Technical Manager at UK Health Security Agency

Details

Reference number

316272

Salary

£50,952 – £57,349

Job grade

Other

Afc Band 8a

Contract type

Permanent

Type of role

Science

Other

Working pattern

Full-time

Number of jobs available

1

Contents

Location

About the job

Benefits

Things you need to know

Apply and further information

Location

UKHSA Northwest Regional Laboratory, Manchester, M13 9WZ

About the job

Job summary

The post holder will be experienced in Whole/Next Generation Sequencing techniques, molecular biology and molecular diagnostic assay development.

They will provide technical and scientific expertise and be responsible locally for the management, development and application of Pathogen Genomics services appropriate to the UKHSA Genomics Division strategies. They will take the lead in the development and implementation of novel techniques and technologies throughout the Pathogen Genomics service based at Manchester.

The post holder is accountable to the respective local line management, the Regional Head of Operations and the Genomics Head of Operations.

The post holder would be expected to assist in any UKHSA coordinated response or activity of a national/international nature, e.g. bioterrorism or a major disease outbreak such as SARS.

Location

This role is based at UKHSA Northwest Regional Laboratory Manchester M13 9WZ.

Please be aware that this role can only be worked from within the UK and not overseas. Relocation expenses are not available

Job description

Communication and key working relationships

Internal

Deputy Director for Public Health Microbiology Operations and Performance

Deputy Director Public Health Microbiology

Head of Scientific and Technical Services

Regional Head of Operations, other Senior Staff within Manchester

Genomics Head of Operations, other Senior Staff within the UKHSA Genomics Division

UKHSA services including Bioinformatics and Laboratory Informatics.

Consultant Medical Microbiologists/Virologists

Scientific and Biomedical Microbiology Laboratory staff

Senior UKHSA staff from other Divisions, e.g. Health Protection Services, Epidemiologists, Corporate Services, Reference Services, Specialised Microbiology & Laboratories

External

External bodies including NHS and other users such as veterinary laboratories and commercial customers.

Other National and International bodies including reference laboratories.

WHO, EU and collaborators

Commercial companies, and professional groups as required.

Police, legal representatives, Environmental Health Officers, professional contacts including Professional Bodies and Accreditation Bodies, education institutes, contractors.

Northwest Regional Public Health Laboratory customers, stakeholders.

Suppliers and representatives of commercial companies in a professional capacity with regards to sequencing operational issues.

MANAGERIAL:
To have delegated responsibility for the technical and scientific management of the UKHSA Genomics Laboratory at Manchester. This is done in conjunction with the Regional Head of Operations and the Genomics Head of Operations.

To report any issues arising that may affect service delivery directly to the Virology Laboratory Manager, Genomics Head of Operations and Regional Head of Operations; including equipment, supply chain, and staff resources. Issues relating to Bioinformatics, data and analytics must also be reported to the Data, Digital & MI Lead.

To provide vision, leadership, and direction to these areas in the delivery of technical outputs, organisation of workflows and management of demand and assist in strategic development, including identification, prioritisation of, and support for specific technical service developments associated with important scientific advances in association with Genomics Head of Operations and Regional Head of Operations.

To contribute to local, regional, and national Genomics Division strategies.

To participate in Senior Management Team meetings both with the local UKHSA laboratory and within the Genomics Division.

To work with the Genomics Head of Operations and Regional Head of Operations to plan and implement Business Continuity Plans for UKHSA Genomics, and to ensure that these align to the UKHSA Genomics Division strategies and to be involved in short- and long-term planning.

To work with the Virology Laboratory Manager to plan and organise effective transport systems for specimen transfer where appropriate.

To give scientific advice on effective procurement of Pathogen Genomics equipment and supplies. To collect and analyse information to support budget monitoring in liaison with the Genomics Head of Business Operations.

To develop professional/management expertise by undertaking further appropriate training as required

To support the Virology Laboratory Manager with the management of Pathogen Genomics staff and those rotating through the Pathogen Genomics laboratory. Support staff appraisals of direct reports and support the management of performance issues as required in conjunction with the Laboratory Manager, Regional Head of Operations and Genomics Head of Operations.

To support the Virology Laboratory Manager to ensure the induction, education, training, and professional development of staff linking in with the Genomics Head of Operations

To work with the local Health & Safety Manager to ensure the provision of a safe working environment for all staff and visitors.

