Healthcare Scientist

Job summary

The Virus Reference Department (VRD) is a national and international reference centre for a wide range of virus infections. The Antiviral Unit (AVU) sits within VRD and provides specialist diagnostic services and advice on HIV, Hepatitis C Virus, and Herpes Simplex virus types 1 & 2.

The unit also has a research and development programme with projects related to correlating genotypic markers with phenotypic resistance profiles as well as continuous improvement of our diagnostic repertoire. The unit works closely with epidemiology colleagues and academic collaborators, delivering on national public health surveillance programmes for HIV and HCV.

The key objectives for this post will be:

• To support the HCV, HIV and HSV antiviral resistance testing service functions of the unit.
• To support the R&D project work.

Job description

• To perform molecular and viral culture diagnostic tests for genotypic and phenotypic antiviral resistance as required by the Unit to deliver its clinical services.
• To compile and update data and supporting documentation for inclusion in technical files.
• To support the validation of assays used within the Unit.
• To help maintain the standards required for UKAS accreditation.
• To contribute to project work where possible.
• To work to appropriate quality standards, including the maintenance of appropriate records associated with the projects.
• Identify, discuss and action own professional performance and training and development needs with your line manager through appraisal and individual development plans.
• Attending internal and external training events, as appropriate.
• To participate in all mandatory training as required, i.e. fire safety, information governance and all other mandatory training.
• Develop and maintain working relationships and communicate regularly with a wide range of individuals, both clinical and non-clinical, and both internal and external to UKHSA.
• The unit comprises a Principal Clinical Scientist, a Principal Data Scientist, two senior Healthcare Scientists, a Technical Manager, and four HEO-level Healthcare Scientists. Our test repertoire comprises the UK’s first fully validated and accredited viral whole genome sequencing assay (for HCV), Sanger sequencing of antiviral targets for HIV and HSV, and phenotypic characterisation of HSV isolates obtained from clinical samples (specifically drug susceptibility profiling).
• We are in the process of upgrading our Sanger sequencing assays by PCR multiplexing and moving to NGS. and also aiming to transform our HSV phenotyping work by increasing speed and throughput without compromising accuracy or cost. All assays within the core list are UKAS accredited to ISO15189, and the objective is for all new developments to meet the same standards.
• We have a number of research projects around the use of recombinant virus technology to relate herpesvirus genotype to clinical phenotype, NGS surveillance sequencing of HIV and HCV to discover novel viral strains and novel determinants of resistance, evaluate assay breadth, and to link our extensive sequence datasets with clinical, epidemiological, and virological outcome data.
• The majority of this EO role will be to support the work of the HEO Healthcare Scientists in their delivery of routine diagnostic service work, and the maintenance of the required standards. This includes, but is not limited to, LIMS management, stringent record keeping, ongoing quality management, sample retrieval and storage, automated and manual nucleic acid extraction, PCR and sequencing, and viral tissue culture (isolation, titration and drug susceptibility testing). Training will be provided where necessary; prior exposure to many of these techniques will be an advantage.
• The remainder of the role will be to support the R&D activities of the unit. No additional techniques beyond those listed in the preceding paragraph will be required, although some familiarity with NGS would be useful.

This list id not exhaustive

Person specification

Essential Criteria

• BSc in biological sciences, or equivalent such as microbiology.
• Experience of working in a microbiological diagnostic laboratory or equivalent.
• Experience with quality assurance and safety principles and procedures.
• Computer literate, including experience of use of MS Office™ (Excel, Word)
• Able to analyse and evaluate data based on evidence.
• Able to analyse data, create reports and present findings to others.
• High level of motivation and commitment to high standards.

Desirable Criteria

• CPD registration and certification and/or HCPC registration
• Experience with PCR, sequencing, and/or viral culture.
• Experience of working in a regulated environment (e.g. ISO 15189)

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £32,624, UK Health Security Agency contributes £9,451 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).

We pride ourselves as being an employer of choice, promoting equality of opportunity to actively encourage applications from everyone, including groups currently underrepresented in our workforce. UKHSA's 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.

• 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 will be assessed using a competency-based framework which will assess your qualifications, knowledge and experience and / or skills and abilities outlined in the essential criteria.

Stage 1: Application & Sift

Competency Based

You will be required to complete an application form. You will be assessed on the listed 7essential criteria, and this will be in the form of a:

• Application form (Employer/ Activity history’ section on the application)
• 750 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.

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