Neidio i'r prif gynnwys
Arhoswch, yn llwytho

Crynodeb o'r swydd

Prif leoliad
Science
Gradd
Civil Service: Grade 7
Contract
Parhaol
Oriau
  • Llawnamser
  • Rhan-amser
  • Rhannu swydd
  • Gweithio hyblyg
37.5 awr yr wythnos
Cyfeirnod y swydd
919-GB-301120-EXT
Cyflogwr
UK Health Security Agency
Math o gyflogwr
Public (Non NHS)
Gwefan
Porton Down
Tref
Porton
Cyflog
£54,416 - £64,485 Per annum Pro Rata
Cyfnod cyflog
Yn flynyddol
Yn cau
21/09/2025 23:59

Teitl cyflogwr

UK Health Security Agency logo

Food Water and Environmental Microbiology Service (FWEMS) Scientist

Civil Service: Grade 7

The United Kingdom Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is a system leader for health security; taking action internationally to strengthen global health security, providing trusted advice to government and the public and reducing inequalities in the way different communities experience and are impacted by infectious disease, environmental hazards, and other threats to health.

UKHSA’s remit, as an agency with a global-to-local reach, is to protect the health of the nation from infectious diseases and other external threats to health. As the nation’s expert national health security agency UKHSA will:

  • Prevent: anticipate threats to health and help build the nation’s readiness, defences and health security
  • Detect: use cutting edge environmental and biological surveillance to proactively detect and monitor infectious diseases and threats to health
  • Analyse: use world-class science and data analytics to assess and continually monitor threats to health, identifying how best to control and mitigate the risks
  • Respond: take rapid, collaborative and effective actions nationally and locally to mitigate threats to health when they materialise
  • Lead: lead strong and sustainable global, national, regional and local partnerships designed to save lives, protect the nation from public health threats and reduce inequalities.

Trosolwg o'r swydd

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 FW&E Laboratories provide a microbiology testing and advisory service to Local Authorities, Port Health Authorities, hospitals and commercial clients across England. The laboratories are accredited to ISO 17025 and are recognised as Official Laboratories for the microbiological examination of food and foodstuffs.

Prif ddyletswyddau'r swydd

The post holder will provide leadership and expertise in developing and implementing FW&E Microbiology service delivery.

The post holder will provide scientific expertise and project management support to the Laboratory Unit Head for Food, Water & Environmental Microbiology activities and relevant major grant-funded projects.

The post holder will communicate effectively and accurately by oral and written means, and ensure full and effective communication throughout FWEMS, making certain that all staff are included where appropriate. They will develop working relationships and communicate regularly with a wide range of individuals, clinical and non-clinical, internal and external to UKHSA. This will include:

Internal
•    Unit Head and other Senior Staff within the team
•    Lead FW&E Microbiologist 
•    Senior management, clinical or scientific staff from across UKHSA engaged in FWEMS or other project activities, as appropriate. 
External
•    FWEMS customers, stakeholders, suppliers, including Local Authorities, Port Health Authorities, FSA, NHS, and other users
•    International: staff of international institutes as appropriate, including reference laboratories, EFSA, WHO, ECDC, CDC etc.
•    Commercial companies, and professional groups as required.

To ensure effective and timely delivery and advice on reference, specialist, and research activities within remit.

Strategy and Leadership
Provide effective scientific leadership with respect to implementation and provision of end-to-end services for FWEMS. Maximise efficient and flexible use of resources for service delivery. Plan, develop, implement and direct with the Lead Food, Water & Environmental Microbiologist and FWEMS Unit Heads a long-term strategy and programme of research for the specialist area. Adopt new technologies and quality innovations, as required, to maximise the effectiveness of FWEMS

Scientific and Epidemiological
Within the defined specialist area(s) to undertake the following scientific and epidemiological functions:
advise, as appropriate, FWEMS Senior Staff on all aspects of work associated with specialisms, especially implementation of new methods and technologies for service delivery; assess methodologies regularly to provide on-going improvement in services and to provide expert advice and knowledge on the scientific basis of reference service tests and results; develop, evaluate and implement methods relevant to the specialist area; produce peer-reviewed publications on the results of research activities. To develop, review and edit manuscripts, documents, protocols, procedures, guidelines, and other measurable outputs; provide scientific advice and support in relation to internal quality controls and, where relevant, external quality assessment; present research findings at local, national and international scientific meetings.

