Healthcare Scientist

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.Main duties of the job The post holder will provide a technical service to local authorities (LAs) and commercial clients 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 laboratory investigations and be required to supervise and manage staff in sections of the laboratory. The post holder will also approve test reports. There will be an active involvement in the laboratory's Quality System, including leading and performing audits; and Health and Safety arrangements including working within Containment Level 3 facilities. An active involvement in the training of FW&E staff will also be expected.

The post holder will perform a range of advanced technical activities and provide highly specialist advice to other professionals and customers. They will supervise the FW&E Microbiology laboratory and deputise for the Unit Head and/or Laboratory Manager in their absence. The post holder will also be eligible to act as a Food Examiner. Specific requirements of the advertised role can be found in the Appendix The post holder will develop working relationships and communicate regularly with a wide range of individuals, clinical and non-clinical, internal, and external to UKHSA., Service Delivery Supervise the day to day working of the technical staff, ensuring that a high standard of work is maintained & that all staff adhere to written procedures.

Participate in the provision of an analytical microbiology service for food, water & environmental samples. Deputise for the Unit Head and/or Laboratory Manager. Oversee all aspects of sample reception & complete pre-analysis processing samples received in the laboratory, ensuring samples are valid & tested appropriately. Use specialist FW&E microbiology skills to interpret results in line with appropriate guidelines.

Be competent to work with samples that occasionally contain higher risk pathogens such as Escherichia coli O157, using appropriate containment conditions and protection systems. Ensure important or unusual results are drawn to the attention of senior staff & to ensure that timely remedial action is performed because of complaints or anomalies. Act as Food Examiner in the laboratory. Assist in the management of outbreaks, ensuring adequate resources are available to carry out the necessary work.

Liaise with medical, scientific and other staff of UKHSA /NHS laboratories in all matters of common interest. Represent the laboratory at meetings and on committees as appropriate. Customer Relationships Respond to requests and communicate accurately, sensitive information and complex results to customers, including interpretation & reporting written and verbal results. Quality Management Systems Participate in activities necessary for the maintenance and development of the Quality System in accordance with UKAS requirements.

Support the laboratorys accreditation to ISO 17025 and ensure compliance with UKAS. Assist the Quality Manager in ensuring good working practices and to maintain a high standard of work especially with respect to Internal Control and External Quality Assessment schemes. Assist & take a lead role, in regular audits of departmental proced