graduate rotational programme jobs

The Infection Sciences department at North Bristol NHS Trust is formed from a collaboration between the UKHSA and North Bristol NHS Trust (NBT) part of Severn Pathology. This is a busy and forward-looking laboratory receiving in excess of 1.3 million specimens a year from a large number of clinical specialties located within Bristol and Bath hospital trusts, and beyond, which contribute to an interesting and varied workload. The laboratory is located within NBT and is a new, modern and fully automated laboratory incorporating state of the art equipment. It lies within easy reach of the city of Bath and surrounding villages. We have close links with our host Trusts as well as both Universities in Bristol. The UKHSA/NBT collaboration employs approximately 200 staff performing a range of diagnostic, public health and research activities, including high containment level work.

The post holder will provide senior scientific input in the development and delivery of next generation sequencing (NGS) services in the Bristol sequencing laboratory. They will provide supervision for the day-to-day running of the NGS laboratory, while acting as part of the team, performing the tests being carried out and ensure essential laboratory-based duties are covered and services are adequately maintained.

The post holder will be expected to maintain and apply their up-to-date knowledge of genomic sequencing technologies & science to support the delivery of high-quality services and a cycle of continuous improvement. This role supports the Technical Manager to ensure high standards of safety, quality and training are maintained, supporting the daily workflow of the laboratory, and the recording of results.

This role is working 37.5 hours per week to include work on Saturdays, Sundays and Public Holidays on a rotational basis. To participate in the provision of extended and/or out of hours services when required.

Working for your organisation

• To provide professional leadership and line management to staff for whom they are accountable, leading by example and in a manner which will encourage the development of a positive working environment.
• To follow agreed UKHSA protocols and policies.
• Perform manual and automated laboratory techniques following Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), with leading expertise in NGS.
• Supervise the daily workflows of NGS services on a rotational basis, provide supervision of staff or persons seconded to the laboratory.
• To participate in and carry out formal staff appraisal(s) to agreed UKHSA deadlines.
• To provide senior scientific support for the Bristol services, with leadership and expertise in Genomics
• To provide advice and prepare proposals that contribute to enhancing the effectiveness of the work and achieving laboratory objectives.

• To report finalised sequencing results to service users (HCPC Registered staff only).
• To support the development of a flexible team by fostering staff training, development and rotation.
• To assess, initiate and monitor appropriate action when a situation may cause service delivery delay or failure.
• Foster good relationships with other departments and establishments including supporting staff rotation or secondments.
• To have responsibility for organising and supervising laboratory workflows, assigned on a rotational basis in line with service demands.
• With the designated Laboratory Caldicott Guardian, Data Protection Officer and Security of Information Officer, to ensure confidentiality and conformity to the requirements of the Data Protection Act.
• To identify new and support existing income generation activities.
• To write, prepare, review and comply with standard documents and draft SOPs as required.
• To review and analyse data to ensure it is suitable for release to customers.

Management of Staff - To ensure, with others, efficient and effective management of technical, scientific, support workers and clerical staff as appropriate in accordance with UKHSA policies and procedures, including:

• Manage day to day work, ensuring sufficient levels of competency in NGS services are maintained by liaising with the technical manager and other senior staff and supporting a training programme.

Financial management

• To assist in the maintenance and development of the Laboratory service within the resources available.

Technical Services

• To maintain professional competence and be aware of relevant developments in appropriate technologies.
• To be responsible for maintaining, reviewing and developing NGS services in accordance with UKHSA policy and for the accurate performance of all procedures.
• To ensure accurate and timely provision of laboratory results for release to users.

Management of Support Services and Equipment

• To be responsible for the acquisition of agreed equipment, software and hardware purchases and ensuring maintenance of equipment and evaluation of new robotic technologies before service use.
• Support the development and maintenance of the Laboratory Information Management system

Strategy and Leadership

• To provide effective scientific leadership particularly with respect to service delivery by supporting the technical manager in the daily provision of services.
• Contribute to key laboratory and directorate plans and strategies.

Teaching

• To provide training leadership for staff of the laboratory ensuring all staff are fully competent in relevant areas of work.

Quality

• Ensure compliance with UKAS and other accreditation and certificate standards.
• To help to maintain laboratory accreditation (e.g., with UKAS or its successors) and help maintain other agreed national and international standards.

Information Technology

• Manage the use of the laboratory information system (LIMS) and use the LIMS system from sample entry to result entry.
• To be responsible for the reporting of sequencing results to service users (HCPC Registered staff only).
• To use software packages as appropriate for word processing, presentations, data analysis.

Safety

• Ensure relevant UKHSA health and safety policies and laboratory safety committee recommendations and actions are implemented.
• Ensuring health, safety and welfare of self, staff, and visitors.

Professional Development

• You should pursue a programme of continuous professional development in accordance with any relevant statutory requirements, while maintaining appropriate awareness of service provider requirements.
• To participate in all mandatory training as required, i.e., fire safety, information governance and all other mandatory training.

Essential Criteria

• Post-graduate degree in a medical/microbiology/biological science discipline (or equivalent experience working in a laboratory with Next Generation/ Third Generation Sequencing technologies).
• Relevant professional qualification i.e., registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) as Biomedical Scientist
• Maintain CPD Portfolio
• Extensive knowledge and experience of at least one of the specialist areas of the laboratory
• Proven record of supporting next generation sequencing (NGS) services, and automation in relevant areas
• Training and supervising a team
• Able to provide/receive highly complex information, negotiate and present to peers/customers/others
• Ability to negotiate on difficult and controversial issues including performance and change
• Problem solving skills and ability to respond to sudden unexpected demands
• Ability to analyse complex facts and situations and develop a range of options
• Ability to prioritise work in a timely manner
• Evidence of using technical experience to assess new and existing technologies and processes to innovate and initiate change in laboratory practice
• Ability to undertake evaluation of new NGS services to allow efficient service delivery
• Demonstrated capability to plan over short, medium and long-term timeframes and adjust plans and resource requirements accordingly
• Ability to prioritise own work effectively and be able to direct activities of others. Experience of managing and motivating a team and reviewing performance of individuals.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft office with intermediate keyboard skills

Desirable criteria:

• Substantive experience in Public Health genetic methods
• Comprehensive experience of project principal techniques and tools

• Learning and development tailored to your role
• An environment with flexible working options
• A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity

This role is offered under Agenda for Change (AFC) Terms and Conditions.

• If you are already on AFC T&Cs or accept the role on a fixed-term contract, you will be enrolled in the NHS Pension Scheme or keep your current AFC Pension.
• If you take the role on a loan or temporary promotion, you will retain your existing substantive T&Cs.
• If the role is available under either AFC or Civil Service T&Cs depending on your registration, your pension scheme will align accordingly.

Job contact :

• Name : Gurkamal Bhambra
• Email : gurkamal.bhambra@ukhsa.gov.uk

Recruitment team

• Email : recruitment@ukhsa.gov.uk