Technical Manager - Genomics Division - UK Health Security Agency

Technical Manager - Genomics Division

Civil Service Grade 7 (National) £51,824 - £61,414

Based at Bristol Southmead Laboratory

Permanent Contract

The Infection Sciences department at North Bristol NHS Trust is formed from a collaboration between the UK Health Security Agency and North Bristol NHS Trust (Severn Pathology). This is a busy and forward-looking laboratory that receives 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 North Bristol NHS Trust 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 and the proximity of the motorway network makes an ideal base for travel to London, the Midlands, Wales and the coastal resorts of the Southwest.

The UKHSA/NBT collaboration employs approximately 200 staff performing a range of diagnostic, public health and research activities, including high containment level work.

We are seeking a highly skilled individual with expertise in Whole/Next Generation Sequencing, molecular biology, and the development of molecular diagnostic assays. The successful candidate will offer technical and scientific leadership, overseeing the local management, advancement, and execution of Pathogen Genomics services in line with the UKHSA Genomics Division’s objectives. This role involves spearheading the introduction and adoption of innovative methods and technologies within the Pathogen Genomics unit at the UKHSA Bristol Laboratory.

Location

Based at Bristol Southmead Laboratory - due to the nature of the role, you will be expected to be based on-site on a full-time basis

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

Working Pattern - Full Time,

Responsibilities section:

The job holder will be required to carry out the following responsibilities, activities and duties:

• To represent the Genomics Division at the UKHSA Bristol laboratory in local and national expert committees.
• To apply and develop, in line with the local, regional, and national UKHSA Genomics strategy and financial framework, methods for the surveillance of the molecular epidemiology for infections of public health importance.
• To maintain and support the IT resources in Genomics at the UKHSA Bristol laboratory.
• In collaboration with the appropriate Leads, 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.
• 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.

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.

Please see job description attached for full list of duties and competencies associated with the post.

Essential Criteria:

It is important through your application and Statement of Suitability of 1200 words that you give evidence and examples of proven experience of each of the essential criteria (for full details of all essential criteria please refer to the attached job description):

Essential

• Honours degree in relevant science e.g. Virology/Medical Microbiology & MSc in Virology or Microbiology
• Extensive postgraduate practical, technical, and theoretical experience in Medical Microbiology and Medical Laboratory Sciences
• Good and demonstrable working knowledge and competency in Pathogen Genomics and Sequencing
• Demonstrable experience of project management skills and leading complex projects
• Experience of molecular microbiological techniques and their application including Genomics.
• Problem solving skills and ability to respond to sudden unexpected demands

Desirable

• 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
• Proven record of research in relevant areas including significant/relevant publications

If you are HCPC registered, you will have the option of voluntary transfer to Agenda for Change terms and conditions. If you are not HCPC registered, you will be employed on Civil Service terms and conditions. HCPC registration is not essential for this post.