Deputy Lead, Antimicrobial Resistance & Mechanisms Service (ARMS)

Deputy Lead, Antimicrobial Resistance & Mechanisms Service (ARMS) TheAntimicrobial Resistance and Healthcare Associated Infections (AMRHAI) Reference Unit, within the Bacteriology Reference Department of the UKHSA Public Health Microbiology Reference Microbiology Division at Colindale, is the national reference laboratory for the investigation of antibiotic resistance in, and characterisation of healthcare-associated bacterial pathogens. AMRHAI seeks to define outbreaks and identify transmission pathways. We use established and developmental phenotypic and genotypic methods to identify and type isolates, to identify virulence markers and to determine their susceptibility to relevant antibiotics. Likely mechanisms of resistance are inferred by interpretive reading, and we offer molecular detection and confirmation of the genetic determinants of key resistances and monitor their dissemination. AMRHAI undertakes surveillance, advises on outbreak investigation, antimicrobial agents that may be appropriate therapy, and on any public health risk.

This post will also work closely with members of the AMR & HCAI Division within UKHSA's Epidemic & Emerging Infections Directorate, whose mission is to protect people from healthcare-associated and antimicrobial resistant infections through world-leading public health microbiology, outbreak response, surveillance, antimicrobial stewardship, modelling, research and evidence-based interventions.

Main duties of the job As an HCPC-registered Clinical Scientist or Biomedical Scientist, the post-holder will work between the AMRHAI Reference Unit and the AMR & HCAI Division, supporting the Lead Clinical Scientist, Antimicrobial Resistance & Mechanisms Service (ARMS) in providing leadership and expertise in delivery of national reference services for determination of antimicrobial susceptibility and molecular detection of resistance mechanisms of public health importance in healthcare-associated bacterial pathogens.

To support the Lead Clinical Scientist, ARMS and take delegated responsibility in:

• Delivery of reference services for ARMS including national reference services
• Provision of services that meet agreed quality standards
• Integration of existing and new technologies into improved service delivery
• Contributing to UKHSA committees and working groups, as required
• Actively seeking and managing scientific grants within area of expertise
• Maintaining and developing the national and international profile of ARMS, the AMRHAI Reference Unit and the AMR & HCAI Division

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.

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Job responsibilities Your key responsibilities will include:

General

To support the Lead Clinical Scientist, ARMS to:

• Ensure effective and timely delivery and advice on reference and specialist activities within ARMS remit.
• Provide effective scientific leadership with respect to provision of reference services for determination of antimicrobial susceptibility and molecular detection of antimicrobial resistance mechanisms of public health importance in healthcare-associated bacterial pathogens.
• Plan, develop, implement and direct long-term strategy of specialist areas. Adopt new technology and quality innovations to enhance the effectiveness of ARMS, the AMRHAI Reference Unit and the AMR & HCAI Division.

Technical Services

• To validate results on the Laboratory Information Management System and contribute to the development of information technology systems and databases as required, including appropriate databases.
• To work with relevant consultant medical microbiologists in the Public Health Microbiology Reference Services Division and AMR & HCAI Division to provide input into clinical interpretation and ensure prompt and accurate delivery of ARMS reference services.
• To use software packages as appropriate for word processing, presentations, data analysis, as well as specialist bioinformatics packages as required.
• To oversee evaluations of novel technologies for rapid detection of antimicrobial resistance, leading in the analysis of data generated, preparing reports for customers and papers for publication in peer-reviewed journals, and presenting findings at national and international meetings

Management of Staff

• To promote the personal and professional development of line managed staff through creation of personal development plans, regular performance review, and identification and meeting of training needs.
• To ensure junior staff and assigned visitors or trainees are competent to carry out the tasks given to them, ensuring that levels of supervision are sufficient.
• To develop and supervise postgraduate research projects and support the organisation of, and participating in, training programmes for staff and visitors.
• To support ARMS and the AMRHAI Unit Head in the management of the Unit budget.
• To manage the finances of relevant research projects and short-term contracts.

Quality / Governance

In collaboration with the Quality Team, to:

• Maintain a high standard of work and appraise and contribute to developing services so that they are safe, effective and economical and follow best practice.
• Work towards ensuring an efficient quality management system.
• Contribute to internal and external quality assurance programmes.
• Ensure compliance with accreditation and certification standards.
• Ensure the continual development and compliance of internal and external audit programmes and corrective actions.

To agree safety objectives with managed staff and to review performance at appraisal and support Senior Management Team in carrying out duties with respect to:

• Ensure health, safety and welfare of self, staff and visitors.
• Ensure relevant UKHSA health and safety policies and laboratory safety committee recommendations and actions are implemented.
• Ensure implementation of remedial actions resulting from safety inspections and audits.

Research and Development

• To offer leadership in all aspects of service development relating to the reference activities of the Section and in research and surveillance activities relevant to the pathogens within AMRHAIs and the AMR & HCAI Divisions remit.

UKHSA Committees and Working Parties

• To represent the AMRHAI Reference Unit on local or national committees as required.

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.

This vacancy will be assessed using a competency-based framework which will assess your knowledge and experience, and/or skills and abilities outlined in the essential criteria.

You will be required to complete an application form. You will be assessed on the 15 essential criteria listed, and this will be in the form of a:

• Application form (Employer/ Activity history section on the application)

1500-word Statement of Suitability

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.

The Application form and Statement of Suitability will be marked together.

Longlisting: In the event of a large number of applications we will longlist into 3 piles of:

• Meets all essentialcriteria

Meets some essential criteria

Piles Meets all essentialcriteria and Meets some essential criteriawill be moved through to the shortlisting stage.

Shortlisting: In the event of a large number of applications we will shortlist on:

• Registration with the Health and Care Professional Council (HCPC) as a Clinical Scientist or Biomedical Scientist specialising in microbiology and evidence of continuing professional development.
• Relevant higher degree (MSc/PhD) in Medical Microbiology/Molecular microbiology or a related discipline.
• Substantive postgraduate experience in the field of antimicrobial resistance with excellent working knowledge of antimicrobial susceptibility testing and resistance mechanisms in bacteria.

Please do not exceed 1500 words. We will not consider any words over and above this number. If you are successful at this stage, you will progress to an interview. Unfortunately, late applications will not be considered.

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.

Feedback will not be provided at this stage.

Stage 2: Interview (competency based)

You will be invited to a (single) face to face interview. In exceptional circumstances, we may be able to offer a remote interview.

Knowledge, experience, skills & abilities will be tested at interview.
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