Senior Biomedical Scientist – Quality Lead

Please note this list is not exhaustive

Implement quality improvements as appropriate, involving the development of new protocols and procedures Maintain close links between quality and governance arrangements, including leading adverse incident investigation and management Support laboratory staff to perform quality activities and monitor their effectiveness; review current Quality and Governance reports Champion Change Control within the Department Provide expertise and practical support for preparation for, and organisation of, inspections by third party assessors, such as UKAS and certification bodies, commercial organisations, or research councils and to progress issues arising from these assessments and inspections Report directly to the facility manager and RIPL Quality Manager on the performance of the quality management system and identify any need for improvement Ensure participation in suitable EQA surveys and monitor results, feeding back management any deficiencies and working with Technical Specialists and Bench Leads to address any issues Ensure the promotion of awareness of service users needs and requirements throughout the laboratory organisation To provide Quality feedback on laboratory performance with regular communications via emails, reports and presentations Take a leading role in risk management for the department, managing a local risk register and escalating risks that cannot be controlled via appropriate channels Participate in routine and out of hour testing rotas to ensure provision of sufficient testing capacity in line with business needs Deliver training to internal and external scientists in support of wider pandemic preparedness activities, with a focus on how to implement effective QMS for high throughput testing facilities Line manage junior team members, and ensure effective prioritisation, co-ordination and supervision of work Deputise as appropriate for senior staff and act as head BMS in the absence of the facility manager Supply data to agreed timescales and as required by project contracts and service level agreements Undertake general laboratory duties including disposal of waste, equipment maintenance, stock control and ensuring a safe working environment Maintain HCPC registration as a condition of employment Fulfil all training requirements as required for the post, including subsequent maintenance of required competencies Maintain high professional standards by continual professional development keeping up to date with advances in medical microbiology Ensure all work in undertaken in accordance with the UKHSAs Code of Safety Practice and to work within ISO15189 quality standards Ensure health, safety and welfare are afforded priority and demonstrate a commitment to health, safety and welfare of self, staff and visitors and comply with relevant UKHSA health and safety policies at all times Notify accidents, near misses, dangerous situations and shortcomings in health and safety via the appropriate management structure Escalate risks that cannot be controlled to the Facility Manager Fully engage with the performance process, including objective setting and preparing for performance conversations, as described on the UKHSA intranet Fulfil the requirements of UKHSA Values and Behaviours and the Civil Service Code Comply with all UKHSA policy and procedures Perform any other duties required by the line manager commensurate with grade

Essential role criteria: BSc Hons in a biological science MSc or higher qualification in an appropriate medical/microbiology/biological science or relevant experience as a specialist biomedical scientist Registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) as a Biomedical Scientist Experience of implementing and overseeing Quality Management Systems in an ISO 15189 accredited diagnostic molecular laboratory Experience of managing change and instigating system improvements from a quality management perspective Substantive experience in a diagnostic or reference virology laboratory, including knowledge and experience of automated high throughput real-time PCR Ability to analyse and interpret information including performance indicators, pre-empt and evaluate issues, and recommend an appropriate course of action to address the issues or areas of risk

Desirable role criteria: Technical knowledge and experience in developing and implementing quality systems for automated, high throughput testing workflows, ensuring compliance with ISO 15189 and UKHSA standards and policies

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

Stage 1: Application & Sift Success Profiles - GOV.UK

You will be required to complete an application form. You will be assessed on the listed 7 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. (Please note you will not be able to upload your CV. You must complete the application form in as much detail as possible. Please do not email us your CV).

Healthjobs UK has a word limit of 1500, but your supporting statement must be no more than 1000 words. Please do not exceed 1000 words.

Longlisting: In the event ofa large number ofapplicationswewilllonglistinto 3 piles of:1. Meets all essential criteria2. Meets some essential criteria3. Meets no essential criteriaIf used, the pile Meets all essential criteria willproceedto shortlisting.

Shortlisting: In the event of a large number of applications we will conduct an initial sift, on the lead criteria of: MSc or higher qualification in an appropriate medical/microbiology/biological science or relevant experience as a specialist biomedical scientist Registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) as a Biomedical Scientist

Desirable criteria may be used in the event of a large number of applications/large amount of successful candidates.

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

Feedback will not be provided at this stage.

Stage 2: InterviewSuccess Profiles - GOV.UK

You will be invited to a face-to-face interview in Porton. In exceptional circumstances, we may be able to offer a remote interview. Behaviours and Technical skills will be tested at interview. The Behaviours tested during the interview stage will be: Managing a Quality Service (lead behaviour) Making Effective Decisions Delivering at Pace Changing and Improving

Technical skills will be assessed by Technical based questions.

Interview dates to be confirmed.

Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.

LocationThis role is being offered as lab based at our Scientific Campus in Porton. Based at our scientific campus, you will be required to have a Counter Terrorism Check security vetting check as a minimum. 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. In exceptional circumstances UK residency less than the outlined periods may not necessarily bar you from gaining national security vetting and applicants should contact the Vacancy Holder/Recruiting Manager listed in the advert for further advice.

Please note hybrid working is not available for this role.

Security Clearance Level RequirementSuccessful candidates must pass a basic disclosure and barring security check before they can be appointed.

Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is Counter-Terrorist Check.

Eligibility CriteriaOpen to all external applicants (anyone) from outside the Civil Service (including internal applicants).

Salary InformationIf you are successful at interview and are moving from another government department, NHS, or Local Authority, the relevant starting salary principles for level transfers or promotions will apply. Otherwise, roles are offered at the pay scale minimum for the grade, but in exceptional circumstances there may be flexibility if you are able to demonstrate you are already in receipt of an existing, higher salary. Pay increases are through the relevant annual pay award for the role and terms.

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

Application form and supporting statement

Essential: - Application form and supporting statement

Behaviours

Essential: - Managing a quality service (Lead behaviour); - Changing and improving; - Delivering at pace; - Making effective decisions

Technical Skills

Essential: - Technical based questions