Other Managerial
Within defined specialist areas, support Unit Head by undertaking the following functions as required:
participate in FWEMS’ Senior Management Team meetings and, as required, in higher level meetings;  develop professional/management expertise by undertaking further appropriate training as required;  support career and professional development of staff within the team; manage staff, conduct staff appraisals of direct reports and manage performance issues as required; ensure the provision of a safe working environment for all staff and visitors; contribute to maintaining a high profile for the specialisms amongst key stakeholders in the UK and abroad; help to maintain laboratory accreditation with UKAS and other agreed national and international standards; act as an advisor and a source of expert and specialist information for the Unit and UKHSA and deputise for Unit Head as required.

Gweithio i'n sefydliad

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.  

Please visit our careers site for more information https://gov.uk/ukhsa/careers

Swydd-ddisgrifiad a phrif gyfrifoldebau manwl

Clinical/Professional
Ensure robust arrangements for Research Governance for activities relating to the specialist areas. Ensure the probity and integrity of research undertaken. Provide cover for the Unit Head by validating reports on the FWEMS Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS).

Teaching/Training
Promote the personal and professional development of staff through creation of personal development plans, regular performance review, and identification and meeting of training needs. Ensure junior staff and assigned visitors or trainees are competent to carry out the tasks given to them, ensuring that levels of supervision are sufficient. Develop and supervise postgraduate research projects and support the organisation of, and participating in training programmes for staff and visitors.

Quality
Work in collaboration with the Quality Team, to: maintain a high standard of work, and appraise and contribute to developing services so that they are safe, effective and economical and follows best practice; work towards ensuring an efficient quality management system; contribute to internal and external quality assurance programmes; ensure compliance with UKAS and other accreditation and certification standards; ensure the continual development and compliance of internal and external audit programmes and corrective actions.

Information Technology
Contribute to the development of efficient and user-friendly information technology systems and databases as required, including appropriate databases and tools for analysis of WGS data and extraction of key information for clear, concise reports for service delivery. Use software packages as appropriate for word processing, presentations, data analysis, as well as specialist bioinformatics packages as required. Liaise with LIMS team on the introduction of new tests, as required.

Health and Safety
Agree safety objectives with managed staff and to review performance at appraisal and    support Senior Management Team in carrying out duties with respect to ensuring health, safety and welfare of self, staff and visitors. Ensuring relevant UKHSA health and safety policies and laboratory safety committee recommendations and actions are implemented. Ensuring implementation of remedial actions resulting from safety inspections and audits.

Other
The above is only an outline of the tasks, responsibilities and outcomes required of the role. You will carry out any other duties as may reasonably be required by the directorate. The job description and person specification may be reviewed on an ongoing basis in accordance with the changing needs of the organisation.

Professional Development
You should pursue a programme of continuous professional development in accordance with any relevant professional registration or statutory requirements, whilst maintaining appropriate awareness of service provider requirements.

Essential role criteria:

  • PhD or equivalent postgraduate degree in relevant subject, i.e., microbiology or biological science
  • Educated to degree level in relevant subject, i.e., microbiology, or biological science
  • Eligible to be a Food examiner
  • Extensive (post-doctoral) expertise in food, water and environmentally transmitted infections and/or
    public health microbiology in reference and/or diagnostic settings
  • Knowledge of food, water and environmental / public health surveillance, WGS and downstream data analysis
  •  Experience of molecular microbiological techniques and their application
  •  Demonstrable experience of leading complex projects and project management skills
  • Proven record of research in relevant areas including significant/relevant publications
  • Ability to provide/receive highly complex information, negotiate on difficult and controversial issues including performance and change, and present to peers/others
  • Problem solving skills - ability to anticipate and resolve problems and respond to sudden unexpected demands
  •  Ability to analyse complex facts and situations and develop a range of options
  • Ability to take decisions on difficult and contentious issues where there may be a number of courses of action
  •  Demonstrated capability to plan over short, medium and long-term timeframes and adjust plans and resource requirements accordingly
  • Able to prioritize own work effectively and be able to direct activities of others. Experience of managing and motivating a team and reviewing individual performance 
  • An understanding of and commitment to equality of opportunity and good working relationships
  • Adaptability, flexibility and ability to cope with uncertainty and change; used to a busy working environment
  • Evidence of continuing professional development, and willingness to engage with and learn from peers, other professionals and colleagues in the desire to provide or support appropriate interventions 
  • Demonstrates a strong desire to improve performance and make a difference by focusing on goals

Desirable role criteria:

  • Comprehensive experience of project principles techniques and tools

Selection Process Details: 

This vacancy is using Success Profiles and will assess your Behaviours, Strengths, Ability, Experience.

