Project Team Leader Phage

Posting date:	14 May 2026
Salary:	£41,983.00 to £48,128.00 per year
Additional salary information:	£41983.00 - £48128.00 a year
Hours:	Full time
Closing date:	28 May 2026
Location:	Porton, SP4 0JG
Company:	NHS Jobs
Job type:	Contract
Job reference:	K9919-26-0153

Summary

Experience of working with ACDP2 pathogens and performing antimicrobial susceptibility testing is essential, with experience working with bacteriophage and/or working in a clinical laboratory desirable. A degree in a relevant subject (e.g. Biomedical Science, Microbiology, Biology) is essential, while an IBMS accredited degree, is highly desirable. Demonstrable interest in the discovery or development of novel antimicrobial therapies is essential, either through project wet-lab work, modules taken in a degree, or knowledge gained through research in the area.Experience of supervising junior staff is essential and it is expected that the post holder will contribute to developing the scientific direction of the work. Experience of grant writing and a proven ability to write publications are essential. Although not essential the post would suit a Clinical Scientist with recent registration or a Biomedical Scientist with a significant portfolio of relevantexperience.Good organisational and communication skills are essential, as the post holder will be working as part of a dynamic team, with a range of academic andindustrial partners. Appropriate further training and personal professional development will be positively encouraged. Responsibilities: Lead the project team or project area to ensure that the project operates to a high scientific standard using current methods. Lead the team in developing and validating novel phage susceptibility methods. 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. Responsibility for the provision of reagents and consumables required for the project and documented storage of materials generated. Establish links and collaborations within and outside the UKHSA as necessary to benefit the project and/or department. Take lead responsibility for the supervision and training of junior staff allocated to the project, including line management of junior staff. Provide reports through analysis of data using software and databases as necessary, to meet project targets and lead on preparation of presentations andpublications. To perform any other duties required by the Line manager and the Head of CDEP, commensurate with grade. Undertake all assigned work in accordance with the UKHSAs Risk Management Systems, policies, and procedures. To undertake work in accordance with UKHSAs Health and Safety policies and procedures and to work within any Quality Systems that are applicable to thesite. To fulfil the requirements of UKHSA Behaviours Ensure lab supervisors within team achieve and maintain health and safety competence as lab supervisors in line with UKHSA policy and guidance. To achieve and maintain own and teams health and safety competence set out in UKHSA Policies. To comply with all UKHSA policies and procedures The above is only an outline of the tasks, responsibilities and outcomes required of the role. You will carry out any other duties as may reasonably berequired by your line manager. The job description and person specification may be reviewed on an ongoing basis in accordance with the changing needs of the department and UKHSA. It should be noted that the work of the department is of a confidential nature and must not be communicated to other persons except where required forauthorised purposes This list is not exhaustive. Essential criteria : Biomedical or Biological Science BSc and Relevant PhD or equivalent qualification/experience in a microbiological research setting Practical experience in the evaluation of antimicrobial therapies, including phage Experience of working in a ACDP containment level 2 laboratory environment Experience of grant writing Excellent communication skills Experience of working flexibly and independently within a team Desirable criteria: Registration (or working towards registration) as a Biomedical Scientist or Clinical Scientist Molecular microbiology skills Experience of working with bacteriophage Bioinformatics skills Experience engaging with external stakeholders Publication record Experience or understanding of working within a regulated environment (e.g., ISO9001, GCP) Selection Process Details (Competency based) This vacancy will be assessed using a competency-based framework which will assess your qualifications, knowledge and experience and / or skills and abilities outlined in the essential criteria. Stage 1: Application & Sift Competency Based You will be required to complete an application form. You will be assessed on the listed 6 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, 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. (The application form is the kind of information you would put into your C.V please be advised you will not be able to upload your CV. Please 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 1000 words. We will not consider any words over 1000 words. Longlisting: In the event of a large number of applications we may 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 may conduct an initial sift, on the lead criteria of : Biomedical or Biological Science BSC and Relevant PhD or equivalent qualification/experience in a microbiological research setting Practical experience in the evaluation of antimicrobial therapies, including phage 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 & assessment. Feedback will not be provided at this stage. Stage 2: Interview Competency Based You will be invited to a single remote interview. Knowledge, experience, skills & abilities will be tested at interview You will be required to do 10 minute presentation on a research project you have led. Please note, further information about the presentation will be shared with candidates successful at getting to interview stage. Location This role is being offered as lab based at our site in Porton. 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. If based at one of our labs, you will be required to have a Counter Terrorism Check security vetting check as a minimum. Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is Counter-terrorist 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 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. Eligibility Criteria External 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. Civil Service: Senior Executive Officer (SEO) £41983 - £48128 per annum, pro rata