Job summaryWe are seeking a Principal Healthcare Scientist to work within the Antimicrobial Resistance and Healthcare Associated Infections (AMRHAI) Reference Unit and the Healthcare Associated Infection (HCAI), Fungal, Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR), Antimicrobial Usage (AMU) and Sepsis Division.The AMRHAI Reference Unit is the national reference laboratory for investigation of antibiotic resistance in, and characterisation of healthcare associated bacteria pathogens and is also the WHO Collaborating Centre (WHO CC) for Reference and Research in Antimicrobial Resistance and Healthcare Associations Infections. The mission of the HCAI, Fungal, AMR, AMU and Sepsis Division is to protect people from healthcare-associated and antimicrobial resistant infections, through world-leading public health microbiology, outbreak response, surveillance, research and interventions. The Division is looking to increase opportunities to globally disseminate experience on all aspects of antimicrobial resistance diagnostics and surveillance.Main duties of the jobo Act as the representative for the WHO CC as part of a multidisciplinary team travelling on missions overseas to provide technical training modules and other materials for building capacity in laboratory testing and surveillance of antimicrobial resistanceo Organise and deliver suitable training programs for staff, postgraduate students and visitors both face-to-face (UK-based and overseas) and onlineo Assist in reviews of current laboratory practice, develop standardised operating procedures (SOP) and other standards for AMR related laboratory services, procedures and methods, and to support in-country laboratory teams in implementation to assist in achieving laboratory accreditationo Act as a scientific expert for microbiology and genomics, providing reference laboratory services for antimicrobial susceptibility testing of bacteria, resistance mechanisms detection and for characterisation of healthcare associated bacterial pathogens to support countries that do not yet have a fully functional reference laboratoryo Represent the WHO Collaborating Centre at a range of internal and external meetingso Provide regular updates and reports on activities to the WHO and relevant UKHSA groups.About usWe 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.Job descriptionJob responsibilitiesThis post will work in partnership with the Co-directors of the WHO CC and other senior staff within the AMRHAI Reference Unit and the HCAI, Fungal, AMR, AMU, & Sepsis Division in delivering the global diagnostics, research, laboratory capacity strengthening objectives of the WHO CC and other related activities that disseminate UK best practice. This role will be crucial in achieving these objectives through i) provision of technical input and in-country training (requiring travel overseas) to support countries seeking to build capacity in microbiological diagnostic and reference laboratory testing and strengthen their national antimicrobial resistance surveillance systems; ii) development and delivery of capacity building modules and curricula, and other training materials on laboratory standards and procedures for antimicrobial resistance surveillance; and iii) input into other relevant UKHSA global health activities that focus on antimicrobial resistance.As the Principal Healthcare Scientist you will be expected to work as a scientific/technical expert either alone or in support of the WHO CC Co-directors, playing a leading role in enabling UKHSA to meet its objectives as a WHO CC for Reference & Research on Antimicrobial Resistance and Healthcare Associated Infections and fulfil its global health commitments as outlined in the UK National Action Plan for tackling antimicrobial resistance.You will be expected to apply your extensive knowledge of clinical diagnostic microbiology and antimicrobial susceptibility testing, playing a leading role in shaping and delivering training materials and programs on laboratory improvement processes. You will participate in overseas visits to assess current clinical diagnostic laboratory capability, make recommendations and deliver in-country training. You will be required to provide expert scientific and technical support in implementation of microbiological laboratory procedures for surveillance of antimicrobial resistance that assist overseas laboratories in achieving ISO 15189 laboratory accreditation.You will be responsible for delivery of laboratory-based surveillance activities, including characterisation of healthcare-associated bacterial pathogens collected in collaborating countries that do not yet have a functioning reference laboratory. You will be responsible for ensuring that risk assessments are undertaken for all new and existing work relating to WHO CC activities and that controls are implemented, monitored and maintained.You will be expected to work and communicate with a wide range of people, maintaining awareness of the wider work of UKHSA to identify appropriate colleagues who can contribute to the delivery of the WHO CC objectives and actively networking in the research and capacity strengthening community (both within UKHSA and beyond) to identify and develop potential areas of engagement and collaboration.This role will also require you to