Associate Practitioner

The United Kingdom Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is a system leader for health security; taking action internationally to strengthen global health security, providing trusted advice to government and the public and reducing inequalities in the way different communities experience and are impacted by infectious disease, environmental hazards, and other threats to health.

UKHSA's remit, as an agency with a global-to-local reach, is to protect the health of the nation from infectious diseases and other external threats to health. As the nation's expert national health security agency UKHSA will:

• Prevent: anticipate threats to health and help build the nation's readiness, defences and health security
• Detect: use cutting edge environmental and biological surveillance to proactively detect and monitor infectious diseases and threats to health
• Analyse: use world-class science and data analytics to assess and continually monitor threats to health, identifying how best to control and mitigate the risks
• Respond: take rapid, collaborative and effective actions nationally and locally to mitigate threats to health when they materialise
• Lead: lead strong and sustainable global, national, regional and local partnerships designed to save lives, protect the nation from public health threats and reduce inequalities.

Job overview

The Mycology Reference Laboratory provides a comprehensive service for the diagnosis and management of fungal infections through its specialist laboratory services and expert clinical and technical advice. They organise regular training courses on the identification of pathogenic fungi and houses the national collection of pathogenic fungi (NCPF), which is the only culture collection in the UK specialising in fungi pathogenic to humans and animals.

We are looking for three (3) Associate Practitioners to work in the Mycology Reference Laboratory who will provide a professional clinical laboratory service working effectively as a team member.

They will perform a range of healthcare science clinical technical activities under supervision, including testing patient/audit samples and research work, as appropriate to the training and qualifications of a Healthcare Scientist Associate Practitioner.  

They will maintain records in relation to laboratory activities and will be required to supervise, organise and allocate work and/or train less experienced staff in their own area. They will also develop and improve their own professional expertise. 

The Associate Practitioners will also be expected to assist in any UKHSA co-ordinated response or activity of a national/international nature e.g. Bioterrorism incident or major disease outbreak.

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Main Duties and Responsibilities 

• Participate in provision of a diagnostic service, producing reliable, relevant and reproducible results.
• Under supervision, undertake analysis of patient samples in accordance with lab protocols/procedures ensuring the validity of test results using quality management system.
• Follow routine procedures for the calibration/maintenance of lab equipment and be responsible for completion of checklists for equipment and work areas.
• Maintain records for all mycological analysis and supporting procedures including records for all reagents prepared in-house as part of Quality Control procedures.
• Assist BMS's where appropriate, plan their day's work and those they supervise and propose relevant changes to work areas as required.
• Prepare/dispatch items to other departments as appropriate.
• Perform clerical duties including computer entry of lab data.
• Participate in research and/or development work in collaboration with senior staff as required.
• Assist with provision of samples for projects undertaken by the MRL including maintenance of inventories of stored specimens and recording of specimens used in individual projects.
• Where appropriate, be responsible for instructing/training HSSW staff within the MRL.

Working for our organisation

We 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

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

• Maintain personal development and relevant core competencies through further study and attendance at appropriate courses and meetings as required and participate in internal and external teaching and training programmes.
• Undertake a structured training programme to successfully acquire core competencies outlined in competency training manual and maintain required standards of competence when undertaking duties.
• Assist in maintenance of safety checks and working to Control of Substances Hazardous to Health regulations.

Responsible for Finance & Physical Resources

• Replace stocks of consumables and reagents when required and inform the section leader if back-up stocks are low.
• Assist in use and maintenance of equipment, following manufacturer's guidelines and training/assisting in troubleshooting when equipment problems occur.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Healthcare Scientist Support Worker (HSSW) and other support staff.

Other Duties

• Undertake any reasonable task delegated by a senior member of staff.
• Use equipment and perform duties in a safe and responsible manner.

Other

• There is a need to concentrate for long periods of time at technically demanding procedures.
• Strenuous physical effort is rarely required.

Professional development

To pursue a programme of continuous professional development in accordance with any relevant professional registration or statutory requirements, whilst maintaining appropriate awareness of service provider requirements.

