Colindale, London
Job Summary
The Respiratory and Vaccine Preventable Bacteria Reference Unit (RVPBRU), is an ISO accredited laboratory, and part of the Bacteriology Reference Department (BRD), UKHSA in Colindale, London. The RVPBRU comprises two sections, the Vaccine Preventable Bacteria Section (VPBS) and the Zoonotic and Acute Respiratory Section (ZARS).
The VPBS provides national reference services for Streptococcus pneumoniae, Bordetella pertussis, toxigenic corynebacteria and Haemophilus influenzae and also hosts the WHO Collaborating Centre for Haemophilus influenzae and Streptococcus pneumoniae. The WHO Global Collaborating Centre for Diphtheria & Streptococcal infections is also hosted by the Bacteriology Reference Department and the associated diphtheria laboratory activities are performed by or in collaboration with the VPBS.
ZARS covers the following pathogens: Legionella, Mycoplasma, Ureaplasma, and respiratory Chlamydia species. RVPBRU assists in pathogen detection, confirmation and epidemiology, defining outbreaks and identifying transmission pathways.
We use established and development phenotypic and genotypic methods to identify and type isolates and identify virulence markers. We offer molecular detection and confirmation of the genetic determinants of key genetic targets.
RVPBRU undertakes surveillance, advises on outbreak investigation and on any public health risk.
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
Main duties:
- Assist with the technical management of surveillance programmes and of the reference/diagnostic and incident services across VPBS and ZARS.
- Provide professional leadership, leading by example and in a manner which will encourage the development of a positive attitude by each member.
- Prepare advice and proposals that contribute to innovations that enhance the effectiveness of the work and to short and long term RVPBRU objectives.
- Ensure the provision of an efficient, effective and timely service
- Provide scientific oversight and ensure provision of the national reference services for the epidemiological characterisation and typing of pathogens.
- Take a leading role in the validation of new assays within RVPBRU for implementation into routine service.
- Review diagnostic tests as well as further development and validation of molecular typing services for relevant bacterial pathogens across both Sections (ZARS and VPBS) within RVPBRU.
- Support research and enhanced surveillance of pathogens within ZARS and VPBS.
- Develop and evaluate novel molecular and genomic approaches for the epidemiological characterisation of respiratory and vaccine preventable pathogens and the application of molecular technologies to determine the pathogenesis and evolution of virulence in bacteria relevant to the Sections within RVPBRU.
- Validate and authorise reports as required. Collate/present data for discussion.
- Write and publish papers and present results where appropriate
General:
- Assistance with the technical management of surveillance programmes and of the reference/diagnostic and incident services within RVPBRU.
Technical Services
- Ensure the provision of an efficient, effective and timely service ensuring maximum efficiency within allocated resources.
- Provide scientific oversight and ensure provision of the national reference services for the epidemiological characterisation and typing of pathogens within RVPBRU.
- Take a leading role in the validation of new assays within RVPBRU for implementation into routine service.
- Review diagnostic tests as well as further development and validation of molecular typing services and support research and enhanced surveillance of pathogens within RVPBRU.
- Validate and authorise reports as required.
- Collate/present data for discussion.
- Write and publish papers and present results where appropriate, both nationally and internationally.
Management Of Staff:
- Ensure, with others, efficient and effective management of technical, scientific, support workers and clerical staff as appropriate in accordance with UKHSA policies and procedures
- Support recruitment, training, professional development and welfare of staff and visitors.
- Oversee appraisals, performance reviews and staff competency assessments.
Financial management (in collaboration with the Section Heads) Technical Manager:
- Assist in the maintenance and development of the laboratory service within the resources available.
Quality / Governance:
- Ensure that all Services comply with UKAS accreditation standards in collaboration with the Technical Manager and Quality Assurance Manager.
- Ensure that internal and external quality assurance programmes take place.
- Be responsible for preparing and maintaining relevant methodologies, SOPs and risk assessments.
- Ensure the notification of adverse incidents on Trackwise, and take responsibility for the investigation of incidents were appropriate Research and Development: participate in and support research and development activities within the Unit.
- Evaluate and validate new commercial or in-house techniques relevant to the work of the Unit.
- Participate in relevant research projects, analyse results and present data.
- Assist in the preparation of grant applications and other funding opportunities for the Sections in RVPBRU.
Professional Development:
- Maintain professional competence and be aware of relevant developments in microbiology and other biomedical sciences.
- Attend internal /external events and mandatory training, as required.
Community and key working relationships
Internal:
- Liaise with all staff within BRD and other departments within UKHSA, and relevant professionals including Clinicians, Biomedical/Clinical Scientists, Epidemiologists, Bioinformaticians, Health Protection Team
External:
- External bodies including NHS staff and other national international users, and commercial companies.
- Professional contacts including accreditation bodies, education institutes and other scientific establishments.
