Job summary
Salary & Grade: Grade 7 £51,824 - £65,089 (Salary will depend on successful candidate's location)
Location: This is a lab-based role and can be located at Porton Down (SP4 0JG), Colindale (NW9 5HT) or York (YO41 1LZ).
*Please be aware that this role can only be worked from within the UK and not overseas. Relocation expenses are not available.*
Working Pattern - Full Time
The Food, Water and Environmental (FW&E) Microbiology Laboratories are specialist microbiology laboratories within UKHSA. Based in 3 sites across the country, the laboratories are geographically well placed to work with local authorities in order 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.
Main duties of the job
The post holder will provide leadership and expertise in collating, managing and analysing microbiological data from a variety of sources in order to monitor trends in the microbiological quality of different food commodities and water sources, identify new areas of public health concern, contribute to risk assessments and support investigations.
They will apply appropriate statistical analyses and communicate results to colleagues, stakeholders and the wider scientific community through presentations, written reports and scientific publications. The post holder will also provide analytical expertise and project management support to the FW&E Laboratory Unit Heads for FW&E microbiology activities and relevant grant-funded projects.
About us
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.
Job description
Job responsibilities
- To ensure effective and timely delivery and advice on analysis of microbiological data from FW&E laboratories as well as reference, specialist and research activities within remit.
- To plan, develop, implement and direct with the Lead Public Health Microbiologist as well as FW&E Unit Heads a long-term strategy and programme of investigation for the specialist area.
- To analyse the performance of new technologies and quality innovations, as required, to maximise the effectiveness of the FW&E services.
- To participate in FW&E Senior Management Team meetings and, as required, in higher level meetings.
- To manage staff, conduct staff appraisals and manage performance issues as required.
- To advise FW&E Senior Staff on all aspects of work associated with specialisms, especially identification of new and emerging risks as a result of FW&E, reference laboratory and epidemiological data
- To produce peer-reviewed publications on the results of surveillance activities.
- To present findings of surveillance and analysis at local, national and international scientific meetings.
- To develop, review and edit manuscripts, documents, protocols, procedures, guidelines, and other measurable outputs.
- To develop efficient and user-friendly databases as required, including extraction of key information for clear, concise reports for service delivery.
- You would be required to develop and supervise research projects and support the organisation of, and participation in, training programmes for staff and visitors.
- You would lead on the implementation and validation of methods including supporting applications for extension to the scope of UKAS accreditation where required
The duties/responsibilities listed above describe the post as it is at present and is not intended to be exhaustive. The Job holder is expected to accept reasonable alterations and additional tasks of a similar level that may be necessary.
Please see the job description for the full list of duties and responsibilities.
Selection process details
Stage 1 Application and sift:
You will be required to complete an application form and a
statement of suitability of up to 1250 words. This will be assessed in line
with the advertised essential criteria please do provide evidence of how you
meet this.
If you are successful at this stage, you will progress to an
interview.
Stage 2 Interview
This competition will involve an interview either by video
or face to face.
As part of the process, candidates will be invited to
interview which will involve an in-depth discussion of your previous experience
and professional competence in relation to the criteria set out in the Person
Specification.
Please be aware that you may be asked to undertake a test or
presentation at interview.
Your Statement of Suitability should outline your skills,
experience, and achievements, providing evidence of your suitability for the
role, with reference to the essential criteria (outlined in the person
specification section).
You will also be asked to provide information within the
Employer/ Activity history section of the application form. This is
equivalent to the information you would provide on a CV, setting out your
career history.
Expected Timeline:
Advert close: 23:55hrs on 11th December 2023
unfortunately, late applications will not be considered. Once
this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want
to save a copy for your records.
Interviews: TBC
Please note these dates could be subject to change.
Job description
Job responsibilities
- To ensure effective and timely delivery and advice on analysis of microbiological data from FW&E laboratories as well as reference, specialist and research activities within remit.
- To plan, develop, implement and direct with the Lead Public Health Microbiologist as well as FW&E Unit Heads a long-term strategy and programme of investigation for the specialist area.
- To analyse the performance of new technologies and quality innovations, as required, to maximise the effectiveness of the FW&E services.
- To participate in FW&E Senior Management Team meetings and, as required, in higher level meetings.
- To manage staff, conduct staff appraisals and manage performance issues as required.
- To advise FW&E Senior Staff on all aspects of work associated with specialisms, especially identification of new and emerging risks as a result of FW&E, reference laboratory and epidemiological data
- To produce peer-reviewed publications on the results of surveillance activities.
