Scientist (Microbiology)

Job summary

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.

The Countermeasures Development and Evaluation Centre is based at Porton and has approximately 250 staff, performing a range of research activities, including high containment level work. The department’s work covers a broad range of projects involving vaccine and therapeutic, discovery, evaluation, development, and research.

The Discovery team sits in the Countermeasures Development, Evaluation and Preparedness Division in the Public Health Microbiology Directorate within the Chief Scientific Officer Group. Its work focuses on the establishment of host-relevant microbial models, evaluation of antimicrobial therapies directed at UKHSA priority pathogens, and development of molecular methods for characterising pathogen responses.

This scientist post will contribute to the development of assays and models for the evaluation of combinations of antimicrobials against hard to treat gram negative bacteria.

Job description

• Carry out studies to develop host-relevant models including hollowfibre, bladder models and ex vivo kidney models and use them to discover new treatment combinations for gram negative bacteria.
• Evaluate novel antimicrobials through collaborations with academics and industry
• Analyse biological data and develop new tools to perform those analyses e.g., pk-pd analyses, and imaging.
• Contribute to internal and external reporting.
• Adhere to ISO9001 in both practical and computer analyses, and in the storage of data
• Supervise a CL-2 laboratory
• Work with the PTL, SPTL, Scientific Leader(s), and Head of AMR to develop capabilities, including with academia & industry
• Generate data at publishable quality level and co-author papers and reports.
• Implement and utilise a range of methods/assays/techniques in support of all activities associated with the project aimed to ensure project targets are met.
• Take responsibility for the provision of reagents and consumables required for the project and documented storage of materials generated.
• Work with other team members to identify, evaluate, and adapt, new technologies where appropriate and to ensure that the project operates to a high scientific standard.
• Provide reports through analysis of data using software and databases as necessary, to meet project targets & contribute to the preparation of presentations and publications.
• To perform any other duties required by the Line manager and the Head of CDEP, commensurate with grade.
• Undertake all assigned work in accordance with the UKHSA’s Risk Management Systems, policies, and procedures.
• To undertake work in accordance with UKHSA’s Health and Safety policies and procedures and to work within any Quality Systems that are applicable to the site.
• To fulfil the requirements of UKHSA Behaviours
• Maintain health and safety competence in line with UKHSA policy and guidance.
• To achieve and maintain own and team’s health and safety competence set out in UKHSA Policies.
• To comply with all UKHSA policies and procedures
• 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 your line manager.
• The job description and person specifications may be reviewed on an ongoing basis in accordance with the changing needs of the department and UKHSA.
• It should be noted that the work of the department is of a confidential nature and must not be communicated to other persons except where required for authorised purposes.

This list is not exhaustive.

Person specification

Essential criteria

• Bsc qualification (or equivalent level qualification) in a microbiology field
• Laboratory experience of evaluating antimicrobials in bacterial cultures, preferably gram negatives
• Performing bacterial assays in microtitre plates, preferably 384-well plates.
• Ability to analyse large data sets, with computer software
• Clear communicator with excellent writing, report writing and presentation skills; capable of constructing and delivering clear ideas and concepts concisely and accurately to the team
• Independent thinker with demonstrated good judgement, problem-solving and analytical skills
• Ability to engender trust and confidence and demonstrate integrity in the provision of data
• Good team player

Desirable criteria

• Experience of external collaboration (including international collaboration)
• Experience of writing manuscripts
• Experience of working in a regulated environment with quality systems and knowledge of ISO9001 quality standards or equivalent
• Knowledge of writing scripts for the analysis of large data sets

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £33,422, UK Health Security Agency contributes £9,682 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides (opens in a new window).

• 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 employer contribution of 28.97%

Things you need to know

Artificial intelligence

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 (opens in a new window) for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.

Selection process details

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

Stage 1: Application & Sift

You will be required to complete an application form. You will be assessed on the listed 8 essential criteria, and this will be in the form of a:

• Application form (‘Employer/ Activity history’ section on the application)
• 1000 word supporting statement.

This should outline how you consider your skills, experience and knowledge provide evidence of your suitability for the role, with reference to the essential criteria.

You will receive a joint score for your application form and statement. (The application form is the kind of information you would put into your C.V –please be advised you will not be able to upload your CV. Please complete the