Reference number
424238
Salary
£54,416 – £64,485
Per annum, Pro Rata
A Civil Service Pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%
Job grade
Grade 7
Contract type
Permanent
Type of role
Environment and Sustainability
Science
Working pattern
Flexible working, Full-time, Job share, Part-time
Number of jobs available
1
Location
Porton.
About the job
Job summary
The Food, Water and Environmental Microbiology Services (FWEMS) Laboratories are specialist microbiology laboratories within the UKHSA. Based in 3 sites across the country, the laboratories are geographically well placed to work with local authorities to protect the public from health threats posed by contaminated food, water and the environment. The FW&E Laboratories provide a microbiology testing and advisory service to Local Authorities, Port Health Authorities, hospitals and commercial clients across England. The laboratories are accredited to ISO 17025 and are recognised as Official Laboratories for the microbiological examination of food and foodstuffs.
The post holder will provide leadership and expertise in developing and implementing FW&E Microbiology service delivery.
The post holder will provide scientific expertise and project management support to the Laboratory Unit Head for Food, Water & Environmental Microbiology activities and relevant major grant-funded projects.
The post holder will communicate effectively and accurately by oral and written means, and ensure full and effective communication throughout FWEMS, making certain that all staff are included where appropriate. They will develop working relationships and communicate regularly with a wide range of individuals, clinical and non-clinical, internal and external to UKHSA. This will include:
Internal
• Unit Head and other Senior Staff within the team
• Lead FW&E Microbiologist
• Senior management, clinical or scientific staff from across UKHSA engaged in FWEMS or other project activities, as appropriate.
External
• FWEMS customers, stakeholders, suppliers, including Local Authorities, Port Health Authorities, FSA, NHS, and other users
• International: staff of international institutes as appropriate, including reference laboratories, EFSA, WHO, ECDC, CDC etc.
• Commercial companies, and professional groups as required.
Working for your organisation
We pride ourselves as being an employer of choice, where Everyone Matters promoting equality of opportunity to actively encourage applications from everyone, including groups currently underrepresented in our workforce.
UKHSA 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.
Job description
To ensure effective and timely delivery and advice on reference, specialist, and research activities within remit.
Strategy and Leadership
Provide effective scientific leadership with respect to implementation and provision of end-to-end services for FWEMS. Maximise efficient and flexible use of resources for service delivery. Plan, develop, implement and direct with the Lead Food, Water & Environmental Microbiologist and FWEMS Unit Heads a long-term strategy and programme of research for the specialist area. Adopt new technologies and quality innovations, as required, to maximise the effectiveness of FWEMS
Scientific and Epidemiological
Within the defined specialist area(s) to undertake the following scientific and epidemiological functions:
advise, as appropriate, FWEMS Senior Staff on all aspects of work associated with specialisms, especially implementation of new methods and technologies for service delivery; assess methodologies regularly to provide on-going improvement in services and to provide expert advice and knowledge on the scientific basis of reference service tests and results; develop, evaluate and implement methods relevant to the specialist area; produce peer-reviewed publications on the results of research activities. To develop, review and edit manuscripts, documents, protocols, procedures, guidelines, and other measurable outputs; provide scientific advice and support in relation to internal quality controls and, where relevant, external quality assessment; present research findings at local, national and international scientific meetings.
Other Managerial
Within defined specialist areas, support Unit Head by undertaking the following functions as required:
participate in FWEMS’ Senior Management Team meetings and, as required, in higher level meetings; develop professional/management expertise by undertaking further appropriate training as required; support career and professional development of staff within the team; manage staff, conduct staff appraisals of direct reports and manage performance issues as required; ensure the provision of a safe working environment for all staff and visitors; contribute to maintaining a high profile for the specialisms amongst key stakeholders in the UK and abroad; help to maintain laboratory accreditation with UKAS and other agreed national and international standards; act as an advisor and a source of expert and specialist information for the Unit and UKHSA and deputise for Unit Head as required.
Clinical/Professional
Ensure robust arrangements for Research Governance for activities relating to the specialist areas. Ensure the probity and integrity of research undertaken. Provide cover for the Unit Head by validating reports on the FWEMS Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS).
Teaching/Training
Promote the personal and professional development of staff through creation of personal development plans, regular performance review, and identification and meeting of training needs. Ensure junior staff and assigned visitors or trainees are competent to carry out the tasks given to them, ensuring that levels of supervision are sufficient. Develop and supervise postgraduate research projects and support the organisation of, and participating in training programmes for staff and visitors.
Quality
Work in collaboration with the Quality Team, to: maintain a high standard of work, and appraise and contribute to developing services so that they are safe, effective and economical and follows best practice; work towards ensuring an efficient quality management system; contribute to internal and external quality assurance programmes; ensure compliance with UKAS and other accreditation and certification standards; ensure the continual development and compliance of internal and external audit programmes and corrective actions.
