Healthcare Scientist
London, England, United Kingdom Full-time Posted 1 hour ago
Scientific Campus, Colindale, London
Job Summary
The Virus Reference Department (VRD) is a national and international reference centre for a wide range of virus infections. The Antiviral Unit (AVU) sits within VRD and provides specialist diagnostic services and advice on HIV, Hepatitis C Virus, and Herpes Simplex virus types 1 & 2.
The unit also has a research and development programme with projects related to correlating genotypic markers with phenotypic resistance profiles as well as continuous improvement of our diagnostic repertoire. The unit works closely with epidemiology colleagues and academic collaborators, delivering on national public health surveillance programmes for HIV and HCV.
The Key Objectives For This Post Will Be
Person specification
Essential Criteria
We pride ourselves as being an employer of choice, promoting equality of opportunity to actively encourage applications from everyone, including groups currently underrepresented in our workforce. UKHSA's ethos is to be an inclusive organisation for all our staff and stakeholders. To create, nurture and sustain an inclusive culture, where differences drive innovative solutions to meet the needs of our workforce and wider communities. We do this through celebrating and protecting differences by removing barriers and promoting equity and equality of opportunity for all.
Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance (opens in a new window) for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.
Selection process details
This vacancy will be assessed using a competency-based framework which will assess your qualifications, knowledge and experience and / or skills and abilities outlined in the essential criteria.
Stage 1: Application & Sift
Competency Based
You will be required to complete an application form. You will be assessed on the listed 7essential criteria, and this will be in the form of a:
You will receive a joint score for your application form and statement. (The application form is the kind of information you would put into your C.V –please be advised you will not be able to upload your CV. Please complete the application form in as much detail as possible). Please do not email us your CV.
Healthjobs UK has a word limit of 1500, but your supporting statement must be no more than 750 words. We will not consider any words over750words.
Longlisting:
In the event of a large number of applications, we will longlist into 3 piles of:
Shortlisting
In the event of a large number of applications we will conduct an initial sift, on the lead criteria of:
If you are successful at this stage, you will progress to interview & assessment.
Feedback will not be provided at this stage.
Stage 2: Interview
Competency Based
You will be invited to a single face to face interview at our scientific campus in Colindale.
When face to face interviews are planned, in exceptional circumstances, we may be able to offer a remote interview.
Knowledge, experience, skills & abilities questions will be asked at interview.
Interview 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.
Please Note - For roles where specific qualifications or registrations are required, successful applicants will be asked to provide appropriate evidence. Employment cannot commence until satisfactory documentation has been received and verified.
Eligibility Criteria
External - Open to all external applicants (anyone) from outside the Civil Service (including internal applicants).
Location
This role is being offered as office/lab based at our Scientific Campus in Colindale, London. Please note that hybrid working is not available for this position.
Security Clearance Level Requirement
Successful candidates must pass a standard disclosure and barring security check before they can be appointed.
Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is Counter-Terrorist Check.
When based at our scientific campus, 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.
Salary Information
If you are successful at interview, and are moving from another government department, NHS, or Local Authority, the relevant starting salary principles for level transfers or promotions will apply. Otherwise, roles are offered at the pay scale minimum for the grade, but in exceptional circumstances there may be flexibility if you are able to demonstrate you are already in receipt of an existing, higher salary. Pay increases are through the relevant annual pay award for the role and terms. Please be aware that the salary is based on the office location.
Future location
UKHSA is investing in a new state-of-the-art National Biosecurity Centre in Harlow, Essex, which will eventually bring together teams currently based at Canary Wharf, Colindale and Porton Down. For more details, please see: Huge biosecurity centre investment to boost pandemic protection - GOV.UK.
The new facilities will start becoming operational in the mid-2030s, with full completion by 2038. Staff will move in phases as facilities become available. If you're appointed to a role currently based at Canary Wharf, Colindale or Porton Down, please note that we'll continue investing in these sites for the next decade. As we get closer to the transition, we'll provide full information about relocation support available to staff.
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.
Internal Fraud check
If successful for this role as one aspect of pre-employment screening, applicant’s personal details – name, national insurance number and date of birth - will be checked against the Cabinet Office Internal Fraud Hub and anyone included on the database will be refused employment unless they can show exceptional circumstances. Currently this is only for External candidates to the Civil Service.
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 standard (or equivalent) 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.
Successful candidates must undergo a standard (or equivalent) 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
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.
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).
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
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 the UKHSA Complaints team via email at: Complaints@ukhsa.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 for further information: https://civilservicecommission.independent.gov.uk
Job Summary
The Virus Reference Department (VRD) is a national and international reference centre for a wide range of virus infections. The Antiviral Unit (AVU) sits within VRD and provides specialist diagnostic services and advice on HIV, Hepatitis C Virus, and Herpes Simplex virus types 1 & 2.
