Fixed term contract
We're currently seeking Associate Principal Scientists based in and around Warwickshire to work within a state of the art, high output diagnostics laboratory environment as part of the UK's NHS Test and Trace programme, helping society's return to a more normal way of life.
Gain invaluable experience and exposure to some of the country's most highly skilled individuals in the scientific community and join a supportive environment where training and accreditation (where relevant) will be provided for this role.
What you can expect:
The Principal Scientist will lead the day to day operational and technical delivery of two lab lines conducting the ultra-high throughput next generation sequencing of positive Covid samples for the assessment of variants, from sample accessioning of positive samples cherry-picked from the qPCR testing lines, RNA to cDNA conversion, amplification, next generation sequencing DNA library preparation, QC, pooling and subsequently genome sequencing through to data delivery.
The role holder will operate at a lab level to ensure all technical and scientific processes, equipment and resources are in place and provide the lead focal point for operational delivery of science to staff cohort. The role holder will be accountable for lab quality assurance, requiring a strong focus on critical thinking and problem-solving to guarantee processes are carried out according to the lab's Standard Operating Procedures. As the final point of escalation for scientific matters, an integral part of the role will be to effectively deal with any escalated risks and issues that occur during a set shift. The Principal Scientist will be required to provide daily reporting and support business strategies and KPIs.
What we're looking for:
Biomedical Science degree
Evidence of Continual Professional Development
Experience training and supervising staff in a laboratory setting
Extensive experience in using a variety of PCR methods and using end-point PCR methods
Excellent communication and problem-solving skills.
Can work with minimal supervision
In return:
You will receive a minimum 18-month contract with opportunity to go permanent and competitive rate of pay and a 10% retention payment (paid at 9 and 18 months). Please note, successful candidates will be required to spend a minimum 3 weeks in training working flexible day patterns (including some weekends) before transitioning onto your shift. Additional benefits include Company Sick Pay, Covid Sick Pay and Overtime Pay.
Working hours and shift times
The role will work on rotating day, 4 on/4 off shift pattern (including some weekend work) with staggered start times.
For further information on shift patterns and start / end times, please speak to the team to learn more.
Compliance checks
Please be aware that Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) including a media check is the required level of screening for all staff working at the Leamington Spa Laboratory.
Diversity at NHS Test and Trace
You will be joining a diverse and hugely welcoming team that reflects the communities we serve. We aim to foster a culture where individuals of all backgrounds feel confident in bringing their whole selves to work, feel included and empowering them to contribute fully at work.
If you're ready for a new challenge and want to be part of the team delivering this essential lab work, please apply today.
Please note: Impellam Group is working in partnership with NHS Test and Trace, so you will be employed on a fixed-term employment basis with an Employing Agency (either SRG, Medacs, Lorien or Blue Arrow) within Impellam Group, in line with contractual employment terms and conditions set out by the respective Employing Agency, and not directly employed by NHS Test and Trace.