Healthcare Scientist Specialist

UK Health Security Agency; City of Westminster; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A public health organization is seeking a Healthcare Scientist Specialist to manage microbiology testing and assist local authorities in diagnosing food-related health issues. The role involves performing laboratory investigations, overseeing day-to-day operations, and training staff. Candidates should have a degree in healthcare science, experience in microbiology, and the ability to work in a team environment while ensuring safety protocols are met.

Benefits

Promotes equality of opportunity

Inclusive workplace culture

Qualifications

• Required degree in healthcare science or closely related field.
• Experience in a microbiology laboratory setting is essential.
• Ability to manage laboratory staff and resources.

Responsibilities

• Assist in the daily operations of the microbiology lab.
• Conduct microbiological analyses and ensure result accuracy.
• Oversee sample reception and processing before analysis.
• Train other staff and ensure compliance with safety regulations.
• Manage outbreak situations and liaise with other health professionals.

Skills

Microbiology analysis

Laboratory management

Communication skills

Training abilities

Education

Degree in healthcare science or related field

Tools

Laboratory equipment

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 London FWEMS Laboratory provides a microbiology testing and advisory service to Local Authorities, Port Health Authorities, hospitals and commercial clients across London, Southeast England, and Midlands. 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. We are looking for a Healthcare Scientist Specialist who will train to act as a Food Examiner providing a technical service to local authorities (LAs) and commercial clients for the diagnostic testing of Food, Water and Environmental (FW&E) samples as an aid to the investigation of outbreaks, food poisoning and routine control. They will perform basic and more complex laboratory investigations and be required to manage staff in sections of the laboratory. There will be an active involvement in the laboratory's Quality System and Health & Safety arrangements including working within Containment Level 3 facilities. An active involvement in the training of FWEMS staff will also be expected.

Service Delivery

• Assist with supervision of day to day running of the FWEMS lab.
• Participate in provision of an analytical microbiology service for FW&E samples, and production of accurate/relevant results and reports.
• Deputise for senior staff in their absence. Be involved in all aspects of sample reception and complete pre-analysis processing for microbiological examination of samples received in the lab, ensure samples are valid and tested appropriately.
• Work independently or as part of a team to undertake the full microbiological analysis of a wide range of samples, and test selection, in accordance with lab and customer requirements.
• Use specialist FW&E microbiology skills to interpret results in line with appropriate guidelines.
• Frequently work with samples that occasionally contain higher risk pathogens such as Escherichia coli O157, use appropriate containment conditions and protection systems.
• Ensure important or unusual results are drawn to the attention of senior staff and to report complaints/anomalies as soon as possible.
• Assist other team members in all aspects of technical work and take on delegated responsibilities from senior staff.
• Train to act as Food Examiner in the lab.
• Assist in management of outbreaks, ensure resources are available to carry out necessary work.
• Liaise with medical, scientific, and other staff of UKHSA/NHS labs in all matters of common interest.

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.