Specialist Inspector of Health and Safety - Molecular Biology (Band 3 / SEO)

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE)’s Microbiology and Biotechnology Unit has an unrivalled history of progress towards securing control of both existing and emerging risks in the life sciences. Respected internationally for our independent status and integrity, it has a long-standing reputation for technical expertise which can be applied to deliver effective, proportionate solutions – enabling work with hazardous microorganisms and genetically modified organisms to be managed safely.
The growth of the life sciences is a priority for government. We offer a real opportunity to influence the development of the sector by:
+ Promoting standards of safety that are proportionate to the risks and that reassure the public that appropriate controls are in place;
+ Keeping pace with change and anticipating, and tackling new safety challenges, to enable the science and technology to develop, for example in areas like synthetic biology.
This is your opportunity to be part of the future of the life sciences and to make a difference using your knowledge and skills whilst continuing your development within the unique variety and depth of challenge that HSE offers you.
Part time working hours are available for this role. We can accept part time applicants who can commit to working a minimum of 0.8 FTE Per week., Your role will vary enormously in terms of task and pace, ranging from laboratory site inspections to technical reports. Using your specialist knowledge, you will contribute to the delivery of HSE’s strategy (Protecting people and places: HSE strategy 2022 to 2032) by:
+ Carrying out inspections of facilities handling the most hazardous microorganisms and genetically modified organisms (GMOs) as part of HSE’s national intervention programme, as well as inspection of facilities handling animal pathogens under the Specified Animal Pathogens Order, on behalf of Defra and the Scottish, and Welsh governments;
+ Investigating accidents, incidents and dealing with concerns raised about the safe use of microorganisms and GMOs;
+ Taking enforcement action, including preparing technical reports and expert evidence in legal proceedings;
+ Undertaking technical reviews of submissions and risk assessments to work with hazardous microorganisms and GMOs;
+ Providing specialist advice on health and safety matters associated with your topic of biosafety within HSE, to other parts of government, research and industry, and other stakeholders;
+ Advising on the risk and control of new and emerging infectious diseases in the workplace, eg for healthcare and agricultural workers; and
+ Developing technical guidance and delivering technical training to a range of audiences., From day one, you will be supported by your manager and colleagues to understand your role in HSE, in addition to supporting your continuing professional development.
As this is a Specialist Inspector role you will undergo a Specialist Training Programme (STP). This is a two-year training programme which includes in-depth legal training and assessment on occupational health and safety during your probationary period. You will be required to complete and pass the full programme. There will also be further technical training relating to regulation of major hazards to be completed alongside on the job training to become an established practitioner., You will also be asked to provide a 1250 word Personal Statement demonstrating how you meet the essential skills and criteria detailed in the person specification.
Application Guidance
Please access the following link for guidance on how to apply and how to complete a Personal Statement https://www.civil-service-careers.gov.uk/how-to-apply/
Sift Information
At sift, we will check that you meet the qualification criteria and assess you on your CV and your Personal Statement. Please note the CV and Personal Statement will be assessed together and so you will receive a combined score.
The sift will take place the week commencing 7th October 2024.
Interview Information
At Interview, you will be assessed on the below.
+ An interview
+ A presentation
+ A written exercise
You will be provided with the presentation subject in advance of your interview. The written exercise will be provided to you on the day of the interview.
The interview is designed so we can assess your technical knowledge/skills and behaviours listed within this advert.
Interviews take place in person at the Leeds office. These will be held during week commencing 4th November 2024.
AI Tools & Platforms
During the application process candidates are allowed to utilise AI (artificial intelligence) platforms and Tools to support them in writing their Behaviours, CV’s and Personal Statements. However, all information submitted must be factually accurate. This includes presenting the ideas and experience of others, or those generated by artificial intelligence, as your own. All presented information will be assessed at the Interview Stage.
Security Clearance
Due to the nature of security checks undertaken, applicants must have 3 years continuous residency in the UK up to the date of the application and, Home Office approval for indefinite leave to remain within the UK.
Further Information
Please note that a Reserve List will be held for the period of up to 12 months.
Sponsorship
This role is not open to application from those who will require sponsorship under the points based system. Should you apply for this role and require sponsorship your application will be rejected, and any provisional offers of employment will be withdrawn.
It is the candidate’s responsibility to ensure they are aware of the terms and conditions they will adopt should they be successful in their application. For a summary of HSE terms and conditions as part of Civil Service Reform, please see the attached HSE Terms and Conditions document.
HSE is proud to be a part of the Disability Confidence Scheme (DCS). As a Disability Confident employer, we positively welcome applications from disabled people. We are committed to making workplace adjustments to ensure anyone can participate in the recruitment and selection process.
We offer a guaranteed interview scheme for all disabled applicants who provide evidence of meeting the minimum requirements necessary for the post.
If, during the application or interview process, you require any assistance due to a disability or a medical condition, please contact us at the email address below to discuss how we can support you. For example if you have a disability, and you need an application form in an alternative format or you would like to know more about our recruitment process, please contact: hr.resourcing-team@hse.gov.uk.
If successful in securing your role, HSE can provide suitable workplace adjustments to support you throughout your career with HSE.
Any move to HSE from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. This includes moves between government departments. You may however be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax Free Childcare. Determine your eligibility at here.
Please note, if you are a current civil servant and you are currently undergoing any of the following formal actions your application will not be progressed any further; Formal discipline action, any formal action regarding attendance, poor performance or any restriction of duties as a result of disciplinary action.
Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.