The unit also has a research and development programme with projects related to correlating genotypic markers with phenotypic resistance profiles as well as continuous improvement of our diagnostic repertoire. The unit works closely with epidemiology colleagues and academic collaborators, delivering on national public health surveillance programmes for HIV and HCV.
The Key Objectives For This Post Will Be
- To support the HCV, HIV and HSV antiviral resistance testing service functions of the unit.
- To support the R&D project work.
- To perform molecular and viral culture diagnostic tests for genotypic and phenotypic antiviral resistance as required by the Unit to deliver its clinical services.
- To compile and update data and supporting documentation for inclusion in technical files.
- To support the validation of assays used within the Unit.
- To help maintain the standards required for UKAS accreditation.
- To contribute to project work where possible.
- To work to appropriate quality standards, including the maintenance of appropriate records associated with the projects.
- Identify, discuss and action own professional performance and training and development needs with your line manager through appraisal and individual development plans.
- Attending internal and external training events, as appropriate.
- To participate in all mandatory training as required, i.e. fire safety, information governance and all other mandatory training.
- Develop and maintain working relationships and communicate regularly with a wide range of individuals, both clinical and non-clinical, and both internal and external to UKHSA.
- The unit comprises a Principal Clinical Scientist, a Principal Data Scientist, two senior Healthcare Scientists, a Technical Manager, and four HEO-level Healthcare Scientists. Our test repertoire comprises the UK’s first fully validated and accredited viral whole genome sequencing assay (for HCV), Sanger sequencing of antiviral targets for HIV and HSV, and phenotypic characterisation of HSV isolates obtained from clinical samples (specifically drug susceptibility profiling).
- We are in the process of upgrading our Sanger sequencing assays by PCR multiplexing and moving to NGS. and also aiming to transform our HSV phenotyping work by increasing speed and throughput without compromising accuracy or cost. All assays within the core list are UKAS accredited to ISO15189, and the objective is for all new developments to meet the same standards.
- We have a number of research projects around the use of recombinant virus technology to relate herpesvirus genotype to clinical phenotype, NGS surveillance sequencing of HIV and HCV to discover novel viral strains and novel determinants of resistance, evaluate assay breadth, and to link our extensive sequence datasets with clinical, epidemiological, and virological outcome data.
- The majority of this EO role will be to support the work of the HEO Healthcare Scientists in their delivery of routine diagnostic service work, and the maintenance of the required standards. This includes, but is not limited to, LIMS management, stringent record keeping, ongoing quality management, sample retrieval and storage, automated and manual nucleic acid extraction, PCR and sequencing, and viral tissue culture (isolation, titration and drug susceptibility testing). Training will be provided where necessary; prior exposure to many of these techniques will be an advantage.
- The remainder of the role will be to support the R&D activities of the unit. No additional techniques beyond those listed in the preceding paragraph will be required, although some familiarity with NGS would be useful.
- To perform molecular and viral culture diagnostic tests for genotypic and phenotypic antiviral resistance as required by the Unit to deliver its clinical services.
- To compile and update data and supporting documentation for inclusion in technical files.
- To support the validation of assays used within the Unit.
- To help maintain the standards required for UKAS accreditation.
- To contribute to project work where possible.
- To work to appropriate quality standards, including the maintenance of appropriate records associated with the projects.
- Identify, discuss and action own professional performance and training and development needs with your line manager through appraisal and individual development plans.
- Attending internal and external training events, as appropriate.
- To participate in all mandatory training as required, i.e. fire safety, information governance and all other mandatory training.
- Develop and maintain working relationships and communicate regularly with a wide range of individuals, both clinical and non-clinical, and both internal and external to UKHSA.
- The unit comprises a Principal Clinical Scientist, a Principal Data Scientist, two senior Healthcare Scientists, a Technical Manager, and four HEO-level Healthcare Scientists. Our test repertoire comprises the UK’s first fully validated and accredited viral whole genome sequencing assay (for HCV), Sanger sequencing of antiviral targets for HIV and HSV, and phenotypic characterisation of HSV isolates obtained from clinical samples (specifically drug susceptibility profiling).
- We are in the process of upgrading our Sanger sequencing assays by PCR multiplexing and moving to NGS. and also aiming to transform our HSV phenotyping work by increasing speed and throughput without compromising accuracy or cost. All assays within the core list are UKAS accredited to ISO15189, and the objective is for all new developments to meet the same standards.
- We have a number of research projects around the use of recombinant virus technology to relate herpesvirus genotype to clinical phenotype, NGS surveillance sequencing of HIV and HCV to discover novel viral strains and novel determinants of resistance, evaluate assay breadth, and to link our extensive sequence datasets with clinical, epidemiological, and virological outcome data.
- The majority of this EO role will be to support the work of the HEO Healthcare Scientists in their delivery of routine diagnostic service work, and the maintenance of the required standards. This includes, but is not limited to, LIMS management, stringent record keeping, ongoing quality management, sample retrieval and storage, automated and manual nucleic acid extraction, PCR and sequencing, and viral tissue culture (isolation, titration and drug susceptibility testing). Training will be provided where necessary; prior exposure to many of these techniques will be an advantage.
