JOB SUMMARY

The Diagnostics & Pathogen Characterisation department is based at Porton and has approximately 150 staff, performing a range of research activities, including high containment level work. The department’s work covers a broad range of projects involving pathogen characterisation; virology and pathogenesis; diagnostics, innovation and evaluation, and biosafety and environmental microbiology.
The Virology and Pathogenesis group sits in Public Health Microbiology Directorate within Science Group. Its work focuses on arboviruses, viral haemorrhagic fevers and other emerging zoonotic viruses which cause infections in humans and pose a significant risk to public health. The group’s activity corresponds with the institute’s status as a WHO Collaborating Centre for virus research and reference (special pathogens) and ranges from the development of diagnostics and surveillance through to the assessment of interventions and vaccines. As such multiple international links and networks are part of its remit.
We currently have an exciting opportunity within the Virology and Pathogenesis (V&P) Group where we are seeking to appoint a senior scientist to support our virology programmes in high containment virology at Porton Down. The post holder will work alongside research colleagues in the in vivo modelling and molecular teams of V&P to support the characterisation of pathogens and development of animal models of these pathogens for vaccine research.

JOB DESCRIPTION

• Lead the implementation and utilisation of assays requiring CL3 in the V&P team, including ACDP HG3 virus propagation, isolation, quantification, and immune assays.
• Liaise with members of the in vivo team to provide virus and process tissues for in vivo studies.
• Identify, evaluate and adapt new technologies where appropriate and ensure that the project operates to a high scientific standard using current methods.
• Take a lead role in the running and maintenance of a containment level 3 laboratory.
• Take responsibility for the provision of reagents and consumables required for project area, ensuring appropriate business justifications are in place.
• Take responsibility for the supervision, training and mentoring of junior staff allocated to the project as required.
• Provide reports as necessary, to meet project targets and for preparation of presentations and publications.
• Contribute to and support the development of externally funded research programmes.
• Perform any other duties required by the Line manager commensurate with grade.
• Ensure the project team undertakes work in accordance with applicable UKHSA Safety and Quality systems.
• Maintain health and safety competence.
• Fulfil the requirements of UKHSA Values and the Civil Service Code.
• Comply with all UKHSA policies and procedures.
  Please see the job description for the full list of roles and responsibilities.

STAGE 1: APPLICATION & SIFT

You will be required to complete an application form. You will be assessed on the listed seven (7) essential criteria that 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 750 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

Please note only those meeting all criteria will be taken through to shortlisting.

Shortlisting: In the event of a large number of applications we will shortlist on:

• Experience of growth and titration of ACDP 2 and ACDP 3 viruses

If you are successful at this stage, you will progress to interview and assessment.
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.
Please do not exceed 750 words. We will not consider any words over and above this number.
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)
• 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

Science