Food & Water Scientist - Food Water and Environment Testing Laboratory

FOOD AND WATER SCIENTIST – FALKLAND ISLANDS GOVERNMENT, HEALTH & SOCIAL SERVICES

Would you like to work in a unique and vibrant community with a stunning natural environment?  If so, come and join our friendly team of experienced health service professionals in the beautiful Falkland Islands for a 1 to 4 year fixed term contract with the possibility of extension.

This is an exciting opportunity to work in the Falkland Islands Government’s Department of Health and Social Services laboratory facility. The department comprises Blood Sciences, Clinical Microbiology and a Food, Water & Environmental (FWE) testing laboratory.  We are currently developing the quality management system of the FWE laboratory with the goal of attaining UKAS accreditation to ISO 17025. 

The Role

 The successful candidate will play a key role in maintaining and developing an expanding food, water & environmental testing laboratory service for a wide range of individuals and organisations within the Falkland Islands.  The department receives and processes over 2000 samples per year.

Act as section lead, providing supervision and training to support staff in sample investigation, general housekeeping, equipment checks and media QC compliance.  Manage these staff members on a day to day basis and direct their in-house learning and assessment where appropriate. 

Actively participate in, and ensure compliance of staff to the Quality Management System (QMS); the Falkland Islands Government (FIG) FWE laboratory utilises Q-Pulse software to support this, (Document control, training/competency logs, Suppliers, Customers, Assets, Audits and Non-Conformance investigations/CAPAs).

Authorise reports.

Assist in performing internal audits of the FWE laboratory.

Work with the Quality Manager to establish strategies to address any outstanding areas of work required for UKAS assessment.

The Person

 We are looking for someone with:

• BSc (Hons) Science degree or BTEC with previous experience in microbiology OR equivalent experience
• Evidence of continuing professional development
• Educated to degree level in relevant subject or equivalent level of experience of working at a similar level in specialist area
• Understanding of quality management systems, especially in relation to UKAS Accreditation
• Previous experience of supervising and/or training staff
• 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. Also, to demonstrate a sound understanding of the basic scientific principles relevant to Microbiology.

The Package

• Fixed Term Contract, up to 4 years.
• Starting Salary £35,274 - £40,668 more may be negotiable for an exceptional candidate who can demonstrate advanced Knowledge, Skills and/or Experience – rising up to £43,564. 
• Eligibility for a 25% Gratuity (taxable).
• 41 days paid leave, 30 days paid annual leave plus 11 government and public holidays.
• Relocation Allowance, to help with moving costs.
• Flights Package for you and any recognised dependents residing with you at post both at the beginning and end of contract, along with additional annual return flights contingent on the duration of the contract.
• Government Housing for rent and a starter pack to help you settle in.

A stimulating and supportive setting to work in and a unique and beautiful setting to live in.

Timetable for Recruitment and Selection Process

Stage:

Date

Closing Date for Applications

30 April 2025 @ 23.59 GMT

Shortlisting commencing

01 May & 02 May 2025

Interviews commencing

06 May and 07 May 2025