About the job

Summary

This post is primarily for co-ordination and delivery of food, water and environmental (FW&E) microbiology services to partners in public health. The post-holder will link in with the FW&E microbiology laboratories and also work as part of a team with colleagues in Field Service during outbreak investigations and in developing preventative strategies.

The post-holder will liaise with all local partners in health protection both within PHE (colleagues within Field Service, Health Protection Teams, Regional, and Network and NHS Liaison and with those outside UKHSA (e.g. local authorities, port health authorities, NHS Trust laboratories and government bodies such as the Health and Safety Executive, the Food Standards Agency and Animal and Plant Health Agency) for the delivery of FW&E services and Field Service.

The role includes interpretation of laboratory results and advice on appropriate action, sampling support, inspection of sites, training of partners in health protection, liaison with partners in public health to assist in the regional development of services and collective working with the other OPSs to develop and maintain a consistent service, and coordination of local surveillance activities.

The post-holder will have a background of at least five years’ experience as a senior FW&E Microbiologist or as a qualified Environmental Health Officer, or equivalent.

Job description

Ability to analyse and interpret microbiological testing information. Communicate complex information both written and oral, clearly and concisely, liaise with colleagues at all levels within the organisation and work across organisational boundaries. Manage a team, to include, recruitment and selection, development and training of people, planning and allocating and delegating activities and reviewing performance. Analyse, interpret and evaluate information when problem solving and making decisions; Ability to analyse, interpret and evaluate information when problem solving and making decisions.

Ability to use IT systems within an office environment; Demonstrate a high level of motivation and commitment to high standards; Willingness to travel both locally and nationally.

Responsibilities

Experience and understanding of health and safety including in laboratory environments and premises related to food and water production. managing and developing effective stakeholder relationships. The post holder will develop working relationships and communicate regularly with a wide range of individuals, clinical and non-clinical, internal and external UKHSA.

To assist in the identification and development of local and, where appropriate, national specialist services in line with national FS and FW&E Microbiology Service

To provide expert advice, guidance and interpretation where appropriate to agencies such as the FSA, APHA, HSE, DWI,

To be responsible for development of FS and FW&E Microbiology Services to external health protection partners across the region in support of public health activities and national FS and FW&E objectives.

To ensure the implementation of FS and FW&E Microbiology Services business plans, in accordance with national objectives of CSO.

To participate, where appropriate, in local, regional and national committees, engaging in the development of FS and FW&E Microbiology

To liaise with Lead UKHSA Microbiologists, Epidemiologists, CCDCs and staff of HPTs, staff of PHE reference laboratories and other PHE staff in all matters of prevention of infection through diseases transmitted by food and water.

Ability to communicate complex information both written and oral, clearly and concisely. Able to liaise with colleagues at all levels within the organisation and work across organisational boundaries. Manage a team, to include, recruitment and selection, development, and training of people, planning and allocating and delegating activities and reviewing performance. Manage projects within given timescales and budgetary requirements.

Benefits

• Learning and development tailored to your role

• An environment with flexible working options

• A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity

• A Civil Service pension