Senior Scientist

**Job summary** There is an exciting opportunity with the UK Health Security Agency at Porton Down for a scientist to be part of a team performing antiviral research and the evaluation of drugs and other therapeutics against viruses including SARS-CoV-2.

The post holder will be part of a team of scientists currently working on the evaluation of antiviral compounds and other therapeutic agents against current and emerging variants of concern of SARS-CoV-2. It is highly desirable that the post holder has anup-to-date knowledge of relevant virology techniques and/or cell biology expertise. Experience of working at Containment level 3, to appropriate safety and quality standards, or being willing to train to do so, is desirable. A good scientific understandingof the mode of action of antiviral drugs is advantageous. A successful track-record of publication is also desirable.

**Location**:
**UKHSA Porton Down, SP4 0JG**

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) offers hybrid working - this means that whilst the role will be based in one of our offices, there will be opportunities for an element of working from home. UKHSA have office locations across the UK.

**Job description**

**Working Pattern** - Full Time, Part Time, Job Share, Flexible Working, Hybrid Working,

**Responsibilities section**:
As a Senior Scientist your main responsibilities will include:
To provide antiviral evaluation expertise in a team responsible for the delivery of the scientific and technical activities within the SARS-CoV-2 Therapeutic Evaluation/Research project.
- Implement and utilise a range of methods/assays/techniques in support of all activities associated with the project aimed to ensure project targets are met.
- Take responsibility for the provision of reagents and consumables required for the project and documented storage of materials generated.
- Lead selected project areas to identify, evaluate and adapt new technologies where appropriate and to ensure that the project operates to a high scientific standard using current methods.
- Establish links and collaborations within and outside UKHSA as necessary to benefit the project and/or department.
- Take lead responsibility for the supervision and training of junior staff allocated to the project.
- Provide reports through analysis of data using software and databases as necessary, to meet project targets and lead on preparation of presentations and publications.
- To perform any other duties required by the Line manager commensurate with grade.
- To ensure that the project team undertakes work in accordance with the UKHSA’s Laboratory Code of Practice and to work within any Quality Systems that are applicable to the site.
- To maintain health and safety competence to UKHSA standards.
- To fulfil the requirements of UKHSA Values commensurate with grade.

**Person specification**

**Essential Criteria**:

- PhD in appropriate discipline or MSc and several years’ postgraduate experience or Degree and substantial relevant experience.
- Good understanding and experience of safe working practices
- Evidence of leading projects/project teams
- Ability to prepare and produce concise yet insightful communications for dissemination to senior stakeholders and a broad range of stakeholders as required
- Experience of creating and giving presentations to a varied group of internal and external stakeholders
- Ability to analyse very complex issues where material is conflicting and drawn from multiple sources.
- Demonstrated capability to plan over short, medium and long-term timeframes and adjust plans and resource requirements accordingly
- Demonstrated capabilities to manage own workload and make informed decisions in the absence of required information, working to tight and often changing timescales
- Willing to undertake further training and able to train junior staff
- An understanding of, and commitment to, equality of opportunity and good working relationships.

**Desirable Criteria**:

- Good knowledge and practical familiarity with virology or cell biology techniques
- Previous experience in training project staff
- Several years’ experience in area relevant to the project e.g. ACDP3
- Specialist training/experience in specific methods required for the post
- Experience of having worked within a regulated environment (e.g. ISO9001)
- Experience of managing a team without direct line management