The Director of Public Health Microbiology provides national leadership for UKHSA's microbiology and laboratory-based infectious disease science, ensuring high-quality diagnostics, surveillance and expertise that underpin the Agency's mission to protect health and strengthen national health security. The role is accountable for both the National Reference Laboratories and the four Clinical Network Laboratories, covering microbiology services in bacteriology, virology, mycology and parasitology as well as associated laboratory technologies.
The Director ensures the Public Health Microbiology network delivers safe, resilient and efficient services, maintaining day-to-day operations while generating surge capacity for public health incidents. They lead modernisation of laboratory systems, drive scientific and operational excellence, and ensure that UKHSA meets its domestic and international commitments, including designated collaborating centres and specialist functions.
The postholder oversees reference services, clinical network laboratories, diagnostic pathogen characterisation, and quality and regulatory assurance. They work closely with the Director of Health Security Scientific Research to align scientific strategy, integrate laboratory services and uphold national and international standards. Together, they foster strong partnerships with government, the NHS, academia and industry, build workforce capability and contribute to timely, accurate and high-quality microbiological testing, surveillance and innovation across UKHSA.
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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.
