UK Health Security Agency rf8v4yDo
Candidates should have a BSc in Biomedical Science (or equivalent), experience in clinical diagnostic microbiology, strong problem-solving skills, and the ability to work effectively in a team. The role is based in Colindale, requires passing a security vetting check, and offers no hybrid working options. Continuous professional development is encouraged, and the selection process includes a practical assessment of technical skills.
External Quality Assessment (EQA) Services is part of UKHSA Quality and Regulatory Assurance division and provides external quality assessment (EQA) schemes (also known as proficiency testing (PT) schemes) for food, water and clinical microbiology laboratories throughout the United Kingdom, and worldwide. Results reported by microbiology laboratories often play a significant role in health protection and managing public health incidents; tools such as EQA/PT is essential for laboratories to be able to demonstrate that their results are accurate, reliable and reproducible.
UKNational External Quality Assessment (UK NEQAS) for Microbiology is a team within the External Quality Assessment (EQA) Services department that specialises in providing EQA schemes to clinical microbiology laboratories worldwide. The Healthcare Scientist Practitioner will work within the laboratory team.
- Assist in the preparation of external quality assessment specimens for UK NEQAS for Microbiology. This is carried out by applying knowledge of clinical microbiology in the design, quality control and stability testing of these specimens using routine methods commonly applied in clinical diagnostic microbiology.
- Take part in the data transfer and validation of participants' results and data entry of in-house test results onto computer databases.
- Work as a member of a team liaising closely with colleagues from the same team, and with other teams working on common activities.
- Participate in quality assurance audits and maintain up to date records in QPulse on a daily basis.
- Work to Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) in compliance with ISO 17043 accreditation.
About us
Technical/Scientific Duties
- Work responsibly and safely with large volumes of organisms in hazard groups 2/3 on daily basis
- Prepare all types of quality assessment specimens distributed
- Undertake quality control and stability testing of these specimens applying knowledge of diagnostic microbiology
- Ensure all processes and results are documented in accordance with quality requirements
- Ensure all non-conforming results are fully investigated and are brought to the attention of the scheme manager
- Participate in rotation around the various sections within the clinical microbiology schemes
Key Working Relationships
The post holder will develop working relationships and communicate regularly with a wide range of individuals, clinical and non-clinical, internal and external to UKHSA. This will include:
Internal
- Required to liaise with other technical, scientific and administrative staff in UK NEQAS and across EQA Services
- Plan daily work activities with supervisor
External
- Other colleagues in UKHSA
Personal & People Development
- Actively participate in annual performance and development review
- Actively participate and maintain a continuing professional development programme and be aware of relevant developments in their field
- Develop professional/management expertise by undertaking further appropriate training as required
- Ensure the induction, education, training and professional development of staff.
Service Improvement
- Work with other staff to improve working practices.
Health, Safety & Security
In collaboration with the Laboratory Safety Officer and complying with safety policies and procedures:
- Ensure that health, safety and welfare is an afforded priority over other issues and demonstrate a commitment to health, safety and welfare regarding self, staff and visitors.
- Work in a safe manner.
- Report/notify all accidents and incidents or near misses, dangerous situations or shortcomings in health and safety training instructions via the appropriate management structure.
- Participate in the internal and external safety audits, as required.
- Comply with safety policies, procedures, COSHH and risk assessments.
- Co-operate on matters of health and safety to enable UKHSA to comply with its health and safety responsibilities.
Your attention is drawn to the Health and Safety at Work Act of 1974 which requires you to take reasonable care for the health and safety of yourself and others who may be affected by your acts and omissions at work; and co-operate with the PHE on any matters of health and safety
Quality
In collaboration with the Quality Team:
- Maintain a high standard of work and contribute to developing the service of the laboratory so that service delivery is safe, effective, and economical and follows best practice.
- Contribute to internal and external quality assurance programmes.
- Ensure compliance with UKAS and other accreditation and certification standards.
- Contribute to internal and external audit programmes and corrective actions.
- Take every effort to suggest quality improvements.
Information & Knowledge
- Interpret and enter participants data into computer database.
Procurement & Commissioning
- To maintain stores including, stock control and receiving goods in the department.
Other
The above is only an outline of the tasks, responsibilities and outcomes required of the role. You will carry out any other duties as may reasonably be required by the directorate.The job description and person specification may be reviewed on an ongoing basis in accordance with the changing needs of the organisation.The work of the department is of a confidential nature and must not be communicated to other persons except where required for authorised purposes.
Professional developmentYou should pursue a programme of continuous professional development in accordance with any relevant professional registration or statutory requirements, while maintaining appropriate awareness of service provider requirements.
You will be assessed on the 8 essential criteria listed below, which have been selected from the job description.
Essential Criteria
- BSc in Biomedical Science or equivalent level qualification
- GCSE or equivalent qualifications at C (4) or above in English and Maths
- Clinical diagnostic microbiology laboratory experience
- Experience and understanding of laboratory safety and procedures
- Management of time able to plan and use own time economically and effectively
- Able to identify and solve practical problems
- Team worker
- Good attention to detail
Selection Process Details
Application stage
At sift stage you will be assessed on the 8 essential criteria listed above, your application and statement of suitability will be marked together.
Your statement of suitability must be no more than 750 words.
Please note: The system will allow you to write up to 1500 words but please do not exceed 750 words. We will not consider any words over and above this number.
In the event of a large number of applicants, we will shortlist on the following lead criteria:
- Degree in biomedical science or equivalent qualification/experience
- Clinical diagnostic microbiology laboratory experience
Feedback will not be provided at this stage.Interview stage
This vacancy is being assessed using Success Profiles.
You will be invited to a (single) face to face interview
During the interview we will assess your Behaviours and Strengths.
The interview will include a 30-minute practical laboratory assessment to assess your technical skills.
Behaviours to be assessed:
- Developing Self and Others (Lead Behaviour)
- Communicating and Influencing
- Making effective decisions
- Delivering at Pace
Eligibility Criteria
External:Open to all external applicants (anyone) from outside the Civil Service (including by definition internal applicants).
Location
This role is based at Colindale. Please note hybrid working is not available for this role.
Security Clearance Level Requirement
Successful candidates must pass a disclosure and barring security check.
This role is based at Colindale.If based at one of our scientific locations you will be required to have a Counter TerrorismCheck 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.
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