It should be noted that the work of the division is of a confidential nature and must not be communicated to other persons except where required for authorised purposes.

The above is only an outline of the tasks, responsibilities and outcomes required of the role.  You will carry out any other duties as may reasonably be required by your line manager.

The job description and person specification may be reviewed on an ongoing basis in accordance with the changing needs of the division and UKHSA.

Essential Criteria 

• 2 A levels or equivalent to NVQ4 level in a scientific subject or relevant laboratory experience 
• Be committed to and focused on quality, promoting high standards 
• Be able to make a connection between their work and the benefit to patients and the public
• Be able to actively develop themselves and support others to do the same
• Be understanding of the importance of confidentiality
• Have previous experience of working in a laboratory
• Have previous experience and use of Laboratory Information System (LIMS)
• Be a clear communicator with good writing, data entry and telephone skills ensuring accuracy
• Be able to work effectively as part of a team
• Be adept at problem solving
• Be flexible with their approach to work
• Be a good timekeeper
• Be able to use their initiative
• Have manual dexterity

Desirable Criteria

• Be able to work well with others, is positive and helpful, listens, involves, respects and learns from the contribution of others
• Be able to multi-task

Application & Sift  

This vacancy is using Competency.

You will be required to complete an application form.

You will be assessed on the listed 14 Essential Criteria. This should outline how your skills, experience and knowledge provide evidence of your suitability. This will be in the form of:

• Application form ('Employer/ Activity history' section on the application) 
• 1,000 word Supporting Statement

Healthjobs UK has a word limit of 1,500 but your Supporting Statement must be no more than 1,000 words.

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 CV – please be advised you will not be able to upload your CV.  Please complete the application form in as much detail as possible.

Longlisting

If a large number of applications are received, we will longlist into 3 piles of: 

• Meets all essential criteria  
• Meets some essential criteria  
• Meets no essential criteria  

Only those that "Meets all essential criteria" will progress to shortlisting.

Shortlisting

In the event of a large number of applications we will shortlist against the lead criteria as follows: 

• 2 A levels or equivalent to NVQ4 level in a scientific subject or relevant laboratory experience 

If you are successful at this stage, you will progress to interview.

Please note feedback will not be provided at this stage.

Interview 

You will be invited to a face-to-face interview. 

In exceptional circumstances, we may be able to offer a remote interview.

This vacancy is being assessed using Competency framework. During the interview we will assess against the below:

• Knowledge 
• Experience 
• Skills and Abilities 

Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records. 

Eligibility Criteria

Open to all external applicants (anyone) from outside the Civil Service (including by definition internal applicants). 

Salary Information

Grade: AO

AO National minimum: £25,651

AO National maximum:  £27,220

There is a Market Pay Supplement attached to this role to bring the salary up to a minimum of £28, 164 until 31/03/2027.

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.

Location

This role is being offered based at Southmead Hospital, Southmead, Bristol BS10 5NB.

If based at one of our scientific campuses or labs, you will be required to have a minimum of a Counter Terrorism Check security vetting check as a minimum. 

Security Clearance Level

All successful candidates must meet the basic security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is:

• Basic Personnel Security Standard (BPSS)

DBS Requirement:

• Basic DBS

For this role you will also need to meet:

•  Counter Terrorism Check (CTC)

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.

IMPORTANT - PLEASE READ 

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Artificial Intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use. 

Link below:

Artificial intelligence and recruitment | Civil Service Careers

This is a Non-Reserved post under the Civil Service Nationality Rules. To be eligible for employment in the UK Civil Service applicants must meet the Civil Service Nationality Rules (CSNRs) which operate independently of and additionally to the Immigration Rules. Applicants must also meet necessary security and vetting requirements, along with any other relevant pre-employment checks. 

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

For more information on job nationality requirements and the right to work in the UK, see the Civil Service Nationality rules (opens in a new window) and the UK Visas and Immigration rules (opens in a new window)

For posts on UKHSA Civil Service terms and conditions, new entrants to the Civil Service are expected to start on the minimum of the pay band. For existing Civil Servants and roles advertised across government, the rules of transfer apply, i.e., level transfers move on current salary or the pay range minimum, transfers on promotion move to new pay range minimum or receive a 10% increase. Either case is determined by whichever is the highest.  