To help to maintain laboratory accreditation (e.g. UKAS) and other agreed national and international standards in collaboration with the local Quality Manager, Regional Head of Operations, Genomics Head of Operations and Genomics National Quality Lead providing reporting into the Genomics Division to support quality metrics as required by the Genomics Programme Board.

To act as an advisor and Subject Matter Expert for UKHSA Genomics and deputise as required.

To support the Virology Laboratory Manager in ensuring that all relevant risks and issues to the service and achievements of the Pathogens Genomics Laboratory are being identified, assessed and reported to Genomics and Regional Heads of Operations on an ongoing basis.

To assist the Genomics Head of Operations in the maintenance of the risk register(s) for UKHSA Pathogen Genomics Laboratories and ensure that control arrangements and processes are operating effectively and that actions are taken as appropriate

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:
The post holder will be responsible for the management and training of a team of Clinical / Biomedical Scientists working within the Pathogen Genomics laboratory.

KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
To represent the Genomics Division at Manchester in local and national expert committees.

In line with the local, regional, and national UKHSA Genomics strategy and financial framework and as directed by the Deputy Director for Public Health Microbiology Operations and Performance reporting to the UKHSA Pathogen Genomics Programme Board

To develop as directed, Pathogen Genomics methodologies for diagnosis/surveillance of infections

To apply and develop as directed, methods for the surveillance of the molecular epidemiology for infections of public health importance such as CoVID 19.

To maintain and support the IT resources in Genomics at Manchester in conjunction with the Host UKHSA laboratory and Host Trust for the delivery of diagnostic and research activities. This includes links to Genomics Data and Information Management Teams

In collaboration with the appropriate Pathogen Genomics NGS LIMS leads, local laboratory IT lead and local business support team to ensure the Laboratory Information Management Systems are appropriately managed in support of the diagnostic, analytical, epidemiological, financial, and administrative needs of the service.

To provide statistics of outputs and activity from Genomics to support local and national collation of data and to support the Genomics Division strategies.

To assist in managing the maintenance and development of the Pathogen Genomics services within available resources and in line with the UKHSA Genomics Division strategy as agreed at Board level.

To lead locally in Genomics equipment and kit evaluations, trials and research to lead to technical improvement and new Genomics methodology initiatives.

To support development of local internal business cases for new services to support management and treatment of patients through financial and procedural considerations and in line with the local regional and national UKHSA Genomics Division strategy and financial framework for use of Genomics equipment and resources.

To provide scientific advice and support in relation to development of internal quality controls and external quality assessment, proficiency testing and reference materials in collaboration with the UK National External Quality Assessment Service for Microbiology (NEQAS) and other organisations as appropriate for Pathogen Genomics.

To take part in appropriate quality assurance schemes for Pathogen Genomics tests and participate in clinical and quality audit where appropriate.

To prepare Standard Operating Procedures for Genomics tests and take part in activities relating to local laboratory accreditation.

To take part in technical validation, reporting and authorization of results.

Undertake any other developmental work in line with the UKHSA Genomics Division requirements and strategy and financial framework.

To attend and present research findings at relevant national/international meetings.

To assist in the recruitment of new staff where applicable in collaboration with the central Genomics Division teams.

To participate in Continual Professional Development through appropriate activities to maintain accreditation as approved by the HCPC.

Financial

To support the Genomics Head of Operations and Head of Business Operations in monitoring and controlling income and expenditure in support of the management of the Pathogen Genomics laboratory budget and to work with the Regional Head of Operations as required.

To assist the Genomics Head of Operations and Head of Business Operations in the business management of the Pathogen Genomics laboratory and in managing grants as appropriate.

To assist in managing the maintenance and development of the Pathogen Genomics services within available resources and to pursue appropriate income generation contracts in collaboration with the Regional Head of Operations and Deputy Director for Public Health Microbiology Operations and Performance.

To ensure, and where appropriate undertake, sophisticated data analysis for financial and managerial purposes.

Authorize invoices as appropriate and delegated by the Genomics Head of Operations and Head of Business Operations.

In collaboration with the Head of Business Operations for Genomics and other senior Genomics staff, to lead scientifically in the marketing of UKHSA Pathogen Genomics, where appropriate.

