Specialist Cell Culture Scientist

Location: This role is being offered as lab based at our site in Porton, Wiltshire. Please note hybrid working is not available for this role. Salary: Civil Service grade HEO - £33,422 - £40,731 per annum, pro-rataContract - Fixed term: 18 months (from start date)Job overviewTo provide cell culture and biobanking expertise in a team responsible for the delivery of the scientific, technical and training activities within the ECACC team.The Culture Collections Department operates a Biological Resource Centre that procures, maintains and supplies cultured human and animal cells and microorganisms (bacteria, viruses, fungi) for public health research and diagnostic testing. Based primarily at Microbiology Services – Porton, the Culture Collections Department has approximately 80 staff, performing a wide range of activities. The European Collection of Cell Cultures (ECACC) has more than 2000 authenticated cell lines, runs an extensive cell biobank and provides EBV transformation services.Main duties of the jobPlan, implement and utilise a range of methods/assays/techniques in support of all activities associated with the operation of ECACC to ensure ECACC Production and quality control targets are metTake responsibility for the provision of reagents and consumables required for the ECACC project areaAssist the ECACC team to identify, evaluate and adapt new technologies where appropriate and to ensure that all activities operate to a high scientific standard using current methodsTake responsibility for the supervision and training of junior staff allocated to the ECACC as requiredProvide reports through the interpretation and analysis of data using software and databases as necessary, to meet ECACC targets and for preparation of presentations and publicationsSupport and participate in external training courses provided by ECACCPerform any other duties required by the Line manager commensurate with gradeEnsure that the project team undertakes work in accordance with the UKHSA’s Code of Safety Practice and to work within any Quality Systems that are applicable to the siteMaintain health and safety competence to the national occupational standard ‘Make sure your actions reduce risks to health and safety’ (NOS HSS1)Fulfil the requirements of UKHSA Values and Behaviours commensurate with gradeComply with all UKHSA policies and proceduresWorking for our organisationWe 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.Please visit our careers site for more information https://gov.uk/ukhsa/careersDetailed job description and main responsibilitiesEssential criteria:Educated to degree level in a Life Sciences subjectPost-graduate experience in Cell Culture, QRT PCR and Gene Expression AnalysisGood knowledge and practical familiarity with techniques for projectGood understanding and experience of safe working practicesClear communicator with excellent writing, report writing and presentation skills; capable of constructing and delivering clear ideas and concepts concisely and accurately for diverse audiencesDesirable criteria:Experience of having worked within a regulated environment. (e.g. ISO9001)Breadth of experience covering all aspects of post requirementsExperience of lab supervisionClick ‘Apply’ to view the full job advert on HealthJobsUK, where you’ll find detailed information about the selection and interview process