Senior Healthcare Scientist
UK Visa Sponsorship Analytics
Occupation Type
Other health professionals not elsewhere classified.
Occupation Code Skill LevelHigher Skilled
Sponsorship Salary Threshold
Varies by national pay scale
Healthcare national pay scale applies
⚕️ Healthcare job - uses national pay scale
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Description
Colindale (Scientific Campus)
Job Summary
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.
To take a supervisory role in supporting the routine provision, delivery and development of genomic services for customers of CSL, and act as senior scientific support for laboratory development of Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) and the Sanger services. The post holder will supervise and provide line management for scientists within the unit, providing supervision for the day-to-day running of the NGS and Sanger services, while acting as part of the team by being involved in performing the tests being carried out. The post holder will also be expected to train other members of the team.
In the absence of other senior staff, responsibilities may be extended to duties carried out by other members of the senior team. The post holder will be expected to always maintain the required high standards and quality to maintain an up-to-date knowledge of genomic sequencing technologies & science, and current working practices within the unit.
In the absence of other staff, there is a need to work flexibly, to ensure essential laboratory-based duties are covered, and services are adequately maintained.
Job Description
Job Summary
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.
To take a supervisory role in supporting the routine provision, delivery and development of genomic services for customers of CSL, and act as senior scientific support for laboratory development of Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) and the Sanger services. The post holder will supervise and provide line management for scientists within the unit, providing supervision for the day-to-day running of the NGS and Sanger services, while acting as part of the team by being involved in performing the tests being carried out. The post holder will also be expected to train other members of the team.
In the absence of other senior staff, responsibilities may be extended to duties carried out by other members of the senior team. The post holder will be expected to always maintain the required high standards and quality to maintain an up-to-date knowledge of genomic sequencing technologies & science, and current working practices within the unit.
In the absence of other staff, there is a need to work flexibly, to ensure essential laboratory-based duties are covered, and services are adequately maintained.
Job Description
- To provide professional leadership for those members of staff for whom s/he is accountable, leading the staff by example and in a manner which will encourage the development of a positive working attitude by each member.
Management of Staff
To Ensure Efficient And Effective Management Of Technical, Scientific, Support Workers And Clerical Staff As Appropriate In Accordance With UKHSA Policies And Procedures, Including:
- Manage day-to-day work across CSL, ensuring sufficient levels of competency in NGS and Sanger services are maintained by liaising with the CSL senior leadership team and other senior staff and supporting a training programme.
- Participating in the CSL’s management team meetings.
- Participating in the recruitment and selection of appropriate staff in conjunction with the CSL senior leadership team.
- Monitor the performance of staff in the section to ensure agreed competency standards are maintained.
- Facilitating the induction, education, training and professional development of appropriate staff.
- To assist the CSL senior leadership team in the maintenance and development of the Laboratory service within the resources available.
- To participate in the operational management of the Laboratory, in collaboration with the CSL senior leadership team.
- To maintain professional competence and be aware of relevant developments in appropriate technologies.
- To be responsible for maintaining a high standard of work.
- To ensure the provision of an efficient, effective and timely service, ensuring maximum efficiency within allocated resources.
- In consultation with appropriate Units to consider adoption of new and improved technical procedures.
- To ensure accurate and timely provision of laboratory results for release to users.
- To have an expert understanding of NGS and Sanger-based methodologies used in the unit.
- Manage the unit workflow, including documentation.
- Troubleshoot issues related to NGS and Sanger services.
- To be competent in the use of the Laboratory Information Technology Systems (LIMS) and use the LIMS to carry out sample tracking throughout the process.
- To support robotic equipment to improve service resilience.
- Manage the development of analytical tools and reporting of CSL results through the provision of scientific advice and timely collaboration with service users and collaborators.
- To 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.
Safety
- To promote a strong safety culture and in the laboratory to ensure a safe working environment.
- To support health, safety and welfare are afforded priority and to demonstrate commitment to health, safety and welfare of self, staff and visitors.
- Ensure relevant UKHSA health and safety policies and laboratory safety committee recommendations and actions are implemented.
- To notify accidents, near misses, dangerous situations and shortcomings in health and safety via the appropriate management structure.
- To report staff sickness.
- To escalate risks that cannot be controlled to the CSL senior leadership team.
- To provide professional leadership for those members of staff for whom s/he is accountable, leading the staff by example and in a manner which will encourage the development of a positive working attitude by each member.
- To follow agreed protocols and policies in accordance with the UKHSA policies and procedures.
- Perform manual and automated laboratory techniques following Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
- To provide line management for staff within CSL.
- Supervise the daily workflows of NGS & Sanger services on a rotational basis and provide supervision of staff or persons seconded to the Unit.
- To participate in and carry out formal staff appraisal(s) to agreed UKHSA deadlines.
- To provide senior scientific support for the CSL services.
- To quality check and support the issuing of CSL results to service users.
- To provide advice and prepare proposals that contribute to enhancing the effectiveness of the work and achieving unit objectives.
- With the designated Laboratory Caldicott Guardian, Data Protection Officer and Security of Information Officer, to ensure confidentiality and conformity to the requirements of the Data Protection Act.
- To identify new and support existing income generation activities.
Note: this list is not exhaustive
Management of Staff
To Ensure Efficient And Effective Management Of Technical, Scientific, Support Workers And Clerical Staff As Appropriate In Accordance With UKHSA Policies And Procedures, Including:
Management of Staff
To Ensure Efficient And Effective Management Of Technical, Scientific, Support Workers And Clerical Staff As Appropriate In Accordance With UKHSA Policies And Procedures, Including:
- Manage day-to-day work across CSL, ensuring sufficient levels of competency in NGS and Sanger services are maintained by liaising with the CSL senior leadership team and other senior staff and supporting a training programme.