Stage 1: Application & Sift   

You will be required to complete an application form. You will be assessed on the listed (18) essential criteria, and this will be in the form of a:  

  • Application form (Employer/ Activity history’ section on the application)
  • up to 1500 word supporting statement 

This should outline how your skills, experience, and knowledge, provide evidence of your suitability for the role, with reference to the essential criteria.  

 The Application form and supporting statement will be marked together. 

Longlisting:

In the event of a large number of applications we will longlist into 3 piles of: 

  • Meets all essential criteria 
  • Meets some essential criteria 
  • Meets no essential criteria  

The following will be taken through to the next stage:

  • Meets all essential criteria 

Shortlisting:

In the event of a large number of applications we will shortlist on the following: 

  • Extensive (post-doctoral) expertise in food, water and environmentally transmitted infections and/or public health microbiology in reference and/or diagnostic setting

If you are successful at this stage, you will progress to interview & assessment.  

Please do not exceed 1500 wordsWe will not consider any words over and above this number. 

Feedback will not be provided at this stage. 

Please note you will not be able to upload your CV. You must complete the application form in as much detail as possible. Please do not email us your CV.  

Stage 2: Interview 

You will be invited to a (single) face to face interview at UKHSA Porton. If face to face interviews are planned, in exceptional circumstances, we may be able to offer a remote interview.

Behaviours,, experience, ability and strengths will be tested at interview. 

You will be asked to prepare and present a 5–10 minute presentation. The subject of this will be sent to you prior to interview.

The Behaviours tested during the interview stage will be:

  • Changing and improving (Lead behaviour)
  • Communicating and influencing
  • Working together
  • Leadership

Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records. 

Eligibility Criteria - External  

Open to all external applicants (anyone) from outside the Civil Service (including by definition internal applicants). 

Location 

This role is being offered as lab based at our Scientific Campus in Porton.

If based at one of our scientific campuses, you will be required to have a Counter Terrorism Check security vetting check as a minimum. For meaningful National Security Vetting checks to be carried out individuals need to have lived in the UK for a sufficient period of time. You should normally have been resident in the United Kingdom for the last 3 years as the role requires Counter Terrorism Check (CTC) clearance. In exceptional circumstances UK residency less than the outlined periods may not necessarily bar you from gaining national security vetting and applicants should contact the Vacancy Holder/Recruiting Manager listed in the advert for further advice.

Security Clearance Level Requirement 

Successful candidates must pass a disclosure and barring security check.   

Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is Counter-terrorist Check.

For meaningful National Security Vetting checks to be carried out individuals need to have lived in the UK for a sufficient period of time. You should normally have been resident in the United Kingdom for the last 3 years as the role requires Counter Terrorism Check (CTC) clearance.  UK residency less than the outlined periods may not necessarily bar you from gaining national security vetting and applicants should contact the Vacancy Holder / Recruiting Manager listed in the advert for further advice.  

Manyleb y person

Application form and supporting statement

Meini prawf hanfodol
  • Application form and supporting statement

Behaviours

Meini prawf hanfodol
  • Changing and improving (Lead behaviour)
  • Communicating and influencing
  • Working together
  • Leadership

Presentation

Meini prawf hanfodol
  • Presentation

Bathodynnau ardystio / achredu cyflogwyr

Purple SpaceApprenticeships logoNo smoking policyAge positiveImproving working livesMindful employer.  Being positive about mental health.Disability confident employerThe Employers Network for Equality & Inclusion (enei) is the UK's leading employer network covering all aspects of equality and inclusion issues in the workplace.Carer Confident -AccomplishedHappy to Talk Flexible Working

Dogfennau i'w lawrlwytho

Gwneud cais ar-lein nawr

Rhagor o fanylion / cyswllt ar gyfer ymweliadau anffurfiol

Enw
Gurkamal Bhambra
Teitl y swydd
Resourcing
Cyfeiriad ebost
[email protected]
Gwybodaeth i gefnogi eich cais

For information regarding the role please contact Sally Goff at [email protected]

Gwneud cais ar-lein nawrAnfonwch hysbysiadau ataf am swyddi gwag tebyg