Research Scientist (HEO)
Salary & Grade: £30,473 - £37,215, HEO (National)
Location: Manor Farm, Porton Down, Salisbury, Wiltshire, SP4 0JG
Type and term of contract: FTC Contract (till 31st March 2025)
We are now recruiting for a research scientist position within the Emerging Pathogen Serology group of UKHSA Porton Down. This role would suit a candidate with experience in assay development, managing high-throughput testing, sample receipt and processing, as well as experience in diverse immunology research projects focussed on emerging pathogens such as SARS-CoV-2, Lassa, and Monkeypox.
Furthermore, it is expected that this position would entail oversight of sample reception/testing laboratories, line management of placement students, supervision of junior staff, management of assay quality assurance as well as day-day operation of the laboratories.
As a scientist within the emerging pathogen serology group, it is expected that the post holder will support the organisation in the event of a public health incident, such as the emergence of new pathogens, requiring considerable flexibility and responsiveness.
Location
This role will be based at UKHSA Porton Down, Manor Farm, Porton Down, Salisbury, Wiltshire, SP4 0JG. Specialist or regional roles will be based at the appropriate UKHSA site. For certain roles, some additional flexibility may be possible, which will be agreed upon with the hiring manager based on individual requirements and business needs.
- Please be aware that this role can only be worked from within the UK and not overseas. Relocation expenses are not available.*
Responsibilities section:
As the Research Scientist your main responsibilities will include:
- Perform a range of standard methods/assays/techniques in support of all activities associated with the project aimed to ensure project deliverables are met on time and within budget
- Sample receipt, liaising with external partners about sample shipments, labelling up and processing of samples ready for testing
- Serology testing for internal/external research projects, clinical trials or serosurveillance using a multitude of serology platforms such as ELISA, Roche e801, MSD and Luminex
- Development of new assays, assay trouble shooting, assay validation, and implementation for routine use
- Take responsibility for the provision of laboratory reagents and consumables required for the project and document storage of materials generated.
- Take responsibility for laboratory housekeeping and supervision of laboratories following necessary training.
The duties/responsibilities listed above describe the post as it is at present and is not intended to be exhaustive. The Job holder is expected to accept reasonable alterations and additional tasks of a similar level that may be necessary.
Essential Criteria:
It is important through your application and Statement of Suitability of 750 words that you give evidence and examples of proven experience of each of the essential criteria (for full details of all essential criteria please refer to the attached job description):
Essential
- Degree or equivalent in biological sciences or related
- Prior laboratory experience within research laboratory
- Prior laboratory experience with serology platforms such as ELISA, Roche e801, Luminex and MSD
- Prior experience of working within a team
- Experience of individual research projects
Desirable
- Degree or equivalent in biological sciences or related
- Prior laboratory experience within research laboratory
- Prior laboratory experience with serology platforms such as ELISA, Roche e801, Luminex and MSD
- Prior experience of working within a team
- Experience of individual research projects
Benefits
- Learning and development tailored to your role
- An environment with flexible working options
- A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity
- A Civil Service pension with an average employer contribution of 27%
- Range of health and wellbeing support
Selection process details
STAGE 1 - APPLICATION & SIFT:
You will be required to complete an application form. This will be assessed in line with the full list of essential criteria as detailed in the attached job description - please do provide evidence of how you meet this.
If you are successful at this stage, you will progress to an interview.
STAGE 2 - INTERVIEW
This post will involve an interview which will be held onsite at the UKHSA Porton Down office.
As part of the process, candidates will be invited to interview which will involve an in-depth discussion of your previous experience and professional competence in relation to the criteria set out in the Person Specification.
Your Statement of Suitability should outline your skills, experience, and achievements, providing evidence of your suitability for the role, with reference to the essential criteria (outlined in the person specification section).
You will also be asked to provide information within the 'Employer/ Activity history' section of the application form. This is equivalent to the information you would provide on a CV, setting out your career history.
The Success Profiles framework will be used to assess and recruit the most suitable candidate. The following behaviours will be used at the interview:
- Working together
- Developing self and others
- Communicating and influencing
For further information on the selection process, please refer to the attached Candidate Pack.
Expected Timeline:
Advert close: 23:55hrs on 28th July 2024 - unfortunately, late applications will not be considered. Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.
Shortlist: w/c 29th July 2024
Interviews: TBC
Please note these dates could be subject to change.