- To present findings of surveillance and analysis at local, national and international scientific meetings.
- To develop, review and edit manuscripts, documents, protocols, procedures, guidelines, and other measurable outputs.
- To develop efficient and user-friendly databases as required, including extraction of key information for clear, concise reports for service delivery.
- You would be required to develop and supervise research projects and support the organisation of, and participation in, training programmes for staff and visitors.
- You would lead on the implementation and validation of methods including supporting applications for extension to the scope of UKAS accreditation where required
The duties/responsibilities listed above describe the post as it is at present and is not intended to be exhaustive. The Job holder is expected to accept reasonable alterations and additional tasks of a similar level that may be necessary.
Please see the job description for the full list of duties and responsibilities.
Selection process details
Stage 1 Application and sift:
You will be required to complete an application form and a
statement of suitability of up to 1250 words. This will be assessed in line
with the advertised essential criteria please do provide evidence of how you
meet this.
If you are successful at this stage, you will progress to an
interview.
Stage 2 Interview
This competition will involve an interview either by video
or face to face.
As part of the process, candidates will be invited to
interview which will involve an in-depth discussion of your previous experience
and professional competence in relation to the criteria set out in the Person
Specification.
Please be aware that you may be asked to undertake a test or
presentation at interview.
Your Statement of Suitability should outline your skills,
experience, and achievements, providing evidence of your suitability for the
role, with reference to the essential criteria (outlined in the person
specification section).
You will also be asked to provide information within the
Employer/ Activity history section of the application form. This is
equivalent to the information you would provide on a CV, setting out your
career history.
Expected Timeline:
Advert close: 23:55hrs on 11th December 2023
unfortunately, late applications will not be considered. Once
this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want
to save a copy for your records.
Interviews: TBC
Please note these dates could be subject to change.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Masters degree in relevant subject, e.g. microbiology/ biological science or statistics
- Degree or equivalent qualification that includes a significant element of statistics or data analysis
Experience
Essential
- Understanding of food, water and environmentally transmitted infections
- Knowledge and experience of food, water and environmental surveillance, public health surveillance, WGS and downstream data analysis
- Demonstrable experience of leading complex projects and project management skills
- Proven record of research in relevant areas including significant/relevant publications
- Knowledge and experience of a range of analytical techniques and statistical tools / software including those used in bioinformatics
- Ability to analyse complex facts and situations to develop a range of options, and present highly complex information to peers/others
- Ability to negotiate and take decisions on difficult and controversial issues including performance and change
- Ability to take decisions on difficult and contentious issues where there may be a number of courses of action
- Ability to demonstrate strategic thinking, and anticipate and resolve problems before they arise
- Able to prioritize own work effectively and be able to direct activities of others.
- Demonstrate appreciation and acknowledgment of the range and complexities of diversity; self-awareness in terms of emotional intelligence, biases and personal triggers; cultural competence - cultural sensitivity and awareness
Desirable
- Experience of managing and motivating a team and reviewing performance of the individuals
- Experience of writing queries in Laboratory Information Management Systems
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Masters degree in relevant subject, e.g. microbiology/ biological science or statistics
- Degree or equivalent qualification that includes a significant element of statistics or data analysis
Experience
Essential
- Understanding of food, water and environmentally transmitted infections
- Knowledge and experience of food, water and environmental surveillance, public health surveillance, WGS and downstream data analysis
- Demonstrable experience of leading complex projects and project management skills
- Proven record of research in relevant areas including significant/relevant publications
- Knowledge and experience of a range of analytical techniques and statistical tools / software including those used in bioinformatics
- Ability to analyse complex facts and situations to develop a range of options, and present highly complex information to peers/others
- Ability to negotiate and take decisions on difficult and controversial issues including performance and change
- Ability to take decisions on difficult and contentious issues where there may be a number of courses of action
- Ability to demonstrate strategic thinking, and anticipate and resolve problems before they arise
- Able to prioritize own work effectively and be able to direct activities of others.
- Demonstrate appreciation and acknowledgment of the range and complexities of diversity; self-awareness in terms of emotional intelligence, biases and personal triggers; cultural competence - cultural sensitivity and awareness
Desirable
- Experience of managing and motivating a team and reviewing performance of the individuals
- Experience of writing queries in Laboratory Information Management Systems
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
Additional information
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
