Unit Head

**Details**:
**Reference number**:

- 273736**Salary**:

- £66,291 - £75,411**Job grade**:

- Grade 6**Contract type**:

- Permanent**Type of role**:

- Science**Working pattern**:

- Flexible working, Full-time, Job share, Part-time**Number of jobs available**:

- 2Contents

Location

About the job

**Benefits**:
Things you need to know

Location
- UKHSA Colindale OfficeAbout the job

**Job summary**:
**UKHSA’s public health microbiology laboratories within its Specialised Microbiology & Laboratories Directorate are seeking to appoint two exceptionally talented leaders as Unit Heads within the Bacteriology Reference Department to be responsible for scientific leadership and management for the following two Units: the Antimicrobial Resistance and Healthcare Associated Infections Unit (AMRHAI) and the Respiratory and Vaccine Preventable Bacteria Reference Unit (RVPBRU).**

**_ The post holder will be responsible for scientific leadership and having comprehensive oversight and responsibility of all scientific and managerial matters across a designated Unit in UKHSA’s public health microbiology laboratories within its Specialised Microbiology & Laboratories Directorate. The post holder may work with colleagues who are based across the country at different sites and/or who work remotely._**

**Location**

**UKHSA Colindale Office**
- *Please be aware that this role can only be worked from within the UK and not overseas. Relocation expenses are not available.*_

**Working Pattern - **Full Time (37.5 hours), Part Time, Job Share, Flexible Working.

**Job description**:
**As the Unit Head your main responsibilities will include**:
The job holder will be required to carry out the following responsibilities, activities, and duties:
**Leadership**
- Lead and manage the scientific and operational service delivery for the designated Unit to ensure seamless working between teams and corporate business functions.
- Lead on behalf of the Deputy Directors on all areas relating to finance, business planning and commercial development, working with Heads of Laboratory Business Operations, corporate leads e.g. Finance Business Partner, ensuring embedded teams work to common national standards and practices.
- Be responsible for shaping a culture of change and innovation and promoting a positive change culture across UKHSA’s public health microbiology laboratories.

**Management**
- Deliver the budgeting, resourcing, planning and business management, working with Heads of Laboratory Business Operations, Heads of Technical Services, SM&L divisions and corporate leads in UKHSA to ensure the division meets its corporate requirements and liaises effectively with others.
- Day to day scientific and managerial leadership for all staff assigned to the designated Unit

**Laboratory Service leadership**
- Provide expert scientific leadership and be responsible for strategic development and operational service delivery in the designated laboratory Unit.
- To set scientific strategy and direction for the designated Unit, working with the Deputy Directors
- To ensure that the laboratory delivers and develops services and provides expert advice for wider public health delivery, and also provides national and international specialist services and advice to internal and external customers.
- To ensure that services are delivered under a Quality Management System in accordance with UKHSA policies, and the Quality standards set by relevant external accreditation bodies (e.g. UKAS)
- To be accountable for Health and Safety of all staff and visitors within the designated Unit.

**Change and Continuous Improvement**
- Develop and implement major change programmes as agreed by the Division’s Senior Management Team in liaison with HR, Finance, Project and Change professionals, to support UKHSA core objectives.
- Oversee the co-ordination of lessons learned activity, providing solutions where appropriate.

**Governance**
- Chair groups on behalf of the Deputy Directors, ensuring that there is good governance in respect of Health & Safety; Clinical Governance; Information Governance; Quality Standards; Financial Management; HR Management; Regulatory Compliance; and Risk Management generally.
- Ensure that the designated Unit and its services are fully compliant with UKHSA governance requirements.

The duties/responsibilities listed above describe the post as it is at present and is not intended to be exhaustive. The Job holder is expected to accept reasonable alterations and additional tasks of a similar level that may be necessary.

**Person specification**:
**We are looking for an exceptional Unit Head**

**Essential**
- PhD in a biological science
- HCPC Registration or be able to achieve registration within 18 months of appointment.
- CPD participation
- Expertise in the specialist area covered by the post.
- Understanding and experience of laboratory safety regulations and procedures
- Evidence of using technical experience to assess n