Senior Scientist – Bacteriophage Therapy

Job summary The Antimicrobial Discovery Development and Diagnostics (AD3) team support the evaluation of new therapeutic approaches and other interventions for antimicrobial resistance (AMR).We are looking for a Senior Scientist - Bacteriophage Therapy to lead a new project at UKHSA.
The work, which is part of a large interdisciplinary project with other collaborators, will explore novel treatment approaches for people with Cystic Fibrosis, focussing on the development of phage therapy approaches for chronic infection.The post-holder will have knowledge and practical experience of supporting clinicians in the use of phage on a compassionate use basis and will have an in depth knowledge of phage biology, susceptibility testing methods and therapeutic use.
In addition, the post-holder will work with existing staff at UKHSA to help develop and implement rapid phage susceptibility test methods and apply these to the selection and use of phage for therapeutic applications, supporting future clinical applications.
Main duties of the job Your key responsibilities will include: Provide advice to guide clinicians in the potential use of phage therapy to treat infections.Work with others to generate susceptibility test data to confirm likely efficacy of bacterial isolates to phage.Coordinate the supply of phage through manufacturers in the UK or abroad and working with NHS Pharmacy services to import and dispense phage, where required.
Work with other colleagues at UKHSA to develop and evaluate rapid phage susceptibility tests to support phage use in the clinic.
Collect and collate data on case studies to help build an evidence base for the effectiveness of phage therapy in individual patients.Contribute to a wider programme of work looking to support the translation of phage towards clinical applications in the UK.
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 Job description Job responsibilities The recent Parliamentary Inquiry on the suitability of phage as antimicrobials made a series of recommendations which are supported by UKHSA.
Within that overall remit, the current post aims to support clinicians being able to access phage for use on a compassionate basis.
The post holder will act as an interface between clinicians requesting phage to treat their patient and one of a number of bodies which can supply phage suitable for this clinical use, with an emphasis on chronic respiratory infections in the first instance.
The initial phase of the work relates to a specific project, led by the University of Liverpool.
The post-holder will expand the service, working with others at UKHSA to help facilitate compassionate use access to phage for other infections and to lay the foundation for expanded use of phage in future studies.
Essential criteria You will be assessed on the below 4 essential criteria, which have been selected from the Job Description: Practical experience in supporting clinicians being able to access and use phage for treatment of patients on a compassionate use basis.
Significant experience in the evaluation of phage susceptibility in clinical isolates Experience of external collaboration with clinicians, phage manufacturers and NHS Pharmacy services Excellent communication skills Selection Process Details This vacancy is using Success Profiles and will assess your Behaviours, Experience and Technical skills.
Stage 1: Application & Sift You will be required to complete an application form.
You will be assessed on the above listed four essential criteria, and this will be in the form of a: an Application form (Employer/ Activity history section on the application) a 1,000 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.
Unfortunately, late applications will not be considered.
If you are successful at this stage, you will progress to interview & assessment.
Please do not exceed 1000 words.
We will not consider any words over and above this number.
Feedback will not be provided at this stage.
Stage 2: Interview (Success Profiles) You will be invited to a remote interview.
Behaviours, Experience and Technical skills will be tested at interview.
The Behaviours tested during the interview stage will be: Changing and Improving Making Effective Decisions Leadership Communicating and Influencing Working together The advert will close at 23:55hrs on 25th November 2024.
Unfortunately, late applications will not be considered.
Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available.
You may want to save a copy for your records.
Location This is a lab-based role located at Porton Down, SP4 0JG.
Please note Hybrid is not an option for this post.
Eligibility Criteria Open to all external applicants (anyone) from outside the Civil Service (including by definition internal applicants) Security clearance level requirement Successful candidates must pass a disclosure and barring security check.
Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed.
The level of security needed is Basic Personnel Security Standard / Counter-terrorist Check.
You will be required to have a Counter Terrorism Check (CTC) security vetting check as a minimum.
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 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.
Person Specification Application Form & Statement of Suitability Essential Application Form & Statement of Suitability Behaviours Essential Changing and Improving Making Effective Decisions Leadership Communicating and Influencing Working together