Healthcare Scientist Practitioner

UK Health Security Agency; Boscombe; On-site; GBP 36,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

UK Health Security Agency's FWEMS Porton Laboratory is seeking a Healthcare Scientist Practitioner to provide diagnostic testing of Food, Water and Environmental samples to support outbreak investigations and routine control.

You will perform basic and more complex analyses using specialised equipment, contribute to quality management and maintain laboratory IT systems within a collaborative, inclusive team.

Qualifications

• Act as Healthcare Scientist Practitioner providing diagnostic testing for Food, Water and Environmental samples for outbreak investigations.
• Perform basic and advanced investigations using specialised equipment.
• Support Quality Management Systems and accreditation processes (ISO 17025).

Responsibilities

• Maintain and develop the Quality System in line with UKAS requirements.
• Support accreditation to ISO 17025 and ensure compliance with accreditation standards.
• Assist in internal and external quality audits.
• Assist in auditing departmental procedures and analyse results.
• Maintain equipment and calibration for high-cost instruments.
• Maintain stocks of reagents and consumables.
• Ensure care and security of laboratory premises and equipment.
• Supervise day-to-day activities of junior staff.
• Become proficient with laboratory IT systems and basic data entry.
• Promote an inclusive, equal-opportunity culture.

Job description

The Food, Water and Environmental Microbiology Services (FWEMS) Laboratories are specialist microbiology laboratories within the UKHSA. Based in 3 sites across the country, the laboratories are geographically well placed to work with local authorities to protect the public from health threats posed by contaminated food, water and the environment. The Porton FWEMS Laboratory provides a microbiology testing and advisory service to Local Authorities, Port Health Authorities, hospitals and commercial clients across the south and west of England. The laboratory is accredited to ISO 17025 and is recognised as an Official Laboratory for the microbiological examination of food and foodstuffs within the EU.

The post holder will act as a Healthcare Scientist Practitioner and provide a technical service to customers for the diagnostic testing of Food, Water and Environmental samples as an aid to the investigation of outbreaks, food poisoning and routine control. They will perform basic and more complex investigations providing specialised testing using complex equipment.

Quality Management Systems

• Participate in activities necessary for the maintenance and development of the Quality System in accordance with UKAS requirements.
• Support the laboratory's accreditation to ISO 17025 and ensure compliance with UKAS and other accreditation and certification standards.
• Assist the Quality Manager in ensuring good working practices and maintain a high standard of work, including participating in Internal Quality Control and External Quality Assessment schemes.
• Assist, where appropriate, in regular audits of departmental procedures in support of the Quality Manager and assist in the analysis of the results.

Asset Management

• Ensure efficient running and contribute to routine maintenance of all equipment, which will include high cost, complex equipment requiring calibration and regular maintenance.
• Assist in the maintenance of stocks of reagents and consumables, ensuring that they are received, stored, verified and used appropriately.
• Contribute to the care, maintenance and security of laboratory premises and equipment in order to ensure efficient and safe operation.

Management

• Take responsibility for the supervision of the day-to-day activities of less experienced staff

IT Infrastructure

Become competent in the use of the laboratory's IT systems and participate in the basic inputting of data into the system

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.