Scientist Technician (IAG)

Job description

Job responsibilities

Key ResponsibilitiesThe post holder will be responsible for1. Utilising a range of standardized laboratory methods/assays/techniques in support of sample receipt, testing and reporting activities associated with the IAG projects to ensure projects targets are met.2. Taking responsibility for the provision of reagents and consumables required for area projects.3. Assisting the project team to ensure that the project operates to a high scientific standard using current methods.4. Laboratory housekeeping and assisting the supervisor in laboratory maintenance.5. Ensuring accurate data, documentation and laboratory records and correctly following SOPs.6. Supplying data to agreed timescales to enable the preparation of project reports, presentations, and publications.7. Performing any other duties required by the Line manager commensurate with grade.8. Ensuring that the project team undertakes work in accordance with the UKHSA Portons Code of Safety Practice and working within any Quality Systems that are applicable to the site.9. Maintaining health and safety competence to the national occupational standard Make sure your actions reduce risks to health and safety (NOS HSS1).10. Fulfilling the requirements of UKHSA Values and Behaviors commensurate with grade.11. Complying with all UKHSA policies and procedures.

Optional Duties12. Undertaking risk assessor role, with associated training and ongoing competency13. Undertaking lab supervisor role, with associated training and ongoing competency

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 your line manager.

The job description and person specification may be reviewed on an ongoing basis in accordance with the changing needs of the division and UKHSA.

It should be noted that the work of the division is of a confidential nature and must not be communicated to other persons except where required for authorised purposes.

Essential Criteria

You will be assessed on the below 3 essential criteria, which have been selected from the Job Description

• Experience in relevant methods (e.g., immunoassays, cell-based assays, cell culture, microbiology, virology) acquired through previous employment, placements, or taught course
• Experience or understanding of working in a laboratory environment
• Experience or understanding of working within a regulated environment (e.g., ISO9001, GCP) and safe working practices

Desirable Criteria

• Good knowledge and practical experience with specialist techniques for project i.e., working in a containment level 3 laboratory, working in a high throughput environment, immunoassays

Selection Process

This vacancy is using Success Profiles and will assess your Behaviours/Strengths/Ability/ Experience/Technical skills

Stage 1: Application & Sift

Success profiles

You will be required to complete an application form. You will be assessed on the above listed 3essential criteria, and this will be in the form of

• a CV/ Application form (Employer/ Activity history section on the application)

• a 1000word 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 CV / Application form and Statement of Suitability will be marked separately, and you must pass both to move forward to interview

Longlisting: In the event of a large number of applications we will longlist.

If you are successful at this stage, you will progress to interview & assessment

Please do not exceed 1000 words. We will not consider any words over and above this number.

Feedback will not be provided at this stage.

Stage 2: Interview

You will be invited to a (single) face to face interview. In exceptional circumstances, we may be able to offer a remote interview.

Behaviours, technical, experience, abilities and strengths will be tested at interview.

The Behaviours tested during the interview stage will be:

• Working Together
• Managing a Quality Service
• Delivering at Pace

Interviews will be held TBC.

Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.

Location Information

Please note that Hybrid working is not an option for this role. The location is: Manor Farm Road, Porton Down, Salisbury, Wiltshire, SP4 0JG

Eligibility Criteria

Open to all external applicants (anyone) from outside the Civil Service (including by definition internal applicants).

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 Basic Personnel Security Standard

Working for the Civil Service

TheCivil Service Codesets 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'srecruitment principles.

The Civil Service welcomes applications from people who have recently left prison or have an unspent conviction. Read more about prison leaver recruitment.

Its important to note that there are currently exceptions to applications being considered if your conviction relates to any of the following:

• life sentences

• arson

• sexual offences

• hate and terror offences

Some departments will also consider the specific offence against the nature of the business, i.e., a conviction for fraud may rule you out for a finance role.

If you are interviewed for the post and do not meet the required threshold for the specified grade, your application may be assessed against a similar, lower grade role and you may be offered the post should one be available

Starting Salary

Entrants to the Civil Service are expected to start on the minimum of the pay band.

The internal roles rules apply to existing Civil Servants, i.e. level transfers move on current salary or the pay range minimum, transfers on promotion move to new pay range minimum or receive 10% increase.

Either case is determined by whichever is the highest.

For further details please refer to the Information Sheet - Starting Salaries & Benefits attachment

Person Specification

CV

• CV

Statement of Suitability

• Statement of Suitability

Success Profile Behaviours

• Working Together
• Managing a Quality Service
• Delivering at Pace

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website.

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants.

Employer details

Employer name

UK Health Security Agency

Address

Porton Down

Salisbury

SP4 0JG

https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/uk-health-security-agency