Strategy and Leadership

• Provide scientific advice, particularly with respect to service developments or improvements to support the CSL SLT in the daily provision of CSL services and future strategies.

Financial Management

• Assist CSL and PHM Genomics SLTs in the maintenance and development of the laboratory service within the resources available.

Management of Staff

• Ensure efficient and effective management of technical, scientific, support workers and clerical staff as appropriate in accordance with UKHSA policies and procedures.
• Manage day-to-day work across CSL development projects, ensuring competencies are maintained and training programmes are supported.
• Participate in the recruitment and selection of staff in conjunction with the CSL SLT.
• Maintain good working relationships with all members of staff, foster teamwork and staff development.

Teaching

• Provide training leadership, ensuring all staff are fully competent in relevant areas of work.
• Develop and supervise developmental projects and support the organisation of and participation in training programmes.
• Ensure service resilience by training other unit staff members to an appropriate level to implement service improvements and transformation initiatives.

Quality

• Maintain a high standard of work and to appraise and contribute to the development of services so that they are safe, effective and economical, and follow best practice.
• Ensure compliance with UKAS and other accreditation and certification standards.

Safety

• Promote a strong safety culture in the laboratory to ensure a safe working environment.
• Ensure all relevant health and safety regulations, legislation and policies are adhered to.

Information Technology

• Be competent in the use of the LIMS.
• Manage the development of analytical tools and reporting of CSL results through the provision of scientific advice and timely collaboration with service users.
• Use software packages as appropriate for word processing, presentations, and data analysis.
• Manage the introduction of workflow changes to accommodate new tests, efficient working and service improvements.

Other

The above is only an outline of the tasks and responsibilities of the role. Other duties may be reasonably required by the CSL and PHM Genomics SLTs.

Personal Development

The post holder should pursue a programme of continuous professional development while maintaining appropriate awareness of service provider requirements.

This list is not exhaustive.

Person Specification

Essential Criteria

• Educated to a degree (or equivalent level qualification) in a relevant subject, i.e., microbiology, biological science, or molecular biology.
• Maintain CPD portfolio.
• Extensive knowledge and experience in at least one of the specialist areas of the unit.
• Substantive experience and proven record of supporting NGS sequencing services and automation in relevant areas.
• Evidence of using technical experience to assess new and existing technologies and processes to innovate and initiate change in laboratory practice.
• Ability to undertake evaluation of NGS methods, including short-read and long-read technologies, to allow efficient service delivery.
• Able to provide/receive highly complex information, negotiate and present to peers/customers/others.
• Ability to negotiate on difficult and controversial issues, including performance and change.
• Problem-solving skills and the ability to respond to sudden, unexpected demands.
• Ability to analyse complex facts and situations and develop a range of options.
• Demonstrated capability to plan over short, medium and long-term timeframes and adjust plans and resource requirements accordingly.
• Ability to prioritise own work effectively and be able to direct the activities of others. Experience in managing and motivating a team and reviewing the performance of individuals.

Desirable criteria

• Training and supervising a team.
• Comprehensive experience of project principal techniques and tools.

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).

• 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%

Selection Process Details

Stage 1: Application & Sift

You will be required to complete an application form. You will be assessed on the listed 12 essential criteria, and this will be in the form of a:

• Application form (‘Employer/ Activity history’ section on the application)
• 1200 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.

Stage 2: Interview

You will be invited to a single face to face interview at Colindale, NW9 5EQ.

If face to face interviews are planned, in exceptional circumstances, we may be able to offer a remote interview.

Behaviours, Experience and Technical Skills will be tested at interview through questions and a presentation.

You will be asked to prepare and present a 5 minute presentation on the topic: Can you describe a laboratory improvement you have implemented, from the initial identification of the need through to completion and evaluation of the outcome?

The Behaviours Tested During The Interview Stage Will Be:

• Seeing the Big Picture (Lead Behaviour)
• Developing Self and Others
• Leadership
• Managing a Quality Service

Interviews dates are to be confirmed.

Location

This role is being offered as lab based at our site in Colindale. Please note hybrid working is not available for this role.

Security Clearance Level Requirement

Successful candidates must pass a basic 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.

You will be required to have a Counter Terrorism Check security vetting check as a minimum.

Eligibility Criteria

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

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).

This vacancy is part of the Great Place to Work for Veterans (opens in a new window) initiative.

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 a new window).

Contact Point for Applicants

Job Contact:

• Name: Timor Miakhel
• Email: timor.miakhel@ukhsa.gov.uk

Recruitment team

Email: recruitment@ukhsa.gov.uk