Microbiologist (EO)

To enable and implement all NCTC laboratory operations including: the cultivation, freeze-drying and banking of all NCTC bacteriophage and NCTC strains; the replenishment and maintenance of NCTC inventory; the testing and qualification of manufactured batches; the maintenance of manufacturing and test records; the reception and banking of incoming, new strains. Training of other NCTC staff in the banking, authentication and propagation of bacteriophage.

Also, to support other NCTC operations as required from time to time including materials acquisition and qualification, product packaging and shipping and general product support.

Location: Colindale, NW9 5EQ

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

To take delegated duties from NCTC senior staff, following agreed protocols and policies in accordance with the UKHSA and NIS policies and procedures, seeking advice where appropriate from senior staff.

Operational/Technical/Scientific/Reference Services/ Research and Development

• The propagation, banking and authentication of the NCTC bacteriophage collection.
• The aseptic cultivation and expansion of NCTC strains for banking and stock replenishment.
• The freeze-drying of cultured bacteriophage and strains to replenish NCTC stock.
• The testing and qualification of NCTC banks / batches of product for release to inventory.
• The maintenance of manufacturing batch records.
• Upholding, originating and maintaining written Standard Operating Procedures.
• Contributing to process development and process improvement.
• The preparation, acquisition and qualification of laboratory materials.
• The cleaning and maintenance of laboratory equipment and facilities.
• The reception, cultivation and banking of incoming, new bacteriophage strains.
• Assisting with technical investigations and enquiries prompted by customer queries and / or internal failure investigations.

MEDIA and Laboratory Materials:

• Assistance with ordering of culture media and glassware from media production department.
• Preparation of specialised, sterile culture media, as required from time to time.
• The reception, storage and maintenance of media and laboratory reagents.

Laboratory and Product Support:

To assist with essential laboratory and product support activities, as required from time to time, including:

• The safe disposal of laboratory waste
• The maintenance and organisation of Personal Protective Equipment
• The organisation and processing of laboratory glassware
• Preparation of Products for shipment
• Stock-takes and audits
• Office support

To participate in and support R&D activities as required from time to time.

Quality:

In collaboration with the Laboratory Quality Team, to maintain a high standard of work, and to contribute to developing the service of the laboratory so that service delivery is safe, effective, economical and follows best practice.

Ensure compliance with BS EN ISO 17025 accreditation and certification to ISO 9001 requirements.

Contribute to internal audit programmes and corrective actions. Take every opportunity to suggest quality improvements.

Support Services & Equipment:

Contribute to maintenance/acquisition of stock in order to ensure adequate service provision and continuity.

Financial and Business Management:

Support existing income generation activities. Notify any adverse incidents via the appropriate procedure. Place orders on the MAPS system for consumables from Stores, also laboratory items and equipment servicing from outside suppliers. Liaise with the Porton MAPS eam and resolve any issues arising over such orders. Prepare orders for media and deliver same to Media Production Department once signed.

The duties/responsibilities listed above describe the post as it is at present and is not intended to be exhaustive. The Job holder is expected to accept reasonable alterations and additional tasks of a similar level that may be necessary.

Essential Criteria:

• Qualifications equivalent to QCF (Qualification and Credit Framework, Level 6 or degree, or relevant comparable knowledge/experience.
• Relevant experience of working in a microbiology laboratory.
• Relevant experience of working with bacteriophage.
• Experience of working to written SOP within a formal quality management system.
• Understands quality assurance principles and procedures
• Knows and understands laboratory safety requirements and procedures.
• Evidence of interest in people and quality of service.
• High level of motivation and commitment to high standards.
• Able to convey ideas and opinions clearly and concisely, orally and in writing to staff at all levels.
• Able to prioritise work in a timely manner.

Desirable Criteria:

• HCPC registered.

Working for the UKHSA

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

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

• 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%

Job contact :

Name :
UKHSA Reed Recruitment
Email :
ukhsa.recruitment@reed.com

Recruitment team

Email :
ukhsa.recruitment@reed.com