- Colleagues within relevant national microbiology reference centres, other public health institutions, WHO and other agencies, where appropriate.
Key Working Relationships:
- Maintain constructive relationships with a broad range of internal and external stakeholders.
- Present information, explaining complex issues, to a wide range of internal stakeholders.
Key Functional Responsibilities:
Project Management:
- Contribute to performance improvement, taking a lead for identified areas where agreed.
- Management of a risk and issues tracking mechanism and its proactive resolution and escalation processes.
Financial And Physical Resources:
- Provide regular reporting on the targeting of resources and monitoring their implementation to achieve a value for money.
Staff Management:
- Assist in the coordination of learning, development and recruitment activity across the team.
- Manage staff, undertaking appraisals, recruitment including progressing any disciplinary or capability issues, as necessary.
Information Management:
- ensure timely and accurate information analysis and reporting to management on agreed areas of work.
Research And Development:
- Assessment of individual and work stream’s success.
- Delegate aspects of research and development activities, collating information, analysing and reporting findings.
Planning And Organisation:
- Contribute to short, medium- and long-term business plans, achieving quality outcomes.
Policy And Service Development:
- Develop policies and procedures in own work function with an impact on the wider organisation, as required.
Policy And Service Development:
- Develop policies and procedures in own work function with an impact on the wider organisation, as required.
Person specification
Essential Criteria
- HCPC State registration as a Clinical Scientist (or a demonstrable plan to achieve registration within 6 months) and maintains professional competence.
- Relevant higher degree (MSc/PhD) in Medical Microbiology/Virology/Molecular microbiology; or equivalent qualification
- Good in-depth knowledge of clinical and reference microbiology relevant to RVPBRU
- Experience of evaluating and validating molecular and/or phenotypic assays.
- Understands quality assurance principles and procedures
- Knows and understands laboratory safety requirements and procedure.
- Able to convey ideas and opinions clearly and concisely, orally and in writing.
- Aptitude for managing people and assessing performance.
- Ability to analyse data based on evidence and present it in a meaningful way.
- Ability to work individually and as part of a team.
- Ability to prioritise work and deal with problems in a calm, efficient and timely manner and to work to deadlines.
- An understanding of and commitment to equality of opportunity and good working relationships, both in terms of day-to-day working practices, but also in relation to management systems.
- Learning and development tailored to your role
- An environment with flexible working options
- A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity
NHS Pension
This role is offered under Agenda for Change (AFC) Terms and Conditions.
- If you are already on AFC T&Cs or accept the role on a fixed-term contract, you will be enrolled in the NHS Pension Scheme or keep your current AFC Pension.
- If you take the role on a loan or temporary promotion, you will retain your existing substantive T&Cs.
- If the role is available under either AFC or Civil Service T&Cs depending on your registration, your pension scheme will align accordingly.
Selection process details
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 Essential Criteria, And This Will Be In The Form Of:
- an application form (‘Employer/ Activity history’ section on the application)
- a 1250 word supporting statement
This should outline how your skills, experience, and knowledge, provide evidence of your suitability for the role, with reference to the essential criteria.
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.
The Application form and supporting statement will be marked together.
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
Only those meeting all essential criteria will be taken through to shortlisting.
Shortlisting: In the event of a large number of applications we will shortlist on:
- HCPC State registration as a Clinical Scientist (or a demonstrable plan to achieve registration within 6 months) and maintains professional competence.
- Relevant higher degree (MSc/PhD) in Medical Microbiology/Virology/Molecular microbiology.
- Good in-depth knowledge of clinical and reference microbiology relevant to RVPBRU
If you are successful at this stage, you will progress to interview and assessment.
Please do not exceed 1250 words. We will not consider any words over and above this number.
Feedback will not be provided at this stage.
Stage 2: Interview (Competency Based)
You will be invited to a face to face interview. If face to face interviews are planned, in exceptional circumstances, we may be able to offer a remote interview.
Knowledge, experience, skills and abilities will be tested at interview.
Interviews are expected to be held week commencing 8th December 2025. Please note these dates could be subject to change.
You will be required to prepare a 10 minute presentation as part of the interview. The presentation topic will be based on the essential criteria and the details of this will be sent to you prior to the 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 being offered as lab based at our site in Colindale. Please note that hybrid working is not available for this role.
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.
Eligibility Criteria
Open to all external applicants (anyone) from outside the Civil Service (including by definition internal applicants).
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 Terrorism Check clearance.
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. 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.
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: 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 it could be time accrued over that period.
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
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 https://gov.uk/ukhsa/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:
- 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 :
- Name : Jon Payne
- Email : jonathan.payne@ukhsa.gov.uk
Recruitment team
- Email : recruitment@ukhsa.gov.uk
Further information
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: 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: https://civilservicecommission.independent.gov.uk
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