Healthcare Scientist/Biomedical Scientist - Civil Service: Executive Officer (EO)/AfC Band 5
UK Health Security AgencyThe United Kingdom Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is a system leader for health security; taking action internationally to strengthen global health security, providing trusted advice to government and the public and reducing inequalities in the way different communities experience and are impacted by infectious disease, environmental hazards, and other threats to health.
UKHSA’s remit, as an agency with a global-to-local reach, is to protect the health of the nation from infectious diseases and other external threats to health. As the nation’s expert national health security agency UKHSA will:
- Prevent: anticipate threats to health and help build the nation’s readiness, defences and health security
- Detect: use cutting edge environmental and biological surveillance to proactively detect and monitor infectious diseases and threats to health
- Analyse: use world-class science and data analytics to assess and continually monitor threats to health, identifying how best to control and mitigate the risks
- Respond: take rapid, collaborative and effective actions nationally and locally to mitigate threats to health when they materialise
- Lead: lead strong and sustainable global, national, regional and local partnerships designed to save lives, protect the nation from public health threats and reduce inequalities.
Job overview
The Infection Sciences department at North Bristol NHS Trust is formed from a collaboration between the UK Health Security Agency and North Bristol NHS Trust (Severn Pathology). This is a busy and forward-looking laboratory that receives in excess of 1.3 million specimens a year from a large number of clinical specialties located within Bristol and Bath hospital trusts, and beyond, which contribute to an interesting and varied workload. The laboratory is located within North Bristol NHS Trust and is a new, modern and fully automated laboratory incorporating state of the art equipment. It lies within easy reach of the city of Bath and surrounding villages. We have close links with our host Trusts as well as both Universities in Bristol and the proximity of the motorway network makes an ideal base for travel to London, the Midlands, Wales and the coastal resorts of the Southwest. The UKHSA/NBT collaboration employs approximately 200 staff performing a range of diagnostic, public health and research activities, including high containment level work.
We are seeking a Biomedical Scientist AfC Band 5 OR Healthcare Scientist Civil Service EO grade.
Salary bands:
- AfC Band 5: £31,049 - £37,796, per annum, pro Rata
- EO (National): £28,547 - £33,196 per annum, pro rata
Candidates holding HCPC registration will be appointed on NHS Terms & Conditions at NHS AfC Band 5. Candidates without HCPC registration will be appointed on Civil Service Terms and Conditions at EO grade.
Advert
To work as part of the recently established Bristol laboratory sequencing team, supporting whole genome sequencing service developments and ensuring laboratory outputs are efficient and to the highest standard.
This role will include routine laboratory work, laboratory housekeeping and maintenance, recording and reporting of results and ensuring the work is carried out to high scientific, safety and quality standard. This job will also involve manipulating electronic data to provide information in the correct formats.
- Perform routine genomic workflow processes: nucleic acid extraction, amplicon generation, sequencing library preparation, and loading.
- Process specimens and undertake related laboratory tasks following SOPs and policies.
- Maintain consumables and equipment in your area, including automated equipment per manufacturer guidelines.
- Designate tests for samples based on knowledge and experience.
- Adhere to UKHSA and laboratory policies, SOPs, and professional guidelines.
- Organise and maintain high standards in laboratory work, technical skills, and professional competence.
- Highlight important or unusual results to senior/medical staff and report complaints or anomalies.
- Demonstrate understanding of sequencing processes and develop scientific knowledge through ongoing training.
- Communicate effectively with team members and healthcare professionals.
- To report finalised sequencing results to service users (State registered staff only)
Working for our 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
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Main duties continued:
- Monitor and respond to quality control results and protocol changes.
- Perform manual and automated techniques in WGS workflows, following SOPs.
- Supervise lower-grade AO staff and support their development.
- Ensure data confidentiality in line with the Data Protection Act.
- Support income generation activities and contribute to SOP writing, review, and compliance.
- Review and analyse data for customer release.
- Take action to prevent service delivery delays or failures.
- Collaborate with other departments and support staff secondments or rotations
- Assist in staff performance monitoring, daily supervision, and organisation.
- Support staff training and be mindful of staff wellbeing.
Financial management
- Contribute to maintaining and developing laboratory services within available resources.
Technical Services
- Maintain professional competence and stay updated on relevant technologies.
- Support and develop WGS services per UKHSA policy.
- Ensure accurate, timely lab results and maintain high work standards.
- Troubleshoot WGS-related issues and maintain workflow documentation.
- To be responsible for the reporting of sequencing results to service users (State registered staff only)
Support Services and Equipment
- Assist in equipment maintenance and LIMS support.
- Ensure timely and effective delivery of assigned activities.
Teaching
- Ensure staff and trainees are competent in assigned tasks.
- Participate in training programs.
- Train staff in WGS methods to ensure service resilience.
Quality
- Support compliance with UKAS and other accreditation standards.
- Participate in internal and external quality assurance programs.
- Address housekeeping queries and share relevant updates.
Information Technology
- Use LIMS systems for sample and result tracking.
- Operate software for sequencing workflows, data analysis, and documentation.
