Colindale and Canary Wharf Job Summary In partnership with the UKHSA Public Health Microbiologists (PHM) in London, South East Consultant in Public Health Infection (CPHI), Lead Clinical Scientist at London Public Health Laboratory (PHL), Clinical Lead for the NMRS-S and Laboratory Manager; the post holder will provide vision, leadership and direction to the Public Health Laboratory London and NMRS-S; and manage the contract and relationship with the South East commissioned Public Health Laboratory. Additionally the post holder will provide microbiology support to the London and South East Health Protection Teams and Local Authorities, as well as provide expert microbiology advice during outbreaks and incidents of communicable disease. The post-holder will have overall responsibility for the efficient and effective operational management of the Public Health Laboratory London and the NMRS-S. This is currently done in conjunction with the CPHI for the South East, the Interim Clinical Lead for PHL London, the Interim Clinical Lead for the NMRS-S, the Laboratory manager for the NMRS-S and the laboratories management teams and will lead in strategic development, including identification, prioritisation of, and support for specific service developments and research areas. Job Description Provide technical and professional support to the Public Health Microbiologists and CPHI as well as the Deputy Director and Head of Technical and Scientific Services of the UKHSA Specialist Microbiology Services and represent the PHM for London and CPHI South East, as required. Ensure full compliance with clinical governance and clinical effectiveness requirements of the UKHSA and Trust sites where co-located. To support the PHM in the performance monitoring of UKHSA Microbiology assets within London. In partnership with the PHM London and CPHI South East and Lead Clinical Scientist, organise a comprehensive microbiological service to support UKHSA Health Protection Teams, Consultants in Communicable Disease Control, Local Authority Directors of Public Health and Chief Environmental Health Officers in London and the South East. In partnership with the PHMs and CPHI and Lead Clinical Scientist, organise the provision of laboratory support for other agencies involved in potential infection hazards e.g. FSA, BWI, Environment Agency, VLA, HSE, MBA, DEFRA, and the Armed Forces. The post holder is expected, with the PHMs, CPHI and Lead Clinical Scientist, to lead in any UKHSA coordinated response or activity of a national/international nature, such as a bioterrorism incident or a major disease outbreak. Work with the Trust and UKHSA information analysts to ensure adherence to the requirements of the Data Protection Act and conformity to the Caldecott Guardian requirements of both the UKHSA and any host Trust. Participate in UKHSA national and regional scientific and managerial activities, as required by the UKHSA PHM for London and South East CPHI and Deputy Director, Network Laboratories. Liaise with NHS and commercial microbiology laboratories throughout London and South East. Provide technical and financial support for other laboratories, where appropriate, in development of clinical and public health networks and project groups. Liaise closely with the PHM for London and South East CPHI, UKHSA Information Analysts and Field Epidemiologists and report promptly any local information which may affect the function of the UKHSA. Collaborate with PHL London clinical scientists, UKHSA reference and epidemiological facilities in the reporting and investigation of infections, control of outbreaks, assessment of vaccines, development of the laboratory methods and involvement in surveys. Contribute, as required, to the teaching of medical microbiology and epidemiology to undergraduates and postgraduate students in the London and South East region Clinical Governance, audit and professional activities In conjunction with senior bacteriology and virology colleagues, the appointee will be expected to participate in, and support the provision of a comprehensive diagnostic and advisory service to local clinicians and other users of the London PHL and NMRS. This will include regular site visits and consultations with key stakeholders across London and the South east which will form a key component of the job. Additionally, the post holder will have a role in teaching and training, audit, surveillance and research. In partnership with the senior teams to provide vision, leadership and direction to the Public Health Laboratories and NMRS-S and to lead in strategic development, including identification, prioritization of, and support for specific service developments and research areas To be the budget holder for the public health laboratories, taking primary responsibility for the financial and· business management of the services. This includes having responsibility for budget setting in collaboration with the senior leadership teams and UKHSA Senior Finance Officers and ensuring compliance with UKHSA Standing Financial Instructions. Provide technical and professional support to the Public Health Microbiologists and CPHI as well as the Deputy Director and Head of Technical and Scientific Services of the UKHSA Specialist Microbiology Services and represent the PHM for London and CPHI South East, as required. Ensure full compliance with clinical governance and clinical effectiveness requirements of the UKHSA and Trust sites where co-located. To support the PHM in the performance monitoring of UKHSA Microbiology assets within