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 Porton FWEMS 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., 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
• perform basic and more complex investigations providing specialised testing using complex equipment
• develop working relationships and communicate regularly with a wide range of individuals, clinical and non-clinical, internal and external to UKHSA. This will include:
Internalo Laboratory Management Teamo Laboratory staff across the FWEMS Serviceo Other laboratory staff throughout UKHSA Externalo Local and Port Health Authoritieso Commercial Customerso Professional Contacts including UKASo Couriers and other sub-contractors

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.