Protein Scientist - Antigen Research - Uk Health Security Agency

Protein Scientist - Antigen Research

HEO National - £30,473 - £37,215

Based at UKHSA Porton Down - full-time on-site.

Permanent Contract

An exciting HEO position is available within the Antigen Research Team. Candidates must have practical experience of working in a research environment. We require candidates to have a BSc and either an MSc or equivalent experience in a relevant research environment.

The successful candidate will be part of a research team developing vaccines and therapeutics against human pathogens. The team uses a variety of techniques in the fields of molecular biology, microbiology and protein chemistry to produce and assess antigens. The team also provides proteins to support the work of other UKHSA groups. The post holder will need excellent attention to detail and the ability to clearly record results. The successful candidate will have good verbal communication skills and be able to give input at meetings with stakeholders

Location

Based at UKHSA Porton Down - due to the nature of the post, 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:

• Implement and utilise a range of methods/assays/techniques in support of all activities associated with the project aimed to ensure project targets are met.
• Take responsibility for the provision of reagents and consumables required for project area.
• Assist the project team to identify, evaluate and adapt new technologies where appropriate and to ensure that the project operates to a high scientific standard using current methods
• Take responsibility for the supervision and training of staff/laboratories allocated to the project as required.
• Provide reports through analysis of data using software and databases as necessary, to meet project targets and for preparation of presentations and publications
• To perform any other duties required by the Line manager commensurate with grade
• To ensure that the project team undertakes work in accordance with applicable UKHSA Safety and Quality systems
• To maintain health and safety competence
• Take responsibility for ensuring the health and safety of the laboratory, procedures and laboratory users in line with UKHSA policies, Codes of Practice, SOPs and other good practice and guidance
• To achieve and maintain health and safety competence as a laboratory supervisor in line with UKHSA policies and guidance

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.

Essential Criteria:

It is important through your application and Statement of Suitability of 1250 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

• Educated to degree level in a relevant subject
• MSc OR equivalent experience in relevant area
• Good knowledge and practical familiarity with main techniques for project:

- Molecular Biology - gene cloning, use of plasmids, gel electrophoresis.

- Protein Expression, Purification, Characterisation - Including use of chromatography systems.

- Microbiology - culture and storage of common laboratory bacteria.

• Good understanding and experience of safe working practices.
• Clear communicator with excellent writing / laboratory notebook keeping skills.
• Experience of presenting work in a small group context.

Desirable

• PhD OR equivalent experience in relevant area
• Some knowledge and practical familiarity with any of the following:

- Molecular Biology - Mutagenesis, DNA fragment assembly, PCR.

- Protein Expression, Purification, Characterisation - Extensive experience of 'AKTA’ chromatography systems or similar. Use of a variety of chromatography media. Tangential flow filtration. Analytical size exclusion chromatography. Measurement of protein concentration. Enzyme activity assays. Biacore binding assays.

- Microbiology - Anaerobic as well as aerobic.