Healthcare Scientist Practitioner

The Science Group is composed of Reference Services and a network of Specialist Public Health Laboratories (Regional Public Health Microbiology Laboratories, Collaborating Clinical Laboratories and Food and Water and Environmental [FW&E] Microbiology Laboratories).The current network of Specialist Public Health Laboratories is responsible for delivering public health microbiology services to Health Protection Teams, Local Authorities, Primary Care Trusts and NHS Trusts in England.

We have an exciting opportunity for a Healthcare Scientist Practitioner The post holder acts as a Healthcare Scientist Practitioner who provides, on a daily basis, a technical service to local authorities (LAs) and commercial clients for the diagnostic testingof Food, Water and Environmental samples as an aid to the investigation of outbreaks, food poisoning and routine control. He/she will perform basic and more complex investigations providing specialized testing using complex equipment.

**Responsibilities section**:

- To participate in the provision of an analytical microbiology service for food, water and environmental samples, including the production of accurate and relevant results and reports
- To assist with the supervision of the day to day running of the FW&E laboratory
- To be involved in all aspects of sample reception and complete pre-analysis processing for the microbiological examination of samples received in the laboratory, ensuring samples are valid and tested appropriately.
- Work independently or as part of a team (under guidance) to undertake the full microbiological analysis of a wide range of samples, including test selection, in accordance with laboratory and customer requirements.
- To ensure important or unusual results are drawn to the attention of more senior staff and to report complaints and anomalies as soon as possible.
- Assist other team members in all aspects of technical work and take on delegated responsibilities from more senior staff.
- To assist in the management of outbreaks, ensuring adequate resources are available to carry out the necessary work.

**Experience Essential**:

- BSc (Hons) Science degree or BTEC with previous experience in microbiology OR equivalent experience
- Good standard of general education i.e., GCSEs in English, Math and Science
- Understanding of quality management systems, especially in relation to UKAS Accreditation
- Knowledge and understanding of laboratory safety requirements and procedures.
- Have extensive working knowledge of laboratory areas, including both practical and theoretical knowledge of the various methods employed. Also, to demonstrate a sound understanding of the basic scientific principles relevant to Microbiology
- Experience of automated testing systems
- Knowledge of administrative procedures, project management or information analysis