Security
Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.
Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is security check (opens in a new window).See our vetting charter (opens in a new window).
People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.

Nationality requirements
This job is broadly open to the following groups:
+ UK nationals
+ nationals of the Republic of Ireland
+ nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
+ nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window)
+ nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
+ individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
+ Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service
Further information on nationality requirements (opens in a new window)

Working for the Civil Service
The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.
We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window).
The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.
The Civil Service also offers a Redeployment Interview Scheme to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the advertised vacancy.

Diversity and Inclusion
The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see the Civil Service People Plan (opens in a new window) and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy (opens in a new window).

We are looking for a high calibre Molecular Biologist who can, under challenge, think strategically, identify underlying core issues, and engage at different levels both with colleagues, scientists and at the most senior levels within an organisation. You will be decisive and able to influence those organisations to bring about improvements.
To be effective in this role you will need to have:
+ Strong communication skills to influence change at all levels in the organisations we regulate;
+ Sound analytical skills to identify underlying gaps and deficiencies related to biosafety;
+ Initiative and decisiveness, making sound decisions based on available evidence;
+ Good organisational and planning skills taking responsibility for delivering expected outcomes on time and to the required standard;
+ The ability to work collaboratively as part of a multi-disciplinary team, maintaining positive professional working relationships with colleagues and stakeholders; and
+ The ability to write effectively, including technical reports and to present complex technical information in a clear and concise way for a non-technical audience., + In-depth sound knowledge of a range of modern molecular/GM techniques as applied to a relevant area of molecular biology (e.g., molecular biology, microbiology, virology, immunology, genomics/genetics or cell biology);
+ Extensive practical experience of a range of modern molecular/GM techniques applied in a relevant molecular biology area (e.g., microbiology, virology, immunology, genomics/genetics, or cell biology);
+ A track record of relevant peer-reviewed publications;
+ An understanding of the safe operation within a CL2, CL3 or CL4 laboratory environment; and
+ Ability to secure, maintain and develop relevant technical expertise (e.g., up-to-date knowledge of molecular methodologies) and ability to become proficient in other technical aspects relevant to the work of the unit (e.g., high containment laboratories, risk assessment).
At HSE, we are proud to be able to offer our people the opportunity to work in a hybrid way which combines working from home and the office. If hybrid working is suitable for you and your role, the arrangements will be determined primarily by business need.
Given this role requires commitment to a training period, as detailed above, flexible working would be considered on the basis of an average of 4 days per week. Alternative working patterns may be considered at a later date.
HSE regulates sites across the whole of GB. The Microbiology and Biotechnology Unit is a national team which also supports Local Authorities and other regulators. You will be expected to travel through the UK and occasionally abroad with regular overnight stays away from home., A full driving license that permits you to drive in the UK unless a case for reasonable adjustments can be made under the Equality Act 2010. Should a reasonable adjustment be required, please answer yes to this criteria., A PhD in an appropriate molecular biological sciences subject (e.g., molecular biology, virology, microbiology, immunology, genetics, cell biology, etc.) - Your application will not be assessed if you do not provide details of your PhD in an appropriate molecular biological sciences subject in the academic qualifications section of the CV., + Communicating and Influencing
+ Making Effective Decisions
+ Delivering at Pace

Technical skills
We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:
+ Knowledge and understanding of a range of modern molecular/GM techniques
+ Applying relevant scientific/technical knowledge
+ Securing, maintaining, and developing relevant technical expertise
+ Understanding of safe operation within a CL2, CL3 or CL4 laboratory environment

Alongside your salary of £43,765, Health and Safety Executive contributes £12,678 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.
+ Learning and development tailored to your role
+ An environment with flexible working options
+ A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity
We invest in our people with;
+ Competitive rates of pay
+ Access to the highly competitive Civil Service Pension Scheme to which HSE contribute 28.9% far more than in the private sector.
+ Family friendly policies and working hours to help balance your home life and career.
+ Carer friendly policies to help create a supportive working culture.
+ 25 days annual holiday increasing to 30 days after 5 years' service, plus bank holidays and 1-day Civil Service privilege leave.
+ Parental leave benefits.
+ As a member of HSE you will gain access to a wide range of fantastic benefits that you can take advantage of such as the Cycle to Work Scheme, E-Gift Cards and Vouchers via our partner EdenRed.