London. In partnership with the PHM London and CPHI South East and Lead Clinical Scientist, organise a comprehensive microbiological service to support UKHSA Health Protection Teams, Consultants in Communicable Disease Control, Local Authority Directors of Public Health and Chief Environmental Health Officers in London and the South East. In partnership with the PHMs and CPHI and Lead Clinical Scientist, organise the provision of laboratory support for other agencies involved in potential infection hazards e.g. FSA, BWI, Environment Agency, VLA, HSE, MBA, DEFRA, and the Armed Forces. The post holder is expected, with the PHMs, CPHI and Lead Clinical Scientist, to lead in any UKHSA coordinated response or activity of a national/international nature, such as a bioterrorism incident or a major disease outbreak. Work with the Trust and UKHSA information analysts to ensure adherence to the requirements of the Data Protection Act and conformity to the Caldecott Guardian requirements of both the UKHSA and any host Trust. Participate in UKHSA national and regional scientific and managerial activities, as required by the UKHSA PHM for London and South East CPHI and Deputy Director, Network Laboratories. Liaise with NHS and commercial microbiology laboratories throughout London and South East. Provide technical and financial support for other laboratories, where appropriate, in development of clinical and public health networks and project groups. Liaise closely with the PHM for London and South East CPHI, UKHSA Information Analysts and Field Epidemiologists and report promptly any local information which may affect the function of the UKHSA. Collaborate with PHL London clinical scientists, UKHSA reference and epidemiological facilities in the reporting and investigation of infections, control of outbreaks, assessment of vaccines, development of the laboratory methods and involvement in surveys. Contribute, as required, to the teaching of medical microbiology and epidemiology to undergraduates and postgraduate students in the London and South East region Clinical Governance, audit and professional activities In conjunction with senior bacteriology and virology colleagues, the appointee will be expected to participate in, and support the provision of a comprehensive diagnostic and advisory service to local clinicians and other users of the London PHL and NMRS. This will include regular site visits and consultations with key stakeholders across London and the South east which will form a key component of the job. Additionally, the post holder will have a role in teaching and training, audit, surveillance and research. In partnership with the senior teams to provide vision, leadership and direction to the Public Health Laboratories and NMRS-S and to lead in strategic development, including identification, prioritization of, and support for specific service developments and research areas To be the budget holder for the public health laboratories, taking primary responsibility for the financial and· business management of the services. This includes having responsibility for budget setting in collaboration with the senior leadership teams and UKHSA Senior Finance Officers and ensuring compliance with UKHSA Standing Financial Instructions. Person specification Essential Criteria MSc in Biomedical Science/Microbiology/Biological or equivalent State registration with HCPC Significant postgraduate practical, technical and theoretical experience in Medical Microbiology and Medical Laboratory Sciences Extensive knowledge and expertise in various managerial fields, including finance, HR, business, project management, planning, leadership, procurement etc., gained both by qualifications and lengthy experience In-depth working knowledge and competency in laboratory bench areas, as appropriate Ability to initiate changes in procedures or policies to induce service development Thorough knowledge of laboratory health and safety legislation and practice. An understanding of microbiology and its application in clinical practice and public health Evidence of using technical experience to assess new and existing systems and processes to initiate change in laboratory practice Experience of critically assessing current ways of working and introducing efficient and cost effective practices Desirable Criteria Presentation skills Being technically adept at laboratory procedures A knowledge of specialist tests at an expert level 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% Selection process details This vacancy will be assessed using a competency-based framework which will assess your knowledge and experience and skills outlined in the essential criteria. Stage 1: Application & Sift Required You will be required to complete an application form. You will be assessed on the listed 10 essential criteria and 3 desirable criteria and this will be in the form of a: Application form (‘Employer/ Activity history’ section on the application) 1500 word 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 Application form and Statement of Suitability will be marked together. Longlisting: In the event of a large number of applications we will longlist into 3 piles of: Meets all essential criteria Meets some essential criteria Meets no essential criteria In order to be shortlisted you must meet all essential criteria. Shortlisting: In the event of a large number of applications we will shortlist on. State registration with HCPC If you are successful at this stage, you will progress to interview and assessment Please do