UK Health Security Agency
Healthcare Scientist Team Manager (Virology and Molecular)
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London, London (region), NW9 5EQ
Job Summary
UK NEQAS for Microbiology provides clinical EQA services to participants worldwide. Microbiology covered includes mycology, bacteriology (with antimicrobial susceptibility testing), virology, parasitology and schemes based on a range of technologies including proteomic, molecular detection methods and conventional methods. Schemes are under constant review and development. The schemes provide an international benchmark for quality. There are over 3000 participants in more than 80 countries. See our website for further information: www.ukneqasmicro.org.uk
The Healthcare Scientist Team Manager for Virology and Molecular will lead the Virology and Molecular laboratory team and work in collaboration with other senior staff to deliver Virology and Molecular EQA schemes.
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.
Please visit our careers site for more information https://gov.uk/ukhsa/careers
Job Description
Technical/Scientific Duties
- Lead the organisation, preparation and quality control of simulated specimens for UK NEQAS schemes, ensuring effective resource management.
- Maintain high laboratory standards, ensuring compliance with UKAS accreditation and best practice.
- Oversee data analysis of participant results and preparation of scheme reports.
- Source clinical material and develop new specimen types for EQA schemes.
- Apply expertise in clinical virology and molecular diagnostics to specimen design, quality control and stability testing.
- Maintain professional competence and keep up to date with developments in clinical microbiology.
- Undertake deputy responsibilities as required.
Professional Development
- Identify and undertake training and development needs through appraisal and personal development plans.
- Complete all mandatory training requirements.
- Support recruitment, induction, training, performance reviews and ongoing development of staff.
- Promote effective working relationships and facilitate appropriate training opportunities.
Communication and Working Relationships
The post holder will communicate with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders, including:
Internal
- UK NEQAS for Microbiology staff and colleagues across UKHSA.
External
- Collaborating institutions, stakeholders, scheme participants, Steering Committees, the UK NEQAS Central Office and other relevant organisations.
- Provide scientific advice and interpretation relating to quality assurance schemes.
Service Improvement
- Work collaboratively to improve processes and working practices.
Health, Safety and Security
In conjunction with the Laboratory Safety Coordinator and Laboratory Manager:
- Comply with UKHSA health and safety policies and objectives.
- Attend required safety training and implement local safety procedures.
- Promote the health, safety and welfare of staff and visitors.
- Ensure risk assessments are completed and control measures implemented.
- Support corrective actions arising from inspections, audits and incident reporting.
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Quality
Working With The Quality Team:
- Maintain high standards of service delivery that are safe, effective and economical.
- Contribute to quality assurance, accreditation, audit activities and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Support implementation of corrective actions and quality improvements.
Information and Knowledge
- Support the development of IT systems and databases.
- Analyse and present statistical information to support quality and project activities.
Development and Innovation
- Assist in the development of new specimen types and EQA schemes.
Procurement and Project Support
- Assist with business cases, risk management and stock procurement (up to £5,000).
Services and Project Management
- Support the selection, implementation and validation of laboratory equipment.
People Management
- Ensure technical and support staff receive appropriate training on new procedures, systems and developments.
MAIN DUTIES
- Provide leadership (in rotation with other Team Managers) in the UK NEQAS for Microbiology laboratories and be responsible for the overall service in that area.
- Responsible for ensuring specimens for EQA are prepared and quality controlled according to schedule.
- Responsible for procedures involved in report production and responding to customer queries/feedback in a timely manner.
- Responsible for the development and training of laboratory staff in specific areas.
Please note this list is not exhaustive.
Person specification
Essential Role Criteria:
- MSc or an equivalent/higher qualification in Medical Microbiology/Virology
- Significant experience in virology and serology (clinical/diagnostic or research laboratory) and knowledge and substantial experience of molecular techniques
- Experience in data analysis, competence in word processing, spread sheet software, database skills, use of presentation software
- Experience of Quality Management systems and experience and understanding of laboratory safety and procedures
- Able to analyse, interpret and evaluate information when problem solving and making decisions and able to communicate complex information both written and oral, clearly and concisely with good attention to detail
- Excellent people skills covering management, training development of people, planning and allocating and delegating activities, recruitment and selection and reviewing performance, including an understanding of and commitment to equality of opportunity and good working relationships.
- Committed to development and keeping abreast of recent developments in virology and microbiology and able to liaise with colleagues at all levels within UKHSA and work across organisational boundaries
Desirable Role Criteria:
- Prepared to work flexibly when business needs demand
Salary Information
Alongside your salary of £46,310, UK Health Security Agency contributes £13,416 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides (opens in a new window).
Benefits
- 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
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.
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Selection process details
This vacancy is using Success Profiles and will assess your Experience, Behaviours, Strengths, and Technical skills.
Stage 1: Application & Sift
Success Profiles - GOV.UK
- You Will Be Required To Complete An Application Form.
- You Will Be Assessed On The Listed 7 Essential Criteria, And This Will Be In The Form Of A:
- Application form (‘Employer/ Activity history’ section on the application)
- Up to 1000 word supporting statement
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.
You will receive a joint score for your application form and statement. (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).
Healthjobs UK has a word limit of 1500, but your supporting statement must be no more than 1000 words. Please do not exceed 1000 words.
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
If used, the pile ‘Meets all essential criteria’ will proceed to shortlisting.
Shortlisting:
In the event of a large number of applications we will conduct an initial sift, on the lead criteria of:
- MSc or an equivalent/higher qualification in Medical Microbiology/Virology
- Significant experience in virology and serology (clinical/diagnostic or research laboratory) and knowledge and substantial experience of molecular techniques
- Excellent people skills covering management, training development of people, planning and allocating and delegating activities, recruitment and selection and reviewing performance, including an understanding of and commitment to equality of opportunity and good working relationships
Desirable criteria may be used in the event of a large number of applications/large amount of successful candidates.
If you are successful at this stage, you will progress to interview & assessment.
Feedback will not be provided at this stage.
Stage 2: Interview
Success Profiles - GOV.UK
- You Will Be Invited To a Face To Face Interview At Our Site In Colindale. In Exceptional Circumstances, We May Be Able To Offer a Remote Interview. Behaviours, Strengths, And Technical Skills Will Be Tested At Interview.
- The Behaviours Tested During The Interview Stage Will Be:
- Changing and Improving
- Leadership
- Working together
- Managing a Quality Service (lead behaviour)
Strengths will be assessed via strength based questions.
Technical skills will be assessed through a presentation. You will be asked to present for up to 10 mins on the topic of “The importance of EQA in a virology diagnostic laboratory.”
Interview dates to be confirmed.
Additional Information
Location
This role is being offered as lab based at our scientific campus in Colindale. 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
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