The Food, Water and Environmental (FWE) Microbiology 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 Porton FWE Laboratory provides a microbiology testing and advisory service to Local Authorities, Port Health Authorities, hospitals and commercial clients across the South East, South West and West Midlands.

The laboratory is accredited to ISO 17025 and is recognised as an Official Laboratory for the microbiological examination of food and foodstuffs within the EU.

• 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 FWE 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
• Respond to requests and communicate accurately, routine, unequivocal results to customers, including interpretation and reporting written and verbal results
• 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 and ensure compliance with UKAS and other accreditation and certification standard

  It should be noted that the work of the division is of a confidential nature and must not be communicated to other persons except where required for authorised purposes.

This is not an exhaustive list please see Job description document for full list of duties.

Location

This role is based at:
Porton
Salisbury
SP4 0JG.
Please note hybrid working is not available for this role

Essential criteria

You will be assessed on the below eight essential criteria, which have been selected from the Job Description.

Qualifications

• BSc (Hons) Science degree or BTEC with previous experience in microbiology OR equivalent experience
• Good standard of general education i.e., GCSEs in English, Maths and Science

Knowledge and experience

• 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.
• 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