actively seek funding opportunities for ongoing research activities, write research grant proposals and regularly review research activities to ensure that they are in line with the WHO CC objectives. You will be expected to present research findings and training updates at internal, national and international meetings and where appropriate prepare manuscripts for publication in peer-viewed journals.Our ideal candidate is a self-starter with an adaptable can do attitude that can see a way through challenges, is able to make decisions autonomously on difficult issues and is able to work to tight and often changing timescales. You will be adept at problem solving to deliver solutions to practical challenges in laboratory workflows and workloads.Ultimately, your role will play an important part in driving the success and effectiveness of the WHO CCs laboratory-based global health activities and you will be expected to carry out any other duties reasonably required by the directorate.For a full list of the main duties and responsibilities of the role, please refer to the attached Job Description.Essential criteriaYou will be assessed on the below 6 essential criteria, which have been selected from the Job Description.Postgraduate degree in a relevant subject (e.g., PhD in microbiology, biomedical science or molecular biology) or equivalent postgraduate experience (LEAD)Extensive knowledge and experience working in clinical diagnostic microbiology laboratories handling patient clinical samples and delivering phenotypic and genotypic methods to characterise a wide range of bacteria (including biocontainment at CL3) (LEAD)Broad working knowledge and experience in antimicrobial susceptibility testing methods and resistance mechanism detection; use of molecular diagnostics techniquesIn-depth knowledge and understanding of laboratory health and safety requirements and procedures; experience of performing laboratory risk assessmentsIn-depth understanding of relevant laboratory policies, standards and guidelines including those relevant to quality control/assurance and ISO 15189 accreditation processesAbility to communicate clearly and effectively with a range of people on a range of matters using writing, report writing and presentation skillsSelection Process:This vacancy will be assessed using a competency-based framework which will assess your Qualifications, knowledge and experience and / or skills and capabilities outlined in the essential criteria.Stage 1: Application & Sift (competency-based)You willbe required to complete an application form. You will be assessed on the above listed 6 essential criteria, and this will be in the form ofa CV/ Application form (Employer/ Activity history section on the application)a 1250word 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.The CV / Application form and Statement of Suitability will be marked together.If you are successful at this stage, you will progress to interview & assessmentPlease do not exceed 1250 words. We will not consider any words over and above this number.Feedback will not be provided at this stage.Stage 2: Interview (competency based)You will be invited to a (single) remote interview.Knowledge, experience, skills & abilities will be tested at interviewThere will be a Presentation. Details will be provided prior to interview.Interviews will be held Wednesday 7th August 2024. Please note, these dates are subject to change.Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.Eligibility CriteriaOpen to all external applicants (anyone) from outside the Civil Service (including by definition internal applicants).Security Clearance Level RequirementSuccessful 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 Basic Personnel Security Standard.Person SpecificationQualificationsEssentialPostgraduate degree in a relevant subject (e.g., PhD in microbiology, biomedical science or molecular biology) or equivalent postgraduate experienceKnowledge & ExperienceEssentialExtensive knowledge and experience working in clinical diagnostic microbiology laboratories handling patient clinical samples and delivering phenotypic and genotypic methods to characterise a wide range of bacteria (including biocontainment at CL3)Knowledge & ExperienceEssentialBroad working knowledge and experience in antimicrobial susceptibility testing methods and resistance mechanism detection; use of molecular diagnostics techniquesIn-depth knowledge and understanding of laboratory health and safety requirements and procedures; experience of performing laboratory risk assessmentsIn-depth understanding of relevant laboratory policies, standards and guidelines including those relevant to quality control/assurance and ISO 15189 accreditation processesSkills & CapabilitiesEssentialAbility to communicate clearly and effectively with a range of people on a range of matters using writing, report writing and presentation skillsDisclosure and Barring Service CheckThis post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.Certificate of SponsorshipApplications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).Employer detailsEmployer nameUK Health Security AgencyAddressHybrid/ColindaleColindaleNW9 5EQEmployer's websitehttps://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/uk-health-security-agency (Opens in a new tab)