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
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Contact Details:
The Methodist Church in Britain Recruitment Team
