Cell Culture Scientist

The main responsibilities will include

Processing of human whole blood to isolate PBLs, serum and DNA for customer orders and projects Generation of DNA for catalogue DNA orders and bespoke customer orders Work with the HGS supervisor to ensure all HGS samples are receipted, processed, stored, dispatched and disposed of in accordance with the regulations of the Human Tissue Act Perform cell culture and analysis of cell lines and derived products using a range of methods/assays/techniques in accordance with set protocols andstandard operating procedures (SOPs) Take responsibility for the provision of reagents and consumables required for project area Maintain databases and the accurate recording of results Liaise professionally with internal and external customers to manage the supply of cells Act as laboratory supervisor for specific ECACC labs Work within the ECACC QC and/or HGS operations Liaise with the wider ECACC team to participate in the continuous improvement of cell line characterisation and cell line function Liaise with the wider ECACC team to participate in the continuous improvement of quality operations within the department Instigate failure investigations identified within the ECACC operation, recommending and carrying out appropriate corrective actions as required Work within ISO 9001 and ISO 17025 (where required) Quality Systems and have continuous interaction with the QA team to matters related to this Able to work safely in a laboratory environment Achieve and maintain Health and Safety competency as a laboratory supervisor, in line with UKHSA policies and guidance Work within UKHSA and laboratory policies, codes of practice and guidelines Comply with all UKHSA policies and procedures and maintain up to date training records Fulfil the requirements of

UKHSA Values and Behaviours

Health, Safety and Wellbeing Perform any other duties required by the line manager in line with the grade Identify, discuss and action own professional performance and training / development needs with your line manager through appraisal / individualdevelopment plan. Attending internal / external training events To participate in all mandatory training as required, i.e. fire safety, information governance and all other mandatory training This is not an exhaustive list. Essential criteria Educated to degree level in a relevant life science subject; or equivalent qualification; or equivalent level of experience of working at a similar level in a relevant specialist area Knowledge and practical experience of working in a cell culture or microbiology laboratory showing confidence in working using aseptic techniques Good understanding and experience of safe laboratory working practices Cell culture experience with demonstrable examples of work (including stem cells) Good communication skills Self-motivating, organized, meticulous Demonstrated ability to work in teams and independently Willing to undertake further training and able to train other staff Basic Microbiology techniques Ability to work on own initiative and organize own workload without supervision, working to deadlines Ability to engender trust and confidence and demonstrate integrity in the provision of services An understanding of and commitment to equality of opportunity and good working relationships Please note that for roles where specific qualifications or registrations are required, successful applicants will be asked to provide appropriate evidence. Employment cannot commence until satisfactory documentation has been received and verified. Selection process This vacancy is using Success Profiles and will assess your behaviours and technical skills.

Stage 1

Application & Sift You willbe requiredto complete an application form. You will be assessed onthe listed13 essentialcriteria,and this will be in the form ofa: Application form(Employer/ Activity history section on the application) 500 wordsupporting statement. This should outline how you consider your skills, experience and knowledgeprovide 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 beadvisedyou will not be able to upload your CV. Please complete the application form in as much detail as possible). Please do not email us your CV. HealthjobsUK has a word limit of 1500, but your supporting statement must be no more than500 words. We will not consider any words over500words.

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 Only those meeting all essential criteria will be taken through to shortlisting.

Shortlisting

In the event of a large number of applications we will shortlist on: Knowledge and practical experience of working in a cell culture or microbiology laboratory showing confidence in working using aseptic techniques Good understanding and experience of safe laboratory working practices Educated to degree level in a relevant life science subject; or equivalent qualification; or equivalent level of experience of working at a similar level in a relevant specialist area If you are successful at this stage, you will progress to interview and assessment. Feedback will not be provided at this stage.

Stage 2

Interview You will be invited to a face to face interview in Porton Down. 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: Delivering at Pace (Lead interview) Working Together Communication and Influencing Interviews dates are 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. Location This role is lab based at UKHSA Porton Down. Please note that hybrid working is not available with this role. Eligibility criteria Open to all external applicants (anyone) from outside the Civil Service (including by definition internal applicants). Security clearance level requirement Part 1 Successful candidates must pass a basic Disclosure and Barring Security (DBS) check before they can be appointed. Part 2 Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is Counter-Terrorism Check clearance. 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 to obtain Counter Terrorism Check (CTC) clearance. UK residency less than the outlined periods may not necessarily bar you from gaining national security vetting at this higher level and applicants should contact the Vacancy Holder / Recruiting Manager listed in the advert for further advice. Salary information If 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. For Fixed term posts For Temporary Appointments,if you are not currently a civil servant, you will take up the post on a Fixed Term appointment. You may be able to take this role up as a Secondment. If you are an existing Civil Servant, based outside of the UKHSA, you will take up the post as a loan which you will need your department to agree. You cannot take the post up as a fixed term. If you are an existing UKHSA member of staff, you will take up the post as either a level transfer or a temporary promotion as per the UKHSAs Pay policy.