Join to apply for the Principal Healthcare Scientist role at NHS Ayrshire & Arran.
This post is a Month Fixed Term / Secondment position until January 2026. As per the Fixed Term Contacts Policy - Where individuals with continuous service within the NHS apply for fixed-term contract roles, PHS reserves the right to refuse any such appointment.
About The Organisation
Public Health Scotland is Scotland’s lead national agency for improving and protecting the health and wellbeing of all of Scotland’s people. Our vision is of a Scotland where everybody thrives. Our focus is on increasing healthy life expectancy and reducing premature mortality. To do this, we use data, intelligence and a place-based approach to lead and deliver Scotland’s public health priorities.
The Role
An opportunity has arisen in the Public Health Microbiology Division within the Clinical and Protecting Health Directorate of PHS. The work of the Public Health Microbiology Division aids the coordinated detection of infectious diseases, characterises microbial pathogens and their variants efficiently and effectively, to support effective outbreak/pandemic management, treatments and interventions, all within PHS ambitions to reduce the public health burden in Scotland. The Division is closely involved in the Public Health Microbiology Strategy for Scotland (2018) and the national genomics service in Scotland.
The post-holder shall work closely with Clinicians, Bioinformaticians, Data Management and Analytical staff as part of the Clinical and Protecting Health Directorate to contribute to PHS intelligence surveillance, research and development opportunities, working with a range of policy makers and public health/health protection/laboratory service providers and stakeholders across all sectors in Scotland and beyond.
The Candidate
Educated to Degree level in a science related subject (or equivalent), with a Postgraduate qualification in a health-related discipline and together with a PhD or equivalent extensive experience in public health or health protection, you will also have excellent organisational skills. Experience of microbiology, virology, genomics or public health laboratories would be beneficial.
We are looking for applicants with an enthusiastic and flexible approach. You will be able to work to a high standard with a large degree of independence, using judgement and initiative to handle day-to-day issues, while balancing your time and workload to meet deadlines. You will have excellent written and verbal communication skills and an ability to communicate confidently and professionally with staff at all levels. You will have ability to lead a team and demonstrate adaptability.
Location and Working Pattern
The post is based in either Gyle Square, Edinburgh or Central Quay, Glasgow. We are currently hybrid working; therefore, you will be expected to spend time in both PHS offices as well as the option to work at home.
Please note that PHS will be relocating from Central Quay, Glasgow to Bothwell Street, Glasgow in 2025.
Monday – Friday 37 hours per week.
PHS is a flexible employer, and we are happy to discuss requests for alternative working patterns.
During times of public health emergency, or other urgent business need, you may be required on a temporary basis to work your normal contracted working hours over 7 days including weekends, in order to meet the needs of the service.
It is a condition of this employment that you must live and remain a resident within the UK for the post in which you will be employed with PHS.
Benefits
Our benefits package includes pension scheme, comprehensive range of work life balance policies, occupational health services, learning resource centres and discounted leisure, financial and shopping benefits.
Further Information
For an informal discussion on the post, please contact Julie Wilson, Lead Healthcare Scientist, julie.wilson24@phs.scot.
Closing date for completed applications is Friday 14th March 2025.
Further information on PHS is available from: www.publichealthscotland.scot.
Please note that the majority of correspondence is sent by e-mail only, so please check your e-mail regularly (including junk folders).
Public Health Scotland is an equal opportunities employer and as such guarantees to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for our vacancies.
Seniority level
* Mid-Senior level
Employment type
* Contract
Job function
* Research, Analyst, and Information Technology
* Industries: Hospitals and Health Care
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