not exceed 1500 words. We will not consider any words over and above this number. Feedback will not be provided at this stage. Stage 2: Interview You will be invited to a (single) remote interview Knowledge, experience, skills & abilities will be tested at interview Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records. Location This role is being offered as hybrid working based at our Scientific Campus in Colindale and our main HQ at Canary Wharf. We offer great flexible working opportunities at UKHSA and operate using a hybrid working model where business needs allow. This provides us with greater flexibility about how and where we work, to get the best from our workforce. As a hybrid worker, you will be expected to spend a minimum of 60% of your contractual working hours (approximately 3 days a week pro rata, (averaged over a month). If based at one of our scientific campuses, you will be required to have a minimum of 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. If based at Canary Wharf HCAS would also be included. Security Clearance Level Requirement . Successful 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 Counter-terrorist Check 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-terrorist Check. 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 Reasonable Adjustments The Civil Service is committed to making sure that our selection methods are fair to everyone. To help you during the recruitment process, we will consider any reasonable adjustments that could help you. An adjustment is a change to the recruitment process or an adjustment at work. This is separate to the Disability Confident Scheme. If you need an adjustment to be made at any point during the recruitment process you should contact the recruitment team in confidence as soon as possible to discuss your needs. You can find out more information about reasonable adjustments across the Civil Service here: https://www.civil-service-careers.gov.uk/reasonable-adjustments/ International Police check If you have spent more than 6 months abroad over the last 3 years you may need an International Police Check. This would not necessarily have to be in a single block, and it could be time accrued over that period. Artificial Intelligence (AI) Your application may be rejected and/or you may be subject to disciplinary action if evidence of plagiarism is detected. Examples of plagiarism can include presenting the ideas and experience of others, or generated by artificial intelligence (AI), as your own. Internal Fraud check If successful for this role as one aspect of pre-employment screening, applicant’s personal details – name, national insurance number and date of birth - will be checked against the Cabinet Office Internal Fraud Hub and anyone included on the database will be refused employment unless they can show exceptional circumstances. Currently this is only for External candidates to the Civil Service. Careers website Please visit our careers site for more information https://gov.uk/ukhsa/careers Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment. Security Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check. Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is counter-terrorist check (opens in a new window).See our vetting charter (opens in a new window). People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks. Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check. Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is counter-terrorist check (opens in a new window).See our vetting charter (opens in a new window). People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks. Nationality requirements This Job Is Broadly Open To The Following Groups UK nationals nationals of the Republic of Ireland nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window) nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020 Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service Further information on nationality requirements (opens in a new window) Working for the Civil Service The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants. We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window). The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria. The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants. We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window). The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria. Diversity and Inclusion The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see the Civil Service People Plan (opens in a new window) and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy (opens in a new window). Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records. Contact point for applicants Job Contact Name : Paula Smith Email : Paula.smith@ukhsa.gov.uk Recruitment team Email : Recruitment@ukhsa.gov.uk Further information The law requires that selection for appointment to the Civil Service is on merit on the basis of fair and open competition as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's Recruitment Principles. If you feel your application has not been treated in accordance with the Recruitment Principles, and you wish to make a complaint, in the first instance, you should contact UKHSA Public Accountability Unit via email: Complaints@ukhsa.gov.uk If you are not satisfied with the response you receive from the Department, you can contact the Civil Service Commission: Visit the Civil Service Commission website: https://civilservicecommission.independent.gov.uk. Location : London, England, United Kingdom