Public Health Laboratory Birmingham

Job Summary

The Public Health Laboratory in Birmingham is a UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) microbiology laboratory and is in partnership with University Hospitals Birmingham Trust (UHB). The microbiology partnership provides comprehensive microbiology services and specialist services to Birmingham Heartlands Hospital, Good Hope Hospital in Sutton Coldfield, Solihull Hospital and general practitioners throughout the area.

The Public Health Laboratory Birmingham is part of the Directorate of Laboratory Medicine at The Heart of England Foundation Trust. It is one of the largest microbiology laboratories in the West Midlands NHS Region and is the Regional Public Health Laboratory of Public Health England. It is fully accredited with UKAS and the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).

The department undertakes a wide range of routine and specialist microbiological and molecular investigations. The post is rotational and will involve working in Bacteriology, Serology and Molecular Virology, Molecular Bacteriology and Mycobacteriology.

We are seeking an HCPC registered Biomedical/Clinical Scientist (AfC Band 7).

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.  

Job Description

To work as part of the laboratory team, providing a high quality microbiology service in order to provide patients with the highest level of diagnosis and treatment.
To manage the efficient day-to-day running of the IT section of the laboratory & deliver training to BMS and HSSW staff where appropriate
The post holder would be expected to assist in any UKHSA co-ordinated response or activity of a national/international nature, e.g. a Bioterrorism incident or a major disease outbreak.
This is a rotational post through all of the sections of the laboratory including: General Bacteriology including respiratory and enterics.
Virology including Viral Serology
Molecular diagnostics for Bacteriology and Virology.
Regional Centre for Mycobacteriology.
Antiviral Susceptibility Testing services

Main Duties And Responsibilities

To organise the day to day deployment of staff within each section
To ensure reports are verified and are accurate and to authorise their issue.
To ensure that adequate consumable stocks are maintained for the section whilst minimising cost and wastage.
To prepare implement and maintain Standard Operating Procedures for each section and to ensure that these are followed.
To ensure that technical standards are maintained both internally and through the external quality assessment schemes.
To ensure continued maintenance of UKAS Accreditation Standards.
To ensure that UKHSA Laboratory Safety Policies are implemented and adhered to by all staff working in the department.
To co-ordinate the development and evaluation of new techniques and equipment.
training, induction and education of HSSWs, Trainee BMS5, rotating BMS6, Trainee Medical staff and visitors to the department.
To participate in the Senior Technical Management Team of West Midland UKHSA.
To assist in the recruitment and selection of staff.
To conduct annual appraisals for staff and participate in the setting of objectives and the monitoring of their development in conjunction with the Laboratory Manager.
To support and develop the molecular bacteriology and virology strategy of the laboratory.
To keep up to date with knowledge of microbiology diagnostic developments through proactive participation in CPD programmes.
To participate in the Weekend rosters, out of hours and Bank Holiday work of the department (or at any other time) as and when required.
To liaise with senior BMS staff, medical and scientific staff in all matters relating to the diagnosis of infection.
To assist where appropriate with research and audit projects.
To assist in the production and dissemination of laboratory reports, data statistics.
To work as part of the laboratory team, providing a high quality microbiology service in order to provide patients with the highest level of diagnosis and treatment.
To manage the efficient day-to-day running of the IT section of the laboratory & deliver training to BMS and HSSW staff where appropriate
The post holder would be expected to assist in any UKHSA co-ordinated response or activity of a national/international nature, e.g. a Bioterrorism incident or a major disease outbreak.
This is a rotational post through all of the sections of the laboratory including: General Bacteriology including respiratory and enterics.
Virology including Viral Serology
Molecular diagnostics for Bacteriology and Virology.
Regional Centre for Mycobacteriology.
Antiviral Susceptibility Testing services

Main Duties And Responsibilities

To organise the day to day deployment of staff within each section
To ensure reports are verified and are accurate and to authorise their issue.
To ensure that adequate consumable stocks are maintained for the section whilst minimising cost and wastage.
To prepare implement and maintain Standard Operating Procedures for each section and to ensure that these are followed.
To ensure that technical standards are maintained both internally and through the external quality assessment schemes.
To ensure continued maintenance of UKAS Accreditation Standards.
To ensure that UKHSA Laboratory Safety Policies are implemented and adhered to by all staff working in the department.
To co-ordinate the development and evaluation of new techniques and equipment.
training, induction and education of HSSWs, Trainee BMS5, rotating BMS6, Trainee Medical staff and visitors to the department.
To participate in the Senior Technical Management Team of West Midland UKHSA.
To assist in the recruitment and selection of staff.
To conduct annual appraisals for staff and participate in the setting of objectives and the monitoring of their development in conjunction with the Laboratory Manager.
To support and develop the molecular bacteriology and virology strategy of the laboratory.
To keep up to date with knowledge of microbiology diagnostic developments through proactive participation in CPD programmes.
To participate in the Weekend rosters, out of hours and Bank Holiday work of the department (or at any other time) as and when required.
To liaise with senior BMS staff, medical and scientific staff in all matters relating to the diagnosis of infection.
To assist where appropriate with research and audit projects.
To assist in the production and dissemination of laboratory reports, data statistics.

Person specification

Essential Role Criteria:

BSc Biomedical Science degree or equivalent academic achievement ratified by the IBMS.
Health Professions Council (HCPC) registered.
Has completed the IBMS Specialist Portfolio in either Bacteriology or Virology.
Significant experience working in a diagnostic microbiology or virology laboratory
Experience of using computerised data systems.
Ability to work effectively as part of a team.

Desirable Role Criteria:

Experience in training staff.
Experience of evaluating new techniques/equipment.
Able to demonstrable organisational and managerial skills. Plan own time and that of others effectively.
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 (6) Essential Criteria, And This Will Be In The Form Of A:

Application form (‘Employer/ Activity history’ section on the application)
up to 1000 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.

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

The following will be taken through to the next stage:

Meets all essential criteria

Shortlisting:

In the event of a large number of applications we will shortlist on the following:

BSc Biomedical Science degree or equivalent academic achievement ratified by the IBMS.

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.

Please do not exceed 1000 words. We will not consider any words over and above this number.

Feedback will not be provided at this stage.

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.

Stage 2: Interview (competency based)

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.

Knowledge, experience, skills & abilities will be tested at interview.

You will be asked to prepare and present a 10-minute presentation at the start of your interview. The subject of this is 'Discuss a strategy for our department to leverage its LIMS to effectively generate both national outputs, and local business intelligence reports'. Further information will be provided at interview stage.

Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.

Eligibility Criteria - External 

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

Location

This role is being offered as office/lab based at our Scientific Campus in Heartlands Hospital, Bordesley Green East Birmingham B9 5SS.

Please note that 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.

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.

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 a Counter-terrorist Check.

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 : Gurkamal Bhambra
Email : gurkamal.bhambra@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

UK Health Security Agency

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