SAFETY:
To observe all safety regulations and to complete all mandatory Health & Safety Training.

To report any accidents/incident or near misses to the local Health & Safety Manager/Officer, Laboratory Manager, Head of Operation for Genomics and Regional Head of Operations and via the relevant incident reporting systems.

To produce risk and COSHH assessments for any Pathogen Genomics research & development activities with local H&S Manager.

To ensure that work on all samples and cultures is performed at the appropriate containment level.

To ensure that Laboratory safety policies and risk assessments are observed at all times within the Pathogen Genomics Laboratory.

To represent Genomics activities in the local laboratory Safety Committee and to ensure a safe working environment.

Your attention is drawn to the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 which requires you to take reasonable care of the health and safety of yourself and others which may be affected by your acts and omissions at work; and co- operate with the UKHSA on matters of health and safety.

COMMUNICATION:
To communicate effectively with professional colleagues in the local laboratory, Pathogen Genomics team and the wider clinical and external stakeholder community at all times.

Ensure the effective and accurate communication of important results.

To attend and present data at scientific training meetings, tutorials, lectures and scientific conferences etc. as appropriate.

OTHER DUTIES:
To undertake tasks delegated by more senior staff, commensurate with grade, as the exigencies of the service demand.

Person specification

It is important through your application and Statement of Suitability of 1200 words (max) that you give evidence and examples of proven experience of each of the following criteria:

**Please do not submit your CV, we require you to complete the full application process including a Personal Statement/Statement of Suitability, as outlined below. Please ensure that your Statement of Suitability contains no personal identifiers e.g. name in either the file name or content of the document.**

Essential Criteria:
Relevant professional qualification i.e., Registration with the Health and Care Professional Council (HCPC) as a Biomedical or Clinical Scientist

Biomedical Scientist:
Honours degree in relevant science e.g. Virology/Medical Microbiology

MSc in Virology or Microbiology

Clinical Scientist:
Honours degree in relevant science e.g., Virology/Medical Microbiology

MsC in Virology or Microbiology

FRCPath Part 1 in Medical Microbiology & Virology (or working towards)

D. Virology or related relevant field PhD (or a degree and relevant experience) in Microbiology or Biological Science or related subject.

Willingness to continue the learning process through academic or practical experience.

Extensive postgraduate practical, technical, and theoretical experience in Medical Microbiology and Medical Laboratory Sciences

Extensive knowledge and expertise in various managerial fields, including finance, HR, business, project management, planning, leadership, procurement, etc., gained both by qualifications and lengthy experience.

In-depth working knowledge and competency in Genomics and Sequencing and its application in clinical practice and public health

Sound knowledge of common IT programmes and excellent keyboard and IT skills.

Experience of interviewing and recruiting staff

Evidence of continuing professional development (CPD)

Ability to initiate changes in procedures or policies to induce service development.

Thorough knowledge of Laboratory Health & Safety arrangements.

Evidence of using technical experience to assess new and existing systems and processes to initiate change in laboratory practice.

Experience in critically assessing current ways of working and introducing efficient and cost-effective practices.

Experience with performance indicators, including workload statistics and costing.

An understanding of quality assurance procedures.

“People skills‟ are of paramount importance in this role, especially leadership skills, including diplomacy, decisiveness, fairness, and being approachable.

Ability to organize less qualified or experienced staff.

Ability to communicate well with all staff, including complex and sometimes sensitive information.

Ability to analyze and interpret complex facts and situations, leading to appropriate judgements and decisions.

A high degree of accuracy is essential.

Ability and experience in performing appraisals for staff as appropriate.

Aptitude for managing people and assessing performance.

Ability to motivate others, encourage teamwork, delegate, get the best out of people and ensure that all staff reach their full potential, facilitating the development of staff skills and capabilities.

Ability to convey complex instructions, ideas, and opinions clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.

Ability to manage change.

Ability to criticize constructively, to design and introduce improvements.

Ability to analyze and evaluate evidence e.g., in planning, problem-solving, decision-making, negotiation, and counseling.

Ability to plan and use your own time economically and effectively.

A high degree of motivation and enthusiasm is essential for the role.

Ability to make difficult decisions and carry them through.

