The Diagnostics, Evaluation and Innovation Team reviews, evaluates, develops and implements diagnostic assays for use in UKHSA/NHS and locally for the Rare and Imported Pathogens Laboratory (RIPL) working with suppliers, commercial partners and academic groups.

Location:UKHSA Porton Down, SP4 0JG

Please be aware that this role can only be worked from within the UK and not overseas. Relocation expenses are not available.

Working Pattern – Full Time, Part Time, Flexible Working, Job Share

Job description

The successful applicant will provide serological, molecular, and antigenic expertise to deliver scientific and technical projects. They will evaluate commercial assays and ensure delivery of new, improved and/or refined diagnostic assays for use in UKHSA or NHS diagnostic laboratories, as well as training and surge capacity in the event of an outbreak.

The post holder will be expected to be flexible to the demands of the project, have excellent communication skills and use their technical experience to ensure the project(s) worked on are done so effectively.

As a Senior Scientist your main responsibilities will include:

• Develop/Evaluate/Implement and utilise a range of molecular, serological, and antigenic methods in support of diagnostic evaluation activities for ACDP HG 2/3/4 pathogens, ensuring targets are met according to agreed specifications and timelines.
• Take responsibility for the provision of reagents and consumables required for the project and documented storage of materials generated.
• Lead members of the project team or project area to identify, evaluate and adapt new diagnostic technologies, where appropriate, and to ensure that the project operates to a high scientific standard using current methods.
• Take lead responsibility for the supervision and training of junior staff allocated to the project in specific areas of expertise.
• Provide reports through collation of data using software and databases as necessary, to meet project targets and lead on preparation of presentations and publications.

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.

Person specification

Essential Criteria:

• Provide reports through collation of data using software and databases as necessary, to meet project targets and lead on preparation of presentations and publications.
• Degree in relevant subject e.g., Biomedical Science Microbiology/Virology/Molecular Biology/Immunology or equivalent relevant experience.
• Substantive experience of microbiological diagnostic test development, evaluation, and validation for the diagnosis of bacteria and viruses. Eg real time PCR, ELISA, IFA, LFD
• Experience in working at ACDP CL2 with a range of microbial pathogens including culture, nucleic acid extraction, antigen preparation.
• Experience of working with clinical samples and diagnostic testing.
• Substantive experience in training junior staff and working within and across teams.
• Demonstrates experience of having work experience within a regulated environment (e.g., ISO 9001; GLP, UKAS).
• Willing to undergo security clearance, vaccinations where required and partake in surge response team for RIPL

Desirable Criteria:

• (HCPC Approved) Degree in relevant subject eg Biomedical Science Microbiology/Virology/Molecular Biology/Immunology or equivalent relevant experience.
• Experience in working at ACDP CL3 with a range of microbial pathogens including culture, nucleic acid extraction, antigen preparation.
• Track record of publications and submitting proposals to promote and develop research areas
• Experience of LIMS systems for patient sample management including data analysis and queries on samples, sample types and tests
• Willing to participate in RIPL on–call team
• Work in collaborating centres abroad/with visiting scientists as required

Selection process details

STAGE 1 – APPLICATION & SIFT:

You will be required to complete an application form of no more than 1250 words. This will be assessed in line with the advertised essential criteria.

If you are successful at this stage, you will progress to a face–to–face interview based at UKHSA Porton Down, Salisbury. Alternatively, a Teams interview can be offered.

STAGE 2 – INTERVIEW:

All candidates who are successful at the sift stage will undertake a face to face or single video interview.

All applicants that progress to interview will be assessed on their technical experience and a blended interview against a mixture of Behaviours and Strength elements of Success Profiles.

The Behaviours tested during the interview stage will be:

1. Changing and Improving
2. Making Effective Decisions
3. Communicating and Influencing
4. Working Together

Your Statement of Suitability should outline your skills, experience, and achievements, providing evidence of your suitability for the role, with reference to the essential criteria (outlined in the person specification section).

You will also be asked to provide information within the 'Employer/ Activity history' section of the application form. This is equivalent to the information you would provide on a CV, setting out your career history.

Expected Timeline:

Advert close: 23:55hrs on Tuesday 20th June 2023 – unfortunately, late applications will not be considered. Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.

Shortlist: 26th June

Interviews: TBC

Please note these dates could be subject to change.