JOB SUMMARY

We are currently looking for a Higher Scientist – Vaccines to join our Research & Development function within the Science, Research & Innovation group.
This is a full-time opportunity, on a fixed term basis for 2 years. The role will be lab based in South Mimms, Hertfordshire. Please be aware that this role can only be worked in the UK and not overseas.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Our successful candidate will have:

• A degree in a relevant field, or equivalent experience
• Demonstrable good knowledge of and practical experience in cellular immunoassays
• Demonstrated experience working at the Containment Level III and ideally with Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
• Experience of managing and processing large complex data sets and maintaining databases of information

If you would like to find out more about this fantastic opportunity, please read our Job Description and Person Specification!
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SELECTION PROCESS DETAILS

We use the Civil Service Success Profiles to assess our candidates, find out more here.

• Online application form, including questions based on the Behaviour, Experience and Technical Success Profiles. Please ensure all application questions are completed in full; your application may not be considered if any responses are left blank. Our applications are CV blind, and our Hiring Managers will not be able to access your CV when reviewing your application.
• Interview, which can include questions based on the Behaviour, Experience, Technical and Strengths Success Profiles.

In the instance that we receive a high number of applications, we will hold an initial sift based on the lead criteria of Experience – ‘Demonstrated experience working at the Containment Level III and ideally with Mycobacterium tuberculosis.’
Applicants are assessed on whether they meet any mandatory requirements as well as the necessary skills and experience for the role. Applications are scored based on the competency-based answers provided- ensure you have read these thoroughly and allow sufficient time. You can view the competencies for this role in the job description.

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)
• 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

WHAT’S THE ROLE?

The post holder will be an integral part of a specialised sub-team within the Vaccines team working on toxins and respiratory bacterial vaccines, reporting to the principal scientist for TB research. The primary responsibility will be facilitating and contributing to tuberculosis research, involving work at containment levels 2 & 3 and assisting in the external grant-funded project. The role encompasses in vitro and in vivo animal models, focusing on Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex strains. The post holder will play a key role in the ongoing research strategy, contributing to understanding TB vaccine protective responses, mucosal vaccination strategies for lung immunity and studying pulmonary/extrapulmonary TB pathogenesis.
The work requires effective communication skills, organisation of multiple projects concurrently, and adept time management. The post holder may also represent research at national and international meetings/conferences or workshops through presentation/poster and to stay abreast of current advancements in relevant technologies.