Senior Scientist

The Countermeasures Development and Evaluation Centre is based at Porton and has approximately 250 staff, performing a range of research activities, including high containment level work. The department's work covers a broad range of projects involving vaccine and therapeutic, discovery, evaluation, development, and research.

The Antimicrobial Development, Discovery and Diagnostics (AD3) team sits in the Countermeasures Development, Evaluation and Preparedness Division in the Public Health Microbiology Directorate within the Chief Scientific Officer Group. Its work focuses on the discovery, development and evaluation of antimicrobial therapies directed at UKHSA priority pathogens, with a particular focus on AMR/emerging pathogens.

This Senior Scientist post will provide specialist management to the bacteriophage 'integrated pathway' programme, which is developing a phage service to support clinical use of phage in the UK (including an in-house phage library), researches novel phage susceptibility testing methods and supports UK-based phage manufacture.

In this role you will

evaluate the susceptibility of clinical isolates to phage preparations proposed for use in therapy.

expand, maintain and manage the AD3 Team bacteriophage collection

provide project management support to research projects

supervise and mentor junior staff members

work with the Scientific Leader(s), and Head of AMR to develop capabilities, including with academia & industry

seek potential external funding opportunities

ensure capabilities within the group align with UKHSA higher level strategy

• Please note that this list is not exhaustive*

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

You will

manage on a day-to-day basis the planning, prioritising and delivery of the projects in conjunction with senior colleagues.

support the Project Team.

manage the budget of the designated area of responsibility.

oversee any Quality requirements of the area.

prepare, supply, and assist in the submission of project proposals, reports, and publications.

take responsibility for liaison with clients including attendance at meetings and teleconferences.

assist senior colleagues in developing the scientific and technical direction of the area.

ensure appropriately trained staff and facilities are available.

liaise with other areas of the UKHSA and CDEP to deliver the needs of the project area

assist in the customer interaction and ensure the customer needs are met without detriment to UKHSA.

perform any other duties required by the Line manager and the Head of CDEP, commensurate with grade.

undertake all assigned work in accordance with the UKHSA's Risk Management Systems, policies, and procedures.

undertake work in accordance with UKHSA's Health and Safety policies and procedures and to work within any Quality Systems that are applicable to the site.

fulfil the requirements of UKHSA Behaviours

ensure lab supervisors within team achieve and maintain health and safety competence as lab supervisors in line with UKHSA policy and guidance.

achieve and maintain own and team's health and safety competence set out in UKHSA Policies.

comply with all UKHSA policies and procedures

• Please note that this list is not exhaustive*

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 department and UKHSA.

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

Essential criteria

A doctoral-level qualification (PhD or equivalent) in microbiology or a closely related discipline, combined with substantial postdoctoral or professional experience in applied or research-based microbiology. This should include demonstrable expertise in areas such as microbial genetics, pathogenic microbiology, environmental microbiology, or industrial microbiology, with a proven track record of scientific contributions, project leadership, or regulatory compliance within academic, clinical, or commercial settings

Recent and in-depth experience of bacteriophage research

Experience and a good knowledge of working/leading research with bacteriophage, evidenced by publications.

Experience of developing junior staff members, including line management experience

Experience of working in a regulated environment with quality systems and knowledge of ISO9001 quality standards or equivalent

Clear communicator with excellent writing, report writing and presentation skills; capable of constructing and delivering clear ideas and concepts concisely and accurately for diverse audiences

Evidence of success in efficient and effective project and programme participation/management

Independent thinker with demonstrated good judgement, problem-solving and analytical skills

Demonstrate a strong desire to improve performance and make a difference by focusing on goals.

Commitment to continuing professional development

Ability to engender trust and confidence and demonstrate integrity in the provision of advice and support

Desirable criteria:

Experience of external collaboration (including international collaboration)

Have a track record of successful grant applications

Experience of clinical use of bacteriophage

Biomedical scientist or clinical scientist registration

Selection Process

Stage 1: Application & Sift

This vacancy is using Competency

At sift stage you will be assessed against the Essential criteria listed in the job advert.

You will be required to complete an:

Application form ('Employer/ Activity history' section on the application)

1,000 word supporting statement

Healthjobs UK has a word limit of 1500, but your supporting statement must be no more than 1,000 words.

This should outline how your skills, experience, and knowledge, provide evidence of your suitability for the role.

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

If we receive a large number of applications an initial sift against the lead criteria below will be conducted.

A doctoral-level qualification (PhD or equivalent) in microbiology or a closely related discipline, combined with substantial postdoctoral or professional experience in applied or research-based microbiology. This should include demonstrable expertise in areas such as microbial genetics, pathogenic microbiology, environmental microbiology, or industrial microbiology, with a proven track record of scientific contributions, project leadership, or regulatory compliance within academic, clinical, or commercial settings

Longlisting: In the event of a large number of applications we may longlist into 3 piles of:

Meets all essential criteria

Meets some essential criteria

Meets no essential criteria

Only those who meet ALL essential criteria will be taken through to the next stage

Desirable criteria may be used if we receive a large number of applications.

Please note feedback will not be provided at this stage.

Stage 2: Interview stage (competency based)

You will be invited to a face to face interview. In exceptional circumstances, we may be able to offer a remote interview.

Interviews will be held week commencing 12th January 2026, please note these dates are subject to change.

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

Knowledge

Experience

Skills and Abilities

You will be asked to prepare and present a 5–10-minute presentation at the start of your interview. The subject of this will be sent to you prior to interview but will be centred around:

What are the barriers to the wide-spread clinical use of phage therapy in the UK?

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

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

Location

This role is being offered as office/lab based at our site in Porton, Salisbury.

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.

Security Clearance Level Requirement

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).

Basic DBS check

Counter Terrorism Check (CTC)

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