Healthcare Scientist Practitioner

The Methodist Church in Britain; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 38,000; Full time

Job summary

The Methodist Church in Britain is seeking a capable laboratory scientist to join the Food, Water and Environmental Microbiology Services team in the UK. You will perform diagnostic testing on diverse samples, contribute to ISO 17025 quality management, and supervise junior staff in a rigid compliance environment.

Candidates should have a science degree with microbiology experience, familiarity with automated testing systems, and a solid grasp of laboratory safety and quality systems.

Qualifications

• BSc (Hons) science degree or BTEC with microbiology experience.
• Experience with automated testing systems.
• Understanding of quality management systems and UKAS accreditation.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical diagnostic testing of food, water and environmental samples for outbreak investigations and routine control.
• Carry out basic and complex investigations using specialised testing on complex equipment.
• Assist quality management with internal quality control, external quality assessment and audits.
• Supervise day-to-day activities of less experienced staff.
• Maintain and calibrate laboratory equipment and ensure compliance with safety procedures.
• Assist with stock management of reagents and consumables.

Skills

Automated testing systems

Quality management systems

Lab safety procedures

Interpersonal communication

Project management

Education

BSc (Hons) science degree or BTEC with microbiology experience

Job description

This post sits in UKHSA's Food, Water and Environmental Microbiology Services laboratory, which tests for local authorities, port health authorities, hospitals and commercial clients. The post runs diagnostic tests on food, water and environmental samples for outbreak, food poisoning and routine control work, and supervises less experienced staff. The laboratory is ISO 17025 accredited, so the role also supports UKAS quality management. Hybrid working is not available, and candidates need Counter Terrorist Check clearance.

What the job involves

• Provide technical diagnostic testing of food, water and environmental samples for outbreak investigations, food poisoning and routine control
• Carry out basic and complex investigations using specialised testing on complex equipment
• Participate in maintaining and developing the quality system to UKAS requirements, supporting ISO 17025 accreditation
• Assist the Quality Manager with good working practice, internal quality control, external quality assessment and audits
• Supervise the day-to-day activities of less experienced staff
• Ensure efficient running and routine maintenance of equipment, including high-cost equipment requiring calibration
• Assist with reagent and consumable stock, including receipt, storage, verification and appropriate use
• Contribute to the care, maintenance and security of premises and equipment, and follow data protection, health and safety and risk assessment requirements
• Assist service improvement, the introduction of new methods and technologies, and periodic method reviews
• Support surveys, trials, research and projects with senior FWEMS staff
• Support income generation in line with National FWEMS objectives, working with the Laboratory Management Team
• Develop working relationships and communicate with clinical and non-clinical contacts inside and outside UKHSA

What’s required

Qualifications

• BSc (Hons) science degree or BTEC with previous microbiology experience, or equivalent experience

Experience

• Experience of automated testing systems

Skills & knowledge

• Understanding of quality management systems, especially UKAS accreditation
• Extensive working knowledge of laboratory methods, with practical and theoretical understanding
• Sound understanding of basic scientific principles relevant to microbiology
• Knowledge of laboratory safety requirements and procedures
• Developed interpersonal, oral and written communication skills for complex information and administrative matters
• Supporting project management, including meeting financial targets

Checks & eligibility

• Counter Terrorist Check (CTC) clearance
• Basic DBS check
• Normally resident in the UK for the last 3 years