Ability to work both as part of a team and as an individual

Highly developed initiative skills

Articulate and clear thinking

Ability to deal with problems in a calm and efficient manner and able to deal with high levels of stress.

To be highly reliable and flexible

To be able to monitor the “well-being” of staff, and able to discuss problems with less qualified staff.

An understanding of and commitment to equality of opportunity and good working relationships, both in terms of day-to-day working practices, but also in relation to management systems

Desirable Criteria:
Higher Specialist certificate (IBMS)

Health & Safety qualification, e.g., NEBOSH Certificate or Diploma IOSH

Managerial qualification e.g., MBA Project Management qualification e.g., Prince 2

Experience in marketing and liaising with customers.

Ability to perform technically advanced procedures as applicable.

Experience of working in a number of different laboratories

Presentation skills

Being technically adept at laboratory procedures

A knowledge of specialist tests at an expert level

Benefits

For more information on the UKHSA please visit: UK Health Security Agency – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Benefits

Learning and development tailored to your role.

An environment with flexible working options

A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity.

A Civil Service pension with an average employer contribution of 27%

Range of health and wellbeing support

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 Childcare Choices , 30 Hours Free Childcare, Tax-Free Childcare and More , Help with Costs , GOV.UK

Things you need to know

Selection process details

STAGE 1 – APPLICATION & SIFT:
You will be required to complete an application form and a statement of suitability. Your Statement of Suitability should outline your skills, experience, and achievements, providing evidence of your suitability for the role, against the essential criteria (outlined in the person specification section). Your Statement of Suitability must not exceed 1200 words.

You will also be asked to provide information within the ‘Employer/ Activity history’ section of the application form. This is equivalent to the information you would provide on a CV, setting out your career history. The sift selection panel will only consider relevant career history information from the last 5 years.

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

STAGE 2 – INTERVIEW:
This competition will involve an interview via In-person.

As part of the process, candidates will be invited to interview which will involve an in-depth discussion of your previous experience and professional competence in relation to the criteria set out in the Person Specification.

The Success Profiles framework will be used at the interview to assess and recruit the most suitable candidate. The following behaviors will be used at the interview:

Seeing the Big Picture

Changing and improving

Communicating and influencing

Working Together

Managing a Quality Service

Candidates might also be required to prepare and deliver a 10-minute presentation to the panel. This will be followed by a question-and-answer segment. The presentation will be designed to assess each candidate’s experience in line with the requirements of the role. Full details will be provided prior to the interview.

Expected Timeline:
Advert close: 23:55hrs 08/10/2023 – unfortunately, late applications will not be considered. Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.

Interviews: TBC

Please note these dates could be subject to change.

Eligibility Criteria

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

Nationality requirements

Appointments to roles within UKHSA will be made in accordance with the Civil Service nationality rules. These can be found at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/nationality-rules This job is broadly open to the following groups:

UK nationals

Nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK

Nationals of the Republic of Ireland

Nationals from the EU, EEA or Switzerland with settled or pre-settled status or who apply for either status by the deadline of the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)

Relevant EU, EEA, Swiss or Turkish nationals working in the Civil Service

Relevant EU, EEA, Swiss or Turkish nationals who have built up the right to work in the Civil Service

Certain family members of the relevant EU, EEA, Swiss or Turkish nationals

We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission’s Recruitment Principles.

The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.

The Civil Service welcomes applications from people who have recently left prison or have an unspent conviction. Read more about prison leaver recruitment.

Security clearance level requirement

Successful candidates must pass a disclosure and barring security check. Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is Basic Personnel Security Standard. People working with government assets must complete Basic Personnel Security Standard checks.

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.

Please Note

This role is to be appointed under Civil Service Terms & Conditions. Full details on the T&Cs are found https://www.ukhsa.reed.com/

Are you already a civil servant, or employed by a Civil Service Commission accredited public body? Please state home department on your application form.

Do you meet the nationality requirements for this post? https://www.ukhsa.reed.com/

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.

Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.

Security

Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.

People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.

Nationality requirements

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

Further information on nationality requirements (opens in a new window)

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 equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.

Apply and further information

This vacancy is part of the Great Place to Work for Veterans (opens in a new window) initiative.

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

Contact point for applicants

Job contact :Name :
Manirika Karmakar

Email :
[email protected]

Recruitment team

Email :
[email protected]