Senior Scientist – Containment Level 3 Virologist

UK Health Security Agency; Greater London; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 47,000; Full time

Job description

Job Summary

The Diagnostics & Pathogen Characterisation department is based at Porton and has approximately 150 staff, performing a range of research activities, including high containment level work. The department's work covers a broad range of projects involving pathogen characterisation; virology and pathogenesis; diagnostics, innovation and evaluation, and biosafety and environmental microbiology.

The Virology and Pathogenesis group sits in Public Health Microbiology Directorate within Science Group. Its work focuses on arboviruses, viral haemorrhagic fevers and other emerging zoonotic viruses which cause infections in humans and pose a significant risk to public health. The group's activity corresponds with the institute's status as a WHO Collaborating Centre for virus research and reference (special pathogens) and ranges from the development of diagnostics and surveillance through to the assessment of interventions and vaccines. As such multiple international links and networks are part of its remit.

We currently have an exciting opportunity within the Virology and Pathogenesis (V&P) Group where we are seeking to appoint a senior scientist to support our virology programmes in high containment virology at Porton Down. The post holder will work alongside research colleagues in the in vivo modelling and molecular teams of V&P to support the characterisation of pathogens and development of animal models of these pathogens for vaccine research.

Main duties of the job

1. Lead the implementation and utilisation of assays requiring CL3 in the V&P team, including ACDP HG3 virus propagation, isolation, quantification, and immune assays.
2. Liaise with members of the in vivo team to provide virus and process tissues for in vivo studies.
3. Identify, evaluate and adapt new technologies where appropriate and ensure that the project operates to a high scientific standard using current methods.
4. Take a lead role in the running and maintenance of a containment level 3 laboratory.
5. Take responsibility for the provision of reagents and consumables required for project area, ensuring appropriate business justifications are in place.
6. Take responsibility for the supervision, training and mentoring of junior staff allocated to the project as required.
7. Provide reports as necessary, to meet project targets and for preparation of presentations and publications.
8. Contribute to and support the development of externally funded research programmes.
9. Perform any other duties required by the Line manager commensurate with grade.
10. Ensure the project team undertakes work in accordance with applicable UKHSA Safety and Quality systems.
11. Maintain health and safety competence.
12. Fulfil the requirements of UKHSA Values and the Civil Service Code.
13. Comply with all UKHSA policies and procedures.

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.

Salary

£40,661 to £46,613 a year Per annum, pro rata

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time, Part-time, Job share, Flexible working

Reference number

919-JP-302369-EXT

Job locations

UKHSA Porton Down

Salisbury

SP4 0JG

Essential Criteria

1. BSc/MSc in an appropriate biology subject
2. Experience of high containment virology
3. Experience of growth and titration of ACDP 2 and ACDP 3 viruses
4. Isolation of viruses from clinical samples
5. Trained and experienced at working in containment level 3
6. Experience of supervising containment level 2 laboratories
7. Evidence of success in effective project participation and/or management

Selection Process Details

This vacancy is using Success Profiles and will assess your Behaviours/Strengths/Ability/ Experience/Technical skills.

Stage 1: Application & Sift

You will be required to complete an application form. You will be assessed on the listed seven (7) essential criteria that have been selected from the job description, and this will be in the form of:

1. an application form (Employer/ Activity history section on the application)
2. a 750 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.

Stage 2: Interview

You will be invited to a face to face interview. In exceptional circumstances, we may be able to offer a remote interview.

Behaviours, technical, experience, ability and strengths will be tested at interview.

There will be a 5 - 10 minute presentation as part of the interview. The subject of this will be sent to you prior to interview.

The Behaviours tested during the interview stage will be:

1. Changing and Improving
2. Making Effective Decisions
3. Communicating and Influencing

Location

This role is being offered as lab based at our UKHSA Porton Down Scientific Campus. Please note that hybrid working is not available for this role.

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.

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.