- Participating in the CSL’s management team meetings.
- Participating in the recruitment and selection of appropriate staff in conjunction with the CSL senior leadership team.
- Monitor the performance of staff in the section to ensure agreed competency standards are maintained.
- Facilitating the induction, education, training and professional development of appropriate staff.
- Ensuring the required deployment, availability and welfare of staff as indicated above.
- Conduct staff appraisals and individual performance reviews.
- Maintain good working relationships with all members of staff and foster teamwork, flexible working and staff development.
- To assist the CSL senior leadership team in the maintenance and development of the Laboratory service within the resources available.
- To participate in the operational management of the Laboratory, in collaboration with the CSL senior leadership team.
- To maintain professional competence and be aware of relevant developments in appropriate technologies.
- To be responsible for maintaining a high standard of work.
- To ensure the provision of an efficient, effective and timely service, ensuring maximum efficiency within allocated resources.
- In consultation with appropriate Units to consider adoption of new and improved technical procedures.
- To be competent in the use of the Laboratory Information Technology Systems (LIMS) and use the LIMS to carry out sample tracking throughout the process.
- To support robotic equipment to improve service resilience.
- Manage the development of analytical tools and reporting of CSL results through the provision of scientific advice and timely collaboration with service users and collaborators.
- To 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.
- To promote a strong safety culture and in the laboratory to ensure a safe working environment.
- To support health, safety and welfare are afforded priority and to demonstrate commitment to health, safety and welfare of self, staff and visitors.
- Ensure relevant UKHSA health and safety policies and laboratory safety committee recommendations and actions are implemented.
- To notify accidents, near misses, dangerous situations and shortcomings in health and safety via the appropriate management structure.
- To report staff sickness.
- To escalate risks that cannot be controlled to the CSL senior leadership team.
Essential Criteria
- Educated to a degree or equivalent 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.
- Training and supervising a team.
- Comprehensive experience of project principal techniques and tools.
- 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 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.
Selection process details
This vacancy is using Success Profiles and will assess your Behaviours/Experience/Technical skills.
Stage 1: Application & Sift
You Will Be Required To Complete An Application Form. You Will Be Assessed On The Listed 15 Essential Criteria, And This Will Be In The Form Of A:
- Application form (‘Employer/ Activity history’ section on the application)
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 1200 words. We will not consider any words over 1200 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
Shortlisting: In the event of a large number of applications we may conduct an initial sift, on the lead criteria of:
- Educated to a degree or equivalent qualification in a relevant subject, i.e., microbiology, biological science, or molecular biology
- Proven record of supporting WGS and Sanger 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.
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.
If face to face interviews are planned, in exceptional circumstances, we may be able to offer a remote interview.
Behaviours, Experience, Technical Skills Will Be Tested At Interview.
There will be a presentation. The presentation topic will be as follows:
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 being offered as office/lab based at our Scientific Campus 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 should normally have been resident in the United Kingdom for the last 3 years to obtain Counter Terrorism Check (CTC) clearance. UK residency less than the outlined periods may not necessarily bar you from gaining national security vetting at this higher level and applicants should contact the Vacancy Holder / Recruiting Manager listed in the advert for further advice.
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.
Future location
- CSL is a UKAS accredited laboratory, describe the opportunities and challenges maintaining this accreditation presents.
- Seeing the big picture (Lead behaviour)
- Leadership
- Developing self and others
- Managing a quality service
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 being offered as office/lab based at our Scientific Campus 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 should normally have been resident in the United Kingdom for the last 3 years to obtain Counter Terrorism Check (CTC) clearance. UK residency less than the outlined periods may not necessarily bar you from gaining national security vetting at this higher level and applicants should contact the Vacancy Holder / Recruiting Manager listed in the advert for further advice.
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.
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.
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 consider 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: Reasonable Adjustments , Civil Service Careers
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 it 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.
Careers website
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.
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 consider 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: Reasonable Adjustments , Civil Service Careers
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 it 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.
Careers website
Please visit our careers site for more information UKHSA Hub , Civil Service Careers
Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.
Security
Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.
Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is counter-terrorist check (opens in a new window).See our vetting charter (opens in a new window).
People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.
Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.
Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is counter-terrorist check (opens in a new window).See our vetting charter (opens in a new window).
People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.
Nationality requirements
This Job Is Broadly Open To The Following Groups:
Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.
Security
Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.
Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is counter-terrorist check (opens in a new window).See our vetting charter (opens in a new window).
People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.
Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.
Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is counter-terrorist check (opens in a new window).See our vetting charter (opens in a new window).
People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.
Nationality requirements
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
Further information on nationality requirements (opens in a new window)
Working for the Civil Service
The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.
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 equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.
The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.
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 equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.
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).
Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.
Contact point for applicants
Job Contact :
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 the UKHSA Complaints team via email at: Complaints@ukhsa.gov.uk
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 for further information: Home - Civil Service Commission
http://www.healthjobsuk.com/vacancy/7850046
Working for the Civil Service
The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.
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 equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.
The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.
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 equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.
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).
Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.
Contact point for applicants
Job Contact :
- Name : Timor Miakhel
- Email : timor.miakhel@ukhsa.gov.uk
- Email : recruitment@ukhsa.gov.uk
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 the UKHSA Complaints team via email at: Complaints@ukhsa.gov.uk
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 for further information: Home - Civil Service Commission
http://www.healthjobsuk.com/vacancy/7850046