Scientist (SIREN Study) EO

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is responsible for protecting every member of every community from the impact of infectious diseases, chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear incidents, and other health threats. We provide intellectual, scientific, and operational leadership at national and local level, as well as on the global stage, to make the nation’s health secure. 

Research & Evaluation department, based at UKHSA Porton, is the UK’s largest capability for the handling of dangerous human pathogens and animal modelling of infectious diseases. The capability is used to understand pathogenesis and undertake pre-clinical development and assessment of new vaccines and therapeutics. The capability is also used to undertake studies in microbiological aerobiology, decontamination, and detection, and to develop diagnostic assays for clinical and research use. Studies are focussed on high priority activities including: SARS-CoV-2, Ebola, Zika, Crimean Congo Haemorrhagic Fever, Lassa, Anthrax, Tuberculosis, Monkeypox, Influenza, Meningococcal disease, and many more. 

Within the Research department of UKHSA Porton Down sits our Emerging Pathogen Serology group. This group was established to build a high throughput SARS-CoV-2 serosurveillance service during the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in supporting >60 different research projects, clinical trials or serosurveillance studies, and over >50 publications. To date, the lab has performed >1,000,000 serology tests since its inception, with this capability growing with expansion into different emerging pathogens to support and respond to the recent incidents such as Lassa Fever and Monkeypox. We will continue to develop assays against emerging pathogens as required, and to develop, evaluate, and implement serology immunoassays for pathogens detailed in CEPI’s 100-day mission. The Emerging Pathogen Serology group of UKHSA Porton will be recruiting two scientist positions to support with the groups service and research serology testing for projects such as the UKHSA SIREN study, a longitudinal healthcare worker cohort established to study SARS-CoV-2. 

As the Scientist your main responsibilities will include: 

• Perform a range of standard serology methods/assays/technique in support of all activities associated with the role aimed to ensure project deliverables are met on time and within budget
• Take responsibility for the provision of laboratory reagents and consumables required for the project and document storage of materials generated.
• Take responsibility for laboratory housekeeping and supervision of a laboratory following necessary training (see optional duties).
• Record and provide data, perform analysis as necessary to meet project targets and for preparation of presentations and publications. 

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 refer to the extended job advert for essential and desirable criteria. All applications must be submitted through the specific job application portal by the closing data, late applications or those submitted via email will not be accepted. This position is advertised as fixed term, but with likely extension. 

Informal enquiries can be made to the principal investigator; Dr Ash Otter (Ashley.otter@ukhsa.gov.uk).

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