Scientist

at  UK Health Security Agency

JOB SUMMARY

The Pre-clinical Evaluation Unit is a translational research group within the wider Research and Evaluation department at UKHSA Porton Down, investigating high consequence human pathogens.
Research undertaken includes the investigation of organ-on-a-chip technology for modelling human infectious disease and evaluating candidate medical countermeasures, the Pre-clinical Evaluation of countermeasures using in vivo models. It also includes the development of a range of assays to advance the testing of medical countermeasures.
The successful candidate will provide technical virological, cell culture and assay expertise in a team responsible for the delivery of the scientific and technical activities within the Pre-clinical Evaluation Unit on a range of projects. This post suits a candidate with experience in the relevant laboratory techniques, and a proven capability in critical thinking and problem solving. You will be expected to take a flexible and adaptable approach to the demands of the projects, have excellent written and verbal communication skills, and be able to collaborate with lab users from other teams.

The postholder will:

• Have relevant degree and/or experience in virology and/or a biological science in the laboratory environment with the ability to undertake a broad range of standard laboratory techniques and tasks.
• Have good communication skills, good attention to detail, and strong documentation and organisation skills.
• Experience working with pathogens at containment level 2 and containment level 3 would be an advantage however full training and support will be given.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Your key responsibilities will include:

• Contributing to the development of a range of laboratory methods/assays/techniques in support of all activities associated with the projects aimed to ensure project targets are met.
• Taking responsibility for the provision of laboratory reagents and consumables required for the project and document storage of materials.
• Taking responsibility for laboratory housekeeping and supervision of laboratory maintenance.
• Ensuring that the project operates to a high scientific standard using current methods.
• Ensuring accurate documentation and tracking of samples, data, and laboratory records.
• Providing reports, presentations, and publications through analysis of data, using software and databases as necessary, to meet project targets.
• Taking responsibility for the supervision and training of junior staff allocated to the project as required.
• Performing any other duties required by the Line manager commensurate with grade.
• Ensuring that the project team undertakes work in accordance with UKHSA’s Code of Safety Practice and working within any Quality Systems that are applicable to the site.
• Maintaining health and safety competence to the national occupational standard ‘Make sure your actions reduce risks to health and safety’ (NOS HSS1).
• Fulfilling the requirements of UKHSA Values and Behaviours: ‘Health, Safety and Wellbeing’ commensurate with grade.
• Complying with all UKHSA policies and procedures and participate in all mandatory training as required.
• Identifying, discussing, and actioning own professional performance and training / development needs with line manager.

The duties/responsibilities listed above describe the post as it is at present and is not intended to be exhaustive. The Job holder is expected to accept reasonable alterations and additional tasks of a similar level that may be necessary.

STAGE 1 - APPLICATION & SIFT:

You will be required to complete an application form. You will be assessed on the above listed 9 essential criteria 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
• 1250 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 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 the shortlisting stage.
Shortlisting: In the event of a large number of applications we will shortlist on essential criteria: PhD or BSc/MSc with several years’ experience in biological science/virology subject.
Please do not exceed 1250 words. We will not consider any words over and above this number. If you are successful at this stage, you will progress to an interview. Unfortunately, late applications will not be considered.
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.

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)

Your key responsibilities will include:

• Contributing to the development of a range of laboratory methods/assays/techniques in support of all activities associated with the projects aimed to ensure project targets are met.
• Taking responsibility for the provision of laboratory reagents and consumables required for the project and document storage of materials.
• Taking responsibility for laboratory housekeeping and supervision of laboratory maintenance.
• Ensuring that the project operates to a high scientific standard using current methods.
• Ensuring accurate documentation and tracking of samples, data, and laboratory records.
• Providing reports, presentations, and publications through analysis of data, using software and databases as necessary, to meet project targets.
• Taking responsibility for the supervision and training of junior staff allocated to the project as required.
• Performing any other duties required by the Line manager commensurate with grade.
• Ensuring that the project team undertakes work in accordance with UKHSA’s Code of Safety Practice and working within any Quality Systems that are applicable to the site.
• Maintaining health and safety competence to the national occupational standard ‘Make sure your actions reduce risks to health and safety’ (NOS HSS1).
• Fulfilling the requirements of UKHSA Values and Behaviours: ‘Health, Safety and Wellbeing’ commensurate with grade.
• Complying with all UKHSA policies and procedures and participate in all mandatory training as required.
• Identifying, discussing, and actioning own professional performance and training / development needs with line manager