Support workflow changes for new tests and service improvements.
Safety
- Promote a strong safety culture and adhere to UKHSA health and safety policies.
- Implement remedial actions from safety audits and inspections.
Essential criteria
- Undergraduate degree in an appropriate medical/microbiology/biological science discipline (or equivalent experience)
- For Biomedical Scientist post only - Relevant professional qualification i.e. registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) as a Biomedical Scientist.
- Some experience working in a diagnostic microbiology, virology or genomics laboratory. Understanding of:
a) UKAS standards.
b) Supporting R&D activities.
c) Health & Safety
d) Data Protection and Information Governance legislation
e) National Standards. - Experience of using computerized systems
- Experience of working in a health care environment.
- Clear communicator and effective interpersonal skills. Articulate and clear thinking
- Able to respond positively to change
- Ability to work effectively as part of a team
- Ability to solve problems in a calm and efficient manner
- Enthusiastic and self-motivated
- Working knowledge of Microsoft office with intermediate keyboard skills
Desirable criteria:
- Experience of working in whole genome sequencing and/or sanger services, and automation in relevant areas
- Experience of training staff
- Experience of evaluating new techniques/equipment
Selection Process Details (Competency based)
This vacancy will be assessed using a competency-based framework which will assess your qualifications, knowledge and experience and / or skills and abilities outlined in the essential criteria.
Stage 1: Application & Sift
You will be required to complete an application form. You will be assessed on the listed (11) essential criteria, and this will be in the form of a:
- Application form (‘Employer/ Activity history’ section on the application)
- up to 1,200 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. (The application form is the kind of information you would put into your C.V –please be advised you will not be able to upload your CV. Please 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 1,200 words. We will not consider any words over 1,200 words.
Longlisting:
In the event of a large number of applications we may longlist into 3 piles of:
- Meets all essential criteria
- Meets some essential criteria
- Meets no essential criteria
If used, the following pile will proceed to shortlisting.
- Meets all essential criteria
Shortlisting:
In the event of a large number of applications we may conduct an initial sift, on the lead criteria of:
- Undergraduate degree in an appropriate medical/microbiology/biological science discipline (or equivalent experience)
- Some experience working in a diagnostic microbiology, virology or genomics laboratory. Understanding of:
a) UKAS standards.
b) Supporting R&D activities.
c) Health & Safety
d) Data Protection and Information Governance legislation
e) National Standards.
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
You will be invited to a single face to face interview at the Bristol laboratory. In exceptional circumstances, we may be able to offer a remote interview.
Knowledge, experience, skills & abilities will be tested at interview.
Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.
Location
This role is based in Bristol. Please note hybrid working is not available for this role.
If based at one of our scientific campuses, 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. You should normally have been resident in the United Kingdom for the last 3 years as the role requires Counter Terrorism Check (CTC) clearance. In exceptional circumstances UK residency less than the outlined periods may not necessarily bar you from gaining national security vetting and applicants should contact the Vacancy Holder/Recruiting Manager listed in the advert for further advice.
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 Counter-terrorist Check.
Eligibility Criteria - External
Open to all external applicants (anyone) from outside the Civil Service (including internal applicants).
Salary Information
If you are successful at interview, and are moving from another government department, NHS, or Local Authority, the relevant starting salary principles for level transfers or promotions will apply. Otherwise, roles are offered at the pay scale minimum for the grade, but in exceptional circumstances there may be flexibility if you are able to demonstrate you are already in receipt of an existing, higher salary. Pay increases are through the relevant annual pay award for the role and terms.
IMPORTANT - PLEASE READ
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
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 for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.
Link below:
Artificial intelligence and recruitment | Civil Service Careers
This is a Non-Reserved post under the Civil Service Nationality Rules. To be eligible for employment in the UK Civil Service applicants must meet the Civil Service Nationality Rules (CSNRs) which operate independently of and additionally to the Immigration Rules. Applicants must also meet necessary security and vetting requirements, along with any other relevant pre-employment checks.
This job is broadly open to the following groups:
- UK nationals
- nationals of the Republic of Ireland
- nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
- nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window)
- nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
- individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
- Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service
For more information on job nationality requirements and the right to work in the UK, see the Civil Service Nationality rules (opens in a new window) and the UK Visas and Immigration rules (opens in a new window)
For posts on UKHSA Civil Service terms and conditions, new entrants to the Civil Service are expected to start on the minimum of the pay band. For existing Civil Servants and roles advertised across government, the rules of transfer apply, i.e., level transfers move on current salary or the pay range minimum, transfers on promotion move to new pay range minimum or receive a 10% increase. Either case is determined by whichever is the highest.
The Civil Service pay structure and progression is different from NHS Agenda for Change (AfC), most local authority pay grades and other systems that have annual pay increments. For further details, please refer to the Information Sheet- Starting Salaries & Benefits attachment.
For AfC or Medical/Dental posts, you must have the correct professional registration to be appointed. The pay will follow the AfC or Medical & Dental terms & conditions. You may be asked to provide evidence of previous service whilst we are conducting pre-employment checks to determine your starting salary.
