Working in CSR, you will be part of a team of Laboratory Assistants, who are responsible for providing an efficient and effective service for the Virus and Bacteriology Reference Departments. You will collect sample packages from cold storage and deliver them to CSR, where you will open and sort the samples, paying strict attention to set protocols, SOPs and risk assessments. You will use scanners and barcode printers to generate labels for forms and samples and enter patient and sample information into the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS), before delivering samples and forms to the laboratories. As a member of the team, you will join a rota to work on the different benches and take responsibility for ensuring that all equipment is maintained and used correctly, and the working area is kept clean and tidy. All staff in the team will be responsible for communicating with internal and external laboratory staff, to discuss queries with samples, and will work with CSR managers to ensure samples that cannot be tested are returned or forwarded correctly and safely, and information is recorded on the error log. 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. Essential criteria Interest in science and technology Knowledge of health and safety and safe working practices Working knowledge of Microsoft Office and experience of using components of the package Understanding and experience of Data Protection legislation Excellent attention to detail and ability to work precisely and accurately at all times. Able to work as part of a team and to show willingness to help fellow team members and other staff and demonstrating excellent communication skills. Able to multi-task and change priorities, often at short notice and under pressure, to meet deadlines. Selection Process Details Stage 1: Application & Sift (Success Profiles) This vacancy is using Success Profiles and will assess your Behaviours, Strengths and Abilities. You will be required to complete an application form. You will be assessed on the listed 7 essential criteria, which have been selected from the job description, and this will be in the form of a: 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. 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 Piles 'meets all essential criteria' and 'meets some essential criteria' will be moved through to shortlisting. Shortlisting: In the event of a large number of applications we will shortlist on: Interest in science and technology Able to work as part of a team and to show willingness to help fellow team members and other staff and demonstrating excellent communication skills. Able to multi-task and change priorities, often at short notice and under pressure, to meet deadlines. 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. 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. Stage 2: Interview (Success Profiles) You will be invited to a single remote interview. Behaviours, abilities and strengths will be tested at interview. There will be an assessment following the interview- details will be provided to candidates successful at gaining an interview. The Behaviours tested during the interview stage will be: Changing and improving Leadership Working together Developing self and others 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. 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. This role is being offered as office/lab based at our Scientific Campus in Colindale.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 and applicants should contact the Vacancy Holder/Recruiting Manager listed in the advert for further advice.Eligibility Criteria External: Open to all external applicants (anyone) from outside the Civil Service (including by definition internal applicants).