Description
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 post holder will act as a Healthcare Scientist Practitioner and provide a technical service to customers for the diagnostic testing of Food, Water and Environmental samples as an aid to the investigation of outbreaks, food poisoning and routine control.
Main duties of the job
- Participate in the provision of an analytical service, including the production of accurate and relevant results and reports.
- Assist with the supervision of the day to day running of the laboratory.
- Work independently or as part of a team to undertake the full microbiological analysis of a wide range of samples.
- Ensure important or unusual results are drawn to the attention of more senior staff.
- Assist other team members in all aspects of technical work.
Quality Management Systems
- Participate in activities necessary for the maintenance and development of the Quality System in accordance with UKAS requirements.
- Support the laboratory's accreditation to ISO 17025.
- Assist the Quality Manager in ensuring good working practices.
Asset Management
- Ensure efficient running and contribute to routine maintenance of all equipment.
- Assist in the maintenance of stocks of reagents and consumables.
Management
- Take responsibility for the supervision of the day-to-day activities of less experienced staff.
Strategy, Policy and Service Development
- Assist in the improvement and development of the service.
- Support the implementation of new methods and technologies into the laboratory.
IT Infrastructure
- Become competent in the use of the laboratory's IT systems.
Security/Health and Safety
- Ensure confidentiality and conformity to the requirements of the Data Protection Act.
- Ensure that health and safety are afforded priority.
Essential Criteria
- BSc (Hons) Science degree or BTEC with previous experience in microbiology OR equivalent laboratory experience.
- Understanding of quality management systems.
- Knowledge and understanding of laboratory safety requirements and procedures.
- Skills for communication of complex information.
- Problem solving skills and ability to respond to sudden unexpected demands.
- Ability to work on own initiative and organise own workload with minimal supervision.