For Temporary Appointments, if you are not currently a civil servant, you will take up the post on a Fixed Term appointment. You may be able to take this role up as a Secondment. If you are an existing Civil Servant, based outside of the UKHSA, you will take up the post as a loan which you will need your department to agree. You cannot take the post up as a fixed term. If you are an existing UKHSA member of staff, you will take up the post as either a level transfer or a temporary promotion as per the UKHSA’s Pay policy.
Given the nature of the work of the UKHSA, as a Category 1 responder under the Civil Contingencies Act, you may be required in an emergency, if deemed a necessity, to redeploy to another role at short notice. You may also be required to work at any other location, within reasonable travelling distance of your permanent home address, in line with the provisions set out in your contract of employment.
Late Applications will unfortunately not be considered.
Working for the Civil Service
We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window).
The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equality of opportunity. The law requires that selection for appointment to the Civil Service is on merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's Recruitment Principles.
If you feel your application has not been treated in accordance with the Recruitment Principles, and you wish to make a complaint, in the first instance, you should contact UKHSA Public Accountability Unit via email: [email protected] If you are not satisfied with the response you receive from the Department, you can contact the Civil Service Commission: Visit the Civil Service Commission website here.
Reserve List - If more than the required number of suitable candidates pass the interview criteria, you may be kept on a reserve list for 12 months subject to your agreement. You may be contacted, in merit-order, if similar roles with closely matching essential criteria become available and the department choose to appoint from a reserve list.
The panel will assess if candidates meet the requirement of the role first, using a specific benchmark system. 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.
Interview expenses will not be reimbursed.
UKHSA is required to check employment and/or education history covering three consecutive years. Please ensure you give details of at least two different referees, even if you were employed in one company for three years or more.
If you are offered a job, information will also be transferred into the national NHS Electronic Staff Records system. Please note, all communication regarding your application will be made via email, please ensure you check your junk/spam folders as emails are sometimes filtered there.
Any move to UKHSA from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. This includes moves between government departments. You may however be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax-Free Childcare. Determine your eligibility at https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk/.
Benefits of working at UKHSA include:
- Generous annual leave:
-26 days for the first 5 years of continuous service
-28 days after 5 years of continuous service
-32 days after 10 years of continuous service
-Plus public holidays and one privilege day for the King’s birthday - Access to a generous Defined Benefit pension scheme with employer contributions.
- Access to a cycle-to-work salary sacrifice scheme, season ticket advances and payroll giving.
- Access to a retail discounts and cashback site.
- We also promote flexible working patterns (part-time, job-share, condensed hours). UKHSA views flexible working as essential in enabling us to recruit and retain talented people, ensuring that they are able to enjoy a long-lasting career with us. All employees have the right to apply for flexible working and there are a range of options available including working from home, compressed hours and job sharing.
- We also offer a generous maternity/ paternity and adoption leave package.
Hybrid Working
UKHSA operates a hybrid working model where business needs allow. This provides us with greater flexibility about how and where we work, to get the best from our workforce.
As a hybrid worker, you will usually spend a minimum of 60% of your contracted hours (averaged over a month) working at one of UKHSA's locations (approximately 3 days a week pro rata) and the rest of your time working from home.
Disability Confident Scheme
The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria at sift to ensure these candidates are invited to interview. If you wish to be included in this scheme please tick the box on your application form.
Reasonable Adjustments
The Civil Service is committed to making sure that our selection methods are fair to everyone.
To help you during the recruitment process, we will take into account any reasonable adjustments that could help you.
An adjustment is a change to the recruitment process or an adjustment at work.
This is separate to the Disability Confident Scheme.
If you need an adjustment to be made at any point during the recruitment process you should:
Contact the recruitment team in confidence as soon as possible to discuss your needs.
You can find out more information about reasonable adjustments across the Civil Service here: https://www.civil-service-careers.gov.uk/reasonable-adjustments/
International Police Check
If you have spent more than 6 months abroad over the last 3 years you may need an International Police Check. This would not necessarily have to be in a single block, and could be time accrued over that period.
Internal Fraud check
If successful for this role as one aspect of pre-employment screening, applicant’s personal details – name, national insurance number and date of birth - will be checked against the Cabinet Office Internal Fraud Hub and anyone included on the database will be refused employment unless they can show exceptional circumstances. Currently this is only for External candidates to the Civil Service.
Security Vetting
Please check the Security Clearance needed for the role and follow the link for more information:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/united-kingdom-security-vetting-clearance-levels/national-security-vetting-clearance-levels
Future location
UKHSA is investing in a new state-of-the-art National Biosecurity Centre in Harlow, Essex, which will eventually bring together teams currently based at Canary Wharf, Colindale and Porton Down. For more details, please see: Huge biosecurity centre investment to boost pandemic protection - GOV.UK.
The new facilities will start becoming operational in the mid-2030s, with full completion by 2038. Staff will move in phases as facilities become available. If you're appointed to a role currently based at Canary Wharf, Colindale or Porton Down, please note that we'll continue investing in these sites for the next decade. As we get closer to the transition, we'll provide full information about relocation support available to staff.