Scientific Facilities Project Support Officer

Job summary

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has been set up to provide health security and health protection for the nation by protecting from infectious disease and external hazards. We will act like no other organisation previously to mitigate threats to health before they materialise. UKHSA will build the nation's health resilience and security, strengthening our ability to detect and monitor infectious diseases and external threats to health. Using robust evidence and world-leading expertise, we will go deeper to analyse threats to health, and how best to prevent and control them. UKHSA will ensure a system-wide response in partnership with local authorities, NHS, academia, global professional institutes, and industry.

The role of the Project Support Officer covers a diverse range of activities to support the delivery of the project's objectives, which will typically be moderate in complexity. You will enable the smooth running of the project by supporting Project Managers through the operation of project management processes, and the co-ordination of business management actions and engineering and construction activities on their behalf. Due to the nature of the projects undertaken, this role can only be worked on site at Porton Down.

Main duties of the job

Specific duties will vary depending on current focuses, but examples of these will include:

• Implement and maintain systems to enable effective planning and scheduling for the project
• Implement and maintain project and engineering controls
• Produce project status reports, performance data and research new information
• Manage and monitor compliance of the project in line with UKHSA guidelines and legislation, including Construction, Health and Safety, Equality and Diversity, and Security
• Support the Project Managers with workforce planning
• Manage the procurement of project supplies and services within Delegated Financial Authority limits
• Build and maintain strong professional relationships with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders
• Draft and sign off correspondence
• Act as point of contact for project responses to requests for information and signpost accordingly
• Monitor project spend, compile budgets, and support the development of business cases
• Maintain the project asset register
• Maintain the project risk and issues log, working with risk managers to resolve issues and escalating where appropriate
• An active member of the UKHSA Project Delivery Profession Community

Please note this list is not exhaustive.

About us

We pride ourselves as being an employer of choice, where Everyone Matters promoting equality of opportunity to actively encourage applications from everyone, including groups currently underrepresented in our workforce.

UKHSA ethos is to be an inclusive organisation for all our staff and stakeholders. To create, nurture and sustain an inclusive culture, where differences drive innovative solutions to meet the needs of our workforce and wider communities. We do this through celebrating and protecting differences by removing barriers and promoting equity and equality of opportunity for all.

Please visit our careers site for more information https://gov.uk/ukhsa/careers

Details

• Date posted: 22 July 2026
• Pay scheme: Other
• Salary: £33,422 to £40,731 a year per annum, pro rata
• Contract: Permanent
• Working pattern: Full-time, Part-time, Job share, Flexible working
• Reference number: 919-TG-309419-EXT
• Job locations: Scientific Campus, Porton, SP4 0JG, United Kingdom

Job responsibilities

Essential role criteria:

• Experience of working in a project and/or programme environment in the construction or engineering sector
• Knowledge and experience of recognised project management methodologies, supported by relevant qualifications (e.g. APM PFQ, PRINCE2 Foundation, CAPM or equivalent) and/or demonstrable experience working within a structured project environment, preferably in the construction, engineering, infrastructure, or capital projects sectors
• Ability to work in a changing IT environment, and to learn new skills easily. Strong capability in using Microsoft Office applications, including Excel and PowerPoint
• Proven ability to take ownership of tasks and progress work independently, identifying priorities and acting without the need for close supervision
• Works well under pressure, effectively manages multiple tasks, in a fast-paced and ambiguous environment, with a keen attention to detail
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to challenge effectively and professionally to ensure the correct information is presented at the right level and at the correct time
• Ability to collate, analyse and interpret information and/or data
• Strong interpersonal skills, and the ability to develop effective relationships with a wide range of stakeholders
• An understanding of and commitment to equality of opportunity and good working relationships, both in terms of day to day working practices, and in relation to management system

Desirable role criteria:

• Capable of creativity and innovation to resolve novel issues and problems
• High level of organisational, time management and prioritisation skills to manage own workload and conflicting demands

Selection ProcessDetails(SuccessProfiles)

This vacancy is usingSuccessProfiles and will assess your Experience and Behaviours.

Stage 1: Application & Sift

SuccessProfiles - GOV.UK

You will be required to complete an application form. You will be assessed on the listed 9 essential criteria, and this will be in the form of a:

Application form (Employer/ Activity history section on the application) 1000 word supporting statement

This should outline how you consider your skills, experienceand knowledgeprovide 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).

HealthjobsUK has a word limit of 1500, but your supporting statement must be no more than1000words. Please do not exceed1000words.

Longlisting: In the event ofa large number ofapplicationswewilllonglistinto 3 piles of:

• Meets allessentialcriteria

• Meets someessentialcriteria

• Meets no essential criteria

If used, the pile(s) Meets allessentialcriteria willproceedto 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 in a project and/or programme environment in the construction or engineering sector
• Knowledge and experience of recognised project management methodologies, supported by relevant qualifications (e.g. APM PFQ, PRINCE2 Foundation, CAPM or equivalent) and/or demonstrable experience working within a structured project environment, preferably in the construction, engineering, infrastructure, or capital projects sector

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

Success Profiles - GOV.UK

You will be invited to a face to face interview at our site in Porton Down, Salisbury. In exceptional circumstances, we may be able to offer a remote interview. Behaviours and Strengths will be tested at interview. The Behaviours tested during the interview stage will be:

• Changing and improving
• Managing a Quality Service
• Working together
• Making Effective Decisions (lead behaviour)
• Communicating and influencing

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 office based at our Scientific Campus in Porton Down.

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 Security Check.

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 5 years as the role requires Security Check (SC) clearance. 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.

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.