Regional Head of laboratory Operations London, South East

Job summary

In partnership with the UKHSA Public Health Microbiologists (PHM) in London, South East Consultant in Public Health Infection (CPHI), Lead Clinical Scientist at London Public Health Laboratory (PHL), Clinical Lead for the NMRS-S and Laboratory Manager; the post holder will provide vision, leadership and direction to the Public Health Laboratory London and NMRS-S; and manage the contract and relationship with the South East commissioned Public Health Laboratory. Additionally, the post holder will provide microbiology support to the London and South East Health Protection Teams and Local Authorities, as well as provide expert microbiology advice during outbreaks and incidents of communicable disease.

The post-holder will have overall responsibility for the efficient and effective operational management of the Public Health Laboratory London and the NMRS-S. This is currently done in conjunction with the CPHI for the South East, the Interim Clinical Lead for PHL London, the Interim Clinical Lead for the NMRS-S, the Laboratory manager for the NMRS-S and the laboratories management teams and will lead in strategic development, including identification, prioritisation of, and support for specific service developments and research areas.

Main duties of the job

1. Provide technical and professional support to the Public Health Microbiologists and CPHI as well as the Deputy Director and Head of Technical and Scientific Services of the UKHSA Specialist Microbiology Services and represent the PHM for London and CPHI South East, as required.
2. Ensure full compliance with clinical governance and clinical effectiveness requirements of the UKHSA and Trust sites where co-located.
3. Support the PHM in the performance monitoring of UKHSA Microbiology assets within London.
4. In partnership with the PHM London and CPHI South East and Lead Clinical Scientist, organise a comprehensive microbiological service to support UKHSA Health Protection Teams, Consultants in Communicable Disease Control, Local Authority Directors of Public Health and Chief Environmental Health Officers in London and the South East.
5. In partnership with the PHMs and CPHI and Lead Clinical Scientist, organise the provision of laboratory support for other agencies involved in potential infection hazards e.g. FSA, BWI, Environment Agency, VLA, HSE, MBA, DEFRA, and the Armed Forces.
6. Lead in any UKHSA coordinated response or activity of a national/international nature, such as a bioterrorism incident or a major disease outbreak.

About us

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

Date posted: 01 April 2025

Pay scheme: Agenda for change

Band: Band 8c

Salary: £74,290 to £85,601 a year Per annum, Pro rata

Contract: Permanent

Working pattern: Full-time, Part-time, Job share, Flexible working

Reference number: 919-ROG-301169-EXT

Job locations: Colindale & Canary Wharf

61 Colindale Avenue, London, NW9 5EQ

Job description Job responsibilities

1. Work with the Trust and UKHSA information analysts to ensure adherence to the requirements of the Data Protection Act and conformity to the Caldecott Guardian requirements of both the UKHSA and any host Trust.
2. Participate in UKHSA national and regional scientific and managerial activities, as required by the UKHSA PHM for London and South East CPHI and Deputy Director, Network Laboratories.
3. Liaise with NHS and commercial microbiology laboratories throughout London and South East.
4. Provide technical and financial support for other laboratories, where appropriate, in development of clinical and public health networks and project groups.
5. Liaise closely with the PHM for London and South East CPHI, UKHSA Information Analysts and Field Epidemiologists and report promptly any local information which may affect the function of the UKHSA.
6. Collaborate with PHL London clinical scientists, UKHSA reference and epidemiological facilities in the reporting and investigation of infections, control of outbreaks, assessment of vaccines, development of the laboratory methods and involvement in surveys.
7. Contribute, as required, to the teaching of medical microbiology and epidemiology to undergraduates and postgraduate students in the London and South East region Clinical Governance, audit and professional activities.
8. Participate in, and support the provision of a comprehensive diagnostic and advisory service to local clinicians and other users of the London PHL and NMRS. This will include regular site visits and consultations with key stakeholders across London and the South East which will form a key component of the job. Additionally, the post holder will have a role in teaching and training, audit, surveillance and research.
9. Provide vision, leadership and direction to the Public Health Laboratories and NMRS-S and lead in strategic development, including identification, prioritization of, and support for specific service developments and research areas.
10. Be the budget holder for the public health laboratories, taking primary responsibility for the financial and business management of the services.

Selection Process Details:

This vacancy will be assessed using a competency-based framework which will assess your knowledge, experience and skills 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 10 essential criteria and 3 desirable criteria and this will be in the form of:

• Application form (Employer/ Activity history section on the application)
• 1500 word Statement of Suitability

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 Statement of Suitability 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

In order to be shortlisted you must meet all essential criteria.

Shortlisting:

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

• State registration with HCPC

If you are successful at this stage, you will progress to interview and assessment.

Please do not exceed 1500 words. We will not consider any words over and above this number.

Feedback will not be provided at this stage.

Stage 2: Interview

You will be invited to a (single) 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.

Eligibility Criteria

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

Location

This role is being offered as hybrid working based at our Scientific Campus in Colindale and our main HQ at Canary Wharf. We offer great flexible working opportunities at UKHSA and operate using a hybrid working model where business needs allow.

As a hybrid worker, you will be expected to spend a minimum of 60% of your contractual working hours (approximately 3 days a week pro rata, averaged over a month). If based at one of our scientific campuses, you will be required to have a minimum of a Counter Terrorism Check security vetting check as a minimum.

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.

Person Specification

Essential Criteria

1. State registration with HCPC
2. MSc in Biomedical Science/Microbiology/Biological Sciences or equivalent
3. Significant postgraduate practical, technical and theoretical experience in Medical Microbiology and Medical Laboratory Sciences
4. Extensive knowledge and expertise in various managerial fields, including finance, HR, business, project management, planning, leadership, procurement etc., gained both by qualifications and lengthy experience.
5. In-depth working knowledge and competency in laboratory bench areas, as appropriate
6. Ability to initiate changes in procedures or policies to induce service development
7. Thorough knowledge of laboratory health and safety legislation and practice.
8. An understanding of microbiology and its application in clinical practice and public health
9. Evidence of using technical experience to assess new and existing systems and processes to initiate change in laboratory practice
10. Experience of critically assessing current ways of working and introducing efficient and cost effective practices

Desirable Criteria

1. Presentation skills
2. Being technically adept at laboratory procedures
3. A knowledge of specialist tests at an expert level

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications.

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration.

Employer details

Employer name: UK Health Security Agency

Address: Colindale & Canary Wharf, 61 Colindale Avenue, London, NW9 5EQ

Employer's website: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/uk-health-security-agency