# Research Scientist > NHS job listing from Job Clerk for UK Health Security Agency. ## Canonical URLs - **HTML:** https://www.jobclerk.com/job/research-scientist/7d4e0cf1-b989-4b7b-8535-994dd2d7aa88 - **Markdown:** https://www.jobclerk.com/job/research-scientist/7d4e0cf1-b989-4b7b-8535-994dd2d7aa88.md ## Summary - **Status:** Live - **Employer:** UK Health Security Agency - **Location:** Scientific Campus - **Workplace type:** onsite - **Profession:** Health science services - **Salary:** £33,422 - £40,731 per annum, pro rata - **Contract type:** Permanent - **Employment type:** Full time, Part time, Job share, Flexible working, 37.5 hours per week - **Closing date:** 2026-09-02T22:59:00.000Z - **Posted:** 2026-08-19T06:00:41.743Z - **Source information URL:** https://www.healthjobsuk.com/job/Porton/UK_Health_Security_Agency/Scientist/Scientist-v8195718 - **Application URL:** https://apps.trac.jobs/job-advert/8195718?ShowJobAdvert=&feedid=9002 - **Employer website:** https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/uk-health-security-agency ## Job Content ### Job overview We are now recruiting for a research scientist position within the Emerging Pathogen Serology group of UKHSA Porton Down. This role would suit a candidate with experience in assay development, preforming serological assays, sample receipt and processing, This post will involve projects focussed on emerging pathogens such as Flaviviruses, Lassa, and Monkeypox. Furthermore, it is expected that this position would involve, line management of placement students, supervision of junior staff, management of assay quality assurance as well as day-day operation of the laboratories. ### Main duties of the job - Perform a range of standard methods/assays/techniques in support of all activities associated with the project aimed to ensure project deliverables are met on time and within budget - Sample receipt, liaising with external partners about sample shipments, labelling up and processing of samples ready for testing - Serology testing for internal/external research projects, clinical trials or serosurveillance using a multitude of serology platforms such as ELISA, Roche e801, MSD and Luminex - Development of new assays, assay trouble shooting, assay validation, and implementation for routine use - Take responsibility for laboratory housekeeping and supervision of laboratories following necessary training - Record and provide data, perform analysis as necessary to meet project targets and for preparation of presentations and publications. - Ensure that the project operates to a high scientific standard - Liaise with external/internal collaborators about data, reports and publications - Undertake all assigned work in accordance with UKHSA's Risk Management Systems, policies and procedures - To perform any other duties required by the Line manager commensurate with grade - To ensure that the project team undertakes work in accordance with UKHSA Code of Safety Practice and to work within any Quality Systems that are applicable to the site - To comply with all UKHSA’s policies and procedures Please note this list is not exhaustive. ### Detailed job description and main responsibilities Essential role criteria: - Degree level educated in Biological Science or equivalent relevant experience of working in a laboratory - Prior laboratory experience within a research laboratory within ACDP CL2 research laboratory - Prior experience of working within a team - Experience of individual research projects - Experience of working within a regulated environment (e.g. ISO 9001) Desirable role criteria: - Prior laboratory experience working with serological platforms such as Luminex, MSD or Roche - Prior experience in working within a team involved in public health incident and responses Selection Process Details (Success Profiles) This vacancy is using Success Profiles and will assess your Experience, Behaviours, Strengths, and Technical skills. Stage 1: Application & Sift Success Profiles - GOV.UK You will be required to complete an application form. You will be assessed on the listed 5 essential criteria, and this will be in the form of a: - Application form (‘Employer/ Activity history’ section on the application) - 750 word supporting statement This should outline how you consider your skills, experience and knowledge provide evidence of your suitability for the role, with reference to the essential criteria. You will receive a joint score for your application form and statement. (Please note you will not be able to upload your CV. You must complete the application form in as much detail as possible. Please do not email us your CV). Healthjobs UK has a word limit of 1500, but your supporting statement must be no more than 750 words. Please do not exceed 750 words. Longlisting: In the event of a large number of applications we will longlist into 3 piles of: - Meets all essential criteria - Meets some essential criteria - Meets no essential criteria If used, the pile ‘Meets all essential criteria’ will proceed to shortlisting. Shortlisting: In the event of a large number of applications we will conduct an initial sift, on the lead criteria of: - Experience of working within a regulated environment (e.g. ISO 9001) - Degree level educated in Biological Science or equivalent relevant experience of working in a laborator Desirable criteria may be used in the event of a large number of applications/large amount of successful candidates. If you are successful at this stage, you will progress to interview. Feedback will not be provided at this stage. Stage 2: Interview You will be invited to a face to face interview in Porton. In exceptional circumstances, we may be able to offer a remote interview. Behaviours, Strengths and Technical skills will be tested at interview. The Behaviours tested during the interview stage will be: - Seeing the Big Picture - Working together(lead behaviour) - Changing and Improving Technical skills will be assessed by Technical based questions. Strengths will be assessed via strength based questions. Interviews dates to be confirmed. Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records. Additional Information Location This role is being offered as lab based at our Scientific Campus in Porton. Based at our scientific campus, 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. Please note hybrid working is not available for this role. Security Clearance Level Requirement Successful candidates must pass a basic disclosure and barring security check before they can be appointed. Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is Counter-Terrorist Check. Eligibility Criteria Open to all external applicants (anyone) from outside the Civil Service (including internal applicants). 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. ## Person Specification ### General **Essential** - Application form and supporting statement ### Strengths **Essential** - Strengths ### Behaviours **Essential** - Seeing the Big Picture - Working together(lead behaviour) - Changing and Improving ### Technical Skills **Essential** - Technical based questions ## Documents - [job advert (pdf, 376.7kb)](https://www.healthjobsuk.com/documents?vdoc=10527476) - [application form guidance notes (pdf, 77.3kb)](https://www.healthjobsuk.com/documents?edoc=1489) - [civil service nationality rules (pdf, 195.3kb)](https://www.healthjobsuk.com/documents?edoc=1488) - [civil service recruitment principles (pdf, 2.6mb)](https://www.healthjobsuk.com/documents?edoc=1487) - [working at ukhsa and your benefits (pdf, 219.2kb)](https://www.healthjobsuk.com/documents?edoc=2342) - [information sheet - selection process (pdf, 110.1kb)](https://www.healthjobsuk.com/documents?edoc=2299) - [information sheet - starting salaries and benefits (pdf, 129.4kb)](https://www.healthjobsuk.com/documents?edoc=1490) ## Agent Notes - This Markdown page is generated from the same Job Clerk job record as the HTML job detail page. - Use the canonical HTML URL for user-facing references. - Use the application URL when the user wants to apply on the source NHS site.