UK Health Security Agency
Technician Scientist
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Scientific Campus - Porton, Salisbury
Job Summary
The Research and Evaluation department based at UKHSA Porton performs a range of research activities, including high containment level work. The department’s work covers a broad range of projects involving the development and evaluation of interventions into a range of infectious diseases.
The Rare and Imported Pathogens Laboratory (RIPL) at UKHSA Porton provide a front-line diagnostic service for the detection of Viral Haemorrhagic Fever viruses (Ebola, Lassa, CCHF, Marburg), Arboviruses, Rickettsiae, and a range of ACDP Hazard Group 3 bacteria including Bacillus anthracis and Francisella tularensis. RIPL is also the provider of the Leptospira acute diagnostic service and the Lyme disease specialist unit diagnostic service.
The Diagnostic Development and Implementation Team work closely with both RIPL and research and evaluation departments and is responsible for reviewing, evaluating, and developing high-quality diagnostic assays, and overseeing their successful implementation into RIPL and across UKHSA/NHS, to support robust public health diagnostics. Successful applicants will join the Diagnostic Development and Implementation Team as a Technical Scientist, contributing their serological and molecular expertise to drive high quality scientific and technical project delivery.
Job Description
The post holder will contribute to the delivery of diagnostic development, evaluation and implementation projects in line with departmental scientific strategy. The role requires flexibility in responding to changing project demands, effective communication and the application of technical expertise to deliver high quality outputs. The post holder will apply molecular, serological and antigen-based techniques to support diagnostic development and evaluation projects. This will contribute to the delivery of new, improved and refined diagnostic methods for use within UKHSA. The role involves hands-on laboratory working with clinical and non-clinical samples, including materials associated with ACDP Hazard Group 2, 3 and 4 pathogens, in accordance with approved safety, containment and quality requirements.
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- Contribute to the delivery of diagnostic development, evaluation and implementation projects in line with departmental scientific strategy.
- Apply molecular, serological and antigen-based techniques to support diagnostic development and evaluation projects.
- Ensure all work is undertaken in accordance with UKHSA safety practices, quality systems, policies and procedures.
- Assist in the development, evaluation and implementation for a range of molecular, serological and antigenic methods in support of diagnostic evaluation activities.
- Ensure data produced is of a high scientific standard ready to be utilised in project reports and presentations.
- Maintain health and safety competence and a clean, safe and tidy working environment.
- Perform stock control procedures for reagent and consumable stocks within the laboratory.
- Operate, maintain and clean a range of laboratory equipment safely.
- Assist with the supervision and training of junior and new staff allocated to the project.
Person Specification
Essential Criteria
- Degree (or equivalent qualification) in relevant subject e.g., Biomedical Science/Microbiology/Virology/Molecular Biology/Immunology or equivalent relevant experience of working in a laboratory.
- Knowledge and experience of microbiological diagnostic test development, evaluation, and validation for the diagnosis of bacteria and viruses.
- Prior experience in working at ACDP CL2 with a range of microbial pathogens including techniques such as culture, nucleic acid extraction, antigen preparation, or work with clinical samples and diagnostic testing.
- Experience of having worked within a regulated environment (e.g., ISO 9001; GLP, ISO 15189).
- Willing to undergo vaccinations where required and partake in surge response team for RIPL.
- An understanding of and commitment to equality of opportunity and good working relationships.
- Demonstrates attention to detail and an interest in improving the quality of diagnostic testing.
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Desirable Criteria
- Experience of LIMS systems for patient sample management including data analysis and queries on samples, sample types and tests.
- Experience in working at ACDP CL3.
- Participate in RIPL on-call team.
Salary Information
Alongside your salary of £28,547, UK Health Security Agency contributes £8,270 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme.
Eligibility Criteria
This vacancy is open to all external applicants (anyone) from outside the Civil Service as well as internal applicants.
Location
This role is being offered as office/lab based at our site in Porton. 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. The level of security needed is Counter-Terrorist Check (CTC).
Selection Process Details
Stage 1: Application & Sift
- Required to complete an application form.
- A 1000-word supporting statement outlining how your skills, experience and knowledge provide evidence of your suitability for the role.
- Assessment on listed essential criteria.
Stage 2: Interview
- Behaviours, Experience, Strengths and Technical skills will be tested at interview in the form of questions.
- Interview dates are to be confirmed.
Contact Point for Applicants
Job Contact
Name: John Inglis
Email: john.inglis@ukhsa.gov.uk
Recruitment Team
Email: recruitment@ukhsa.gov.uk
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