- The remainder of the role will be to support the R&D activities of the unit. No additional techniques beyond those listed in the preceding paragraph will be required, although some familiarity with NGS would be useful.
Person specification
Essential Criteria
- BSc in biological sciences, or equivalent such as microbiology.
- Experience of working in a microbiological diagnostic laboratory or equivalent.
- Experience with quality assurance and safety principles and procedures.
- Computer literate, including experience of use of MS Office™ (Excel, Word)
- Able to analyse and evaluate data based on evidence.
- Able to analyse data, create reports and present findings to others.
- High level of motivation and commitment to high standards.
- CPD registration and certification and/or HCPC registration
- Experience with PCR, sequencing, and/or viral culture.
- Experience of working in a regulated environment (e.g. ISO 15189)
We pride ourselves as being an employer of choice, promoting equality of opportunity to actively encourage applications from everyone, including groups currently underrepresented in our workforce. UKHSA's ethos is to be an inclusive organisation for all our staff and stakeholders. To create, nurture and sustain an inclusive culture, where differences drive innovative solutions to meet the needs of our workforce and wider communities. We do this through celebrating and protecting differences by removing barriers and promoting equity and equality of opportunity for all.
- 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%
Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance (opens in a new window) for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.
Selection process details
This vacancy will be assessed using a competency-based framework which will assess your qualifications, knowledge and experience and / or skills and abilities outlined in the essential criteria.
Stage 1: Application & Sift
Competency Based
You will be required to complete an application form. You will be assessed on the listed 7essential criteria, and this will be in the form of a:
- Application form (Employer/ Activity history’ section on the application)
- 750 word supporting statement.
You will receive a joint score for your application form and statement. (The application form is the kind of information you would put into your C.V –please be advised you will not be able to upload your CV. Please complete the application form in as much detail as possible). Please do not email us your CV.
Healthjobs UK has a word limit of 1500, but your supporting statement must be no more than 750 words. We will not consider any words over750words.
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
Shortlisting
In the event of a large number of applications we will conduct an initial sift, on the lead criteria of:
- BSc in biological sciences, or equivalent such as microbiology,
If you are successful at this stage, you will progress to interview & assessment.
Feedback will not be provided at this stage.
Stage 2: Interview
Competency Based
You will be invited to a single face to face interview at our scientific campus in Colindale.
When face to face interviews are planned, in exceptional circumstances, we may be able to offer a remote interview.
Knowledge, experience, skills & abilities questions will be asked at interview.
Interview 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.
Please Note - For roles where specific qualifications or registrations are required, successful applicants will be asked to provide appropriate evidence. Employment cannot commence until satisfactory documentation has been received and verified.
Eligibility Criteria
External - Open to all external applicants (anyone) from outside the Civil Service (including internal applicants).
Location
This role is being offered as office/lab based at our Scientific Campus in Colindale, London. Please note that hybrid working is not available for this position.
Security Clearance Level Requirement
Successful candidates must pass a standard disclosure and barring security check before they can be appointed.
Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is Counter-Terrorist Check.
When based at our scientific campus, 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.
Salary Information
If you are successful at interview, and are moving from another government department, NHS, or Local Authority, the relevant starting salary principles for level transfers or promotions will apply. Otherwise, roles are offered at the pay scale minimum for the grade, but in exceptional circumstances there may be flexibility if you are able to demonstrate you are already in receipt of an existing, higher salary. Pay increases are through the relevant annual pay award for the role and terms. Please be aware that the salary is based on the office location.
Future location
UKHSA is investing in a new state-of-the-art National Biosecurity Centre in Harlow, Essex, which will eventually bring together teams currently based at Canary Wharf, Colindale and Porton Down. For more details, please see: Huge biosecurity centre investment to boost pandemic protection - GOV.UK.
The new facilities will start becoming operational in the mid-2030s, with full completion by 2038. Staff will move in phases as facilities become available. If you're appointed to a role currently based at Canary Wharf, Colindale or Porton Down, please note that we'll continue investing in these sites for the next decade. As we get closer to the transition, we'll provide full information about relocation support available to staff.
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.
Internal Fraud check
If successful for this role as one aspect of pre-employment screening, applicant’s personal details – name, national insurance number and date of birth - will be checked against the Cabinet Office Internal Fraud Hub and anyone included on the database will be refused employment unless they can show exceptional circumstances. Currently this is only for External candidates to the Civil Service.
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 standard (or equivalent) 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.
Successful candidates must undergo a standard (or equivalent) 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
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.
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).
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 : John Inglis
- Email : john.inglis@ukhsa.gov.uk
- Email : recruitment@ukhsa.gov.uk
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 the UKHSA Complaints team via email at: Complaints@ukhsa.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 for further information: https://civilservicecommission.independent.gov.uk