Information Technology
Contribute to the development of efficient and user-friendly information technology systems and databases as required, including appropriate databases and tools for analysis of WGS data and extraction of key information for clear, concise reports for service delivery. Use software packages as appropriate for word processing, presentations, data analysis, as well as specialist bioinformatics packages as required. Liaise with LIMS team on the introduction of new tests, as required.
Health and Safety
Agree safety objectives with managed staff and to review performance at appraisal and support Senior Management Team in carrying out duties with respect to ensuring health, safety and welfare of self, staff and visitors. Ensuring relevant UKHSA health and safety policies and laboratory safety committee recommendations and actions are implemented. Ensuring implementation of remedial actions resulting from safety inspections and audits.
Other
The above is only an outline of the tasks, responsibilities and outcomes required of the role. You will carry out any other duties as may reasonably be required by the directorate. The job description and person specification may be reviewed on an ongoing basis in accordance with the changing needs of the organisation.
Professional Development
You should pursue a programme of continuous professional development in accordance with any relevant professional registration or statutory requirements, whilst maintaining appropriate awareness of service provider requirements.
Person specification
Essential role criteria:
- PhD or equivalent postgraduate degree in relevant subject, i.e., microbiology or biological science
- Educated to degree level in relevant subject, i.e., microbiology, or biological science
- Eligible to be a Food examiner
- Extensive (post-doctoral) expertise in food, water and environmentally transmitted infections and/or
public health microbiology in reference and/or diagnostic settings - Knowledge of food, water and environmental / public health surveillance, WGS and downstream data analysis
- Experience of molecular microbiological techniques and their application
- Demonstrable experience of leading complex projects and project management skills
- Proven record of research in relevant areas including significant/relevant publications
- Ability to provide/receive highly complex information, negotiate on difficult and controversial issues including performance and change, and present to peers/others
- Problem solving skills – ability to anticipate and resolve problems and respond to sudden unexpected demands
- Ability to analyse complex facts and situations and develop a range of options
- Ability to take decisions on difficult and contentious issues where there may be a number of courses of action
- Demonstrated capability to plan over short, medium and long-term timeframes and adjust plans and resource requirements accordingly
- Able to prioritize own work effectively and be able to direct activities of others. Experience of managing and motivating a team and reviewing individual performance
- An understanding of and commitment to equality of opportunity and good working relationships
- Adaptability, flexibility and ability to cope with uncertainty and change; used to a busy working environment
- Evidence of continuing professional development, and willingness to engage with and learn from peers, other professionals and colleagues in the desire to provide or support appropriate interventions
- Demonstrates a strong desire to improve performance and make a difference by focusing on goals
Benefits
Alongside your salary of £54,416, UK Health Security Agency contributes £15,764 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.
- 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%
Things you need to know
Selection process details
This vacancy is using Success Profiles and will assess your Behaviours, Strengths, Ability, Experience.
Stage 1: Application & Sift
You will be required to complete an application form. You will be assessed on the listed (18) essential criteria, and this will be in the form of a:
- Application form (‘Employer/ Activity history’ section on the application)
- up to 1500 word supporting statement
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 supporting statement 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
The following will be taken through to the next stage:
- Meets all essential criteria
Shortlisting:
In the event of a large number of applications we will shortlist on the following:
- Extensive (post-doctoral) expertise in food, water and environmentally transmitted infections and/or public health microbiology in reference and/or diagnostic setting
If you are successful at this stage, you will progress to interview & assessment.
Please do not exceed 1500 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
You will be invited to a (single) face to face interview at UKHSA Porton. If face to face interviews are planned, in exceptional circumstances, we may be able to offer a remote interview.
Behaviours, experience, ability and strengths will be tested at interview.
You will be asked to prepare and present a 5–10 minute presentation. The subject of this will be sent to you prior to interview.
The Behaviours tested during the interview stage will be:
- Changing and improving (Lead behaviour)
- Communicating and influencing
- Working together
- Leadership
Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.
Eligibility Criteria – External
Open to all external applicants (anyone) from outside the Civil Service (including by definition internal applicants).
Location
This role is being offered as lab based at our Scientific Campus in Porton.
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.
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.
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.
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. 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.
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.
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
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 for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.
Link below:
Artificial intelligence and recruitment , Civil Service Careers
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 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
Further information on nationality requirements (opens in a new window)
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.
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).
Apply and further information
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 :Gurkamal Bhambra
- Email :gurkamal.bhambra@ukhsa.gov.uk
Recruitment team
- Email :recruitment@ukhsa.gov.uk
Further information
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 UKHSA Public Accountability Unit via email: 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: https://civilservicecommission.independent.gov.uk
