Healthcare Scientist Practitioner

Job Advert Skip to main content Cookies on NHS Jobs We've put some small files called cookies on your device to help us make improvements to our site. To improve our site we'd also like to use cookies which will send information to Google Analytics. You can read more about our cookies before you choose. Accept analytics cookies Do not accept analytics cookies Jobs Menu Sign in Create an account English Cymraeg Menu Close menu Search Sign in Create an account Display in Welsh (Cymraeg) Search Sign in Create an account Display in Welsh (Cymraeg) BETA Your feedback will help us to improve this service. UK Health Security Agency Healthcare Scientist Practitioner The closing date is 09 November 2026 Apply for this job Job summary 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 London FWEMS Laboratory provides a microbiology testing and advisory service to Local Authorities,Port Health Authorities, hospitals and commercial clients across London, Southeast England, and Midlands Regions. The laboratory is accredited to ISO17025 and is recognised as an Official Laboratory for the microbiological examination of food and foodstuffs within the EU. The post holderwill actas a Healthcare Scientist Practitionerandprovidea technical service tocustomersfor the diagnostic testing of Food, Water and Environmental samples as an aid to the investigation of outbreaks, foodpoisoningand routine control. Theywill perform basic and more complexinvestigationsprovidingspecialisedtesting using complex equipment. The post holder will develop working relationships and communicate regularly with a wide range of individuals, clinical and non-clinical,internal and external to UKHSA. Main duties of the job Service Delivery 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. Be involved in all aspects of sample reception and complete pre-analysis processing for the microbiologicalexamination 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 customerrequirements. Ensure important or unusual results are drawn to the attention of more senior staff and 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. Assist in the management of outbreaks, ensuring adequate resources are available to carry out the necessary work. Liaise with medical, scientific, and other staff of the UKHSA in all matters of common interest. Customer Relationships Respond to requests and accurately communicate routine, unequivocal results to customers, including interpretation and reporting of written and verbalresults. Please note, the above is not exhaustive. 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. Please visit our careers site for more information