Lead Healthcare Scientist

Lead Healthcare Scientist

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 post:
We have an exciting opportunity for a Lead Healthcare Scientist to work within the multidisciplinary Bloodborne Viruses and Sexually Transmitted Infections team in the Clinical and Protecting Health Directorate.

The postholder will play a critical leadership role managing the team and overseeing the development and implementation of work plans. They will provide direction, guidance and support to teams and work closely with the Service Manager to prioritise and allocate resources to achieve agreed deliverables. They will also collaborate with a large number of internal and external stakeholder groups.

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.

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 will be based in Gyle Square, Edinburgh or Central Quay, Glasgow.

Please note that PHS is currently in the process of relocating from Central Quay, Glasgow to Bothwell Street, Glasgow later in 2024.

PHS operate a hybrid working model with a mixture of working at home and days in the office each week.

There will be an expectation to travel to local areas for some meetings and events.

The post is full time, 37 hours per week, Monday to Friday and we operate flexi time.

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. Click here to view the full range of the PHS Employee Benefits.

Further information:
For an informal discussion on the post, please contact Johanna Reilly, Service Manager on or 01410 300 1187

Further information on PHS is available from:

Closing date for completed applications is Monday 17th June

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