaboration with the Quality Team: Maintain a high standard of work and contribute to developing the service of the laboratory so that service delivery is safe, effective, and economical and follows best practice. Contribute to internal and external quality assurance programmes. Ensure compliance with UKAS and other accreditation and certification standards. Contribute to internal and external audit programmes and corrective actions. Take every effort to suggest quality improvements. Information & Knowledge Interpret and enter participants data into computer database. Procurement & Commissioning To maintain stores including, stock control and receiving goods in the department. Other The above is only an outline of the tasks, responsibilities and outcomes required of the role. You will carry out any other duties as may reasonably be required by the directorate. The job description and person specification may be reviewed on an ongoing basis in accordance with the changing needs of the organisation. The work of the department is of a confidential nature and must not be communicated to other persons except where required for authorised purposes. Professional development You should pursue a programme of continuous professional development in accordance with any relevant professional registration or statutory requirements, while maintaining appropriate awareness of service provider requirements. Person specification You will be assessed on the 8 essential criteria listed below, which have been selected from the job description. Essential Criteria BSc in Biomedical Science or equivalent level qualification GCSE or equivalent qualifications at C (4) or above in English and Maths Clinical diagnostic microbiology laboratory experience Experience and understanding of laboratory safety and procedures Management of time able to plan and use own time economically and effectively Able to identify and solve practical problems Team worker Good attention to detail Benefits Alongside your salary of £31,224, UK Health Security Agency contributes £9,045 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides. Learning and development tailored to your role An environment with flexible working options A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity A Civil Service pension with an employer contribution of 28.97% Things you need to know Selection process details Application stage At sift stage you will be assessed on the 8 essential criteria listed above, your application and statement of suitability will be marked together. Your statement of suitability must be no more than 750 words. Please note: The system will allow you to write up to 1500 words but please do not exceed 750 words. We will not consider any words over and above this number. In the event of a large number of applicants, we will shortlist on the following lead criteria: Degree in biomedical science or equivalent qualification/experience Clinical diagnostic microbiology laboratory experience Feedback will not be provided at this stage. Interview stage This vacancy is being assessed using Success Profiles. You will be invited to a (single) face to face interview During the interview we will assess your Behaviours and Strengths. The interview will include a 30-minute practical laboratory assessment to assess your technical skills. Behaviours to be assessed: Developing Self and Others (lead behaviour) Communicating and Influencing Making effective decisions Delivering at Pace Eligibility Criteria External: Open to all external applicants (anyone) from outside the Civil Service (including internal applicants). Location This role is based at Colindale. Please note hybrid working is not available for this role. Security Clearance Level Requirement 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. 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 check 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. Careers website Please visit our careers site for more information https://gov.uk/ukhsa/careers 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 The Civil Service welcomes applications from people who have recently left prison or have an unspent conviction. Read more about prison leaver recruitment (opens in new window). 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 : Lisa Tweedie 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/ http://www.healthjobsuk.com/vacancy/6818455 Apply at advertiser's site Share this page Print Email Facebook Twitter LinkedIn GMail