The Civil Service pay structure and progression is different from NHS Agenda for Change (AfC), most local authority pay grades and other systems that have annual pay increments. For further details, please refer to the Information Sheet- Starting Salaries & Benefits attachment. 

For AfC or Medical/Dental posts, you must have the correct professional registration to be appointed. The pay will follow the AfC or Medical & Dental terms & conditions. You may be asked to provide evidence of previous service whilst we are conducting pre-employment checks to determine your starting salary. 

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 UKHSA's Pay policy.  

Given the nature of the work of the UKHSA, as a Category 1 responder under the Civil Contingencies Act, you may be required in an emergency, if deemed a necessity, to redeploy to another role at short notice. You may also be required to work at any other location, within reasonable travelling distance of your permanent home address, in line with the provisions set out in your contract of employment. 

Late Applications will unfortunately not be considered. 

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 equality of opportunity. 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:  [email protected] 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 here. 

Reserve List - If more than the required number of suitable candidates pass the interview criteria, you may be kept on a reserve list for 12 months subject to your agreement. You may be contacted, in merit-order, if similar roles with closely matching essential criteria become available and the department choose to appoint from a reserve list. 

The panel will assess if candidates meet the requirement of the role first, using a specific benchmark system. If you are interviewed for the post and do not meet the required threshold for the specified grade, your application may be assessed against a similar, lower grade role and you may be offered the post should one be available. 

Interview expenses will not be reimbursed. 

UKHSA is required to check employment and/or education history covering three consecutive years. Please ensure you give details of at least two different referees, even if you were employed in one company for three years or more. 
 
If you are offered a job, information will also be transferred into the national NHS Electronic Staff Records system. Please note, all communication regarding your application will be made via email, please ensure you check your junk/spam folders as emails are sometimes filtered there. 

Any move to UKHSA from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. This includes moves between government departments. You may however be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax-Free Childcare. Determine your eligibility at . 

 Benefits of working at UKHSA include: 

• Generous annual leave: 
  -26 days for the first 5 years of continuous service 
  -28 days after 5 years of continuous service 
  -32 days after 10 years of continuous service 
  -Plus public holidays and one privilege day for the King's birthday 
• Access to a generous Defined Benefit pension scheme with employer contributions. 
• Access to a cycle-to-work salary sacrifice scheme, season ticket advances and payroll giving.
• Access to a retail discounts and cashback site.
• We also promote flexible working patterns (part-time, job-share, condensed hours). UKHSA views flexible working as essential in enabling us to recruit and retain talented people, ensuring that they are able to enjoy a long-lasting career with us. All employees have the right to apply for flexible working and there are a range of options available including working from home, compressed hours and job sharing.
• We also offer a generous maternity/ paternity and adoption leave package. 

Hybrid Working

UKHSA operates 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 usually spend a minimum of 60% of your contracted hours (averaged over a month) working at one of UKHSA's locations (approximately 3 days a week pro rata) and the rest of your time working from home. 

Disability Confident Scheme

The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria at sift to ensure these candidates are invited to interview.   If you wish to be included in this scheme please tick the box on your application form.  

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 take into account 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:

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 could be time accrued over that period. 

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.

Security Vetting

Please check the Security Clearance needed for the role and follow the link for more information:

Future location 

UKHSA is investing in a new state-of-the-art National Biosecurity Centre in Harlow, Essex, which will eventually bring together teams currently based at Canary Wharf, Colindale and Porton Down. For more details, please see: Huge biosecurity centre investment to boost pandemic protection - GOV.UK.

The new facilities will start becoming operational in the mid-2030s, with full completion by 2038. Staff will move in phases as facilities become available. If you're appointed to a role currently based at Canary Wharf, Colindale or Porton Down, please note that we'll continue investing in these sites for the next decade. As we get closer to the transition, we'll provide full information about relocation support available to staff.

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