UK Health Security Agency
Director of Public Health Microbiology
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Director of Public Health Microbiology
Salary: Senior Civil Servant (SCS) 2 - £100,000 - £162,500 per annum, pro rata Location: Birmingham, Leeds, Liverpool, or London HQ (hybrid basis)
The Director of Public Health Microbiology provides strategic national leadership for UKHSA’s microbiology and laboratory-based infectious disease services, ensuring the delivery of world-class diagnostics, surveillance, scientific expertise, and innovation that underpin the Agency's mission: protecting public health and strengthening the UK's health security.
Reporting and Accountability
Reporting at a senior level within UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), the role holds overall accountability for the National Reference Laboratories and four Clinical Network Laboratories, delivering specialist microbiology services across:
- Bacteriology
- Virology
- Mycology
- Parasitology
- Associated laboratory technologies
The postholder will shape the future of public health microbiology, leading transformation across the laboratory network while ensuring operational excellence, resilience, and readiness to respond to emerging threats.
Main Duties and Responsibilities
The Director of Public Health Microbiology is responsible for ensuring the safe, effective, and sustainable delivery of UKHSA’s microbiology services, maintaining high-quality routine operations while creating the capacity to respond rapidly to public health incidents and emergencies.
The role leads the modernisation of laboratory systems and services, driving scientific innovation, operational efficiency, and organisational resilience. It oversees:
- National reference services
- Clinical laboratory networks
- Diagnostic pathogen characterisation
- Quality assurance
- Regulatory compliance
Collaborating with the Director of Health Security Scientific Research, the postholder aligns laboratory services with wider scientific strategy, fosters collaborative research and innovation, and ensures the highest standards of microbiological testing, surveillance, and evidence generation.
Strong engagement across government, NHS, academia, industry, and international health organisations is essential to advance public health outcomes and strengthen infectious disease prevention and control.
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Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership
- Provide vision, leadership, and accountability for the Public Health Microbiology Directorate, setting strategic priorities aligned with UKHSA’s objectives.
- Lead organisational change, workforce planning, and succession management to ensure long-term capability and resilience.
- Develop and deliver a clear strategy for microbiology services supporting public health and health security ambitions.
Laboratory Transformation
- Lead the modernisation of UKHSA’s laboratory infrastructure, services, and operating models.
- Champion the adoption of advanced technologies, digital solutions, and innovative approaches.
- Collaborate with NHS, academia, and partners to strengthen national laboratory resilience and scalable surge capacity.
Scientific and Technical Excellence
- Ensure high-quality, validated diagnostic services backed by robust clinical governance and international accreditation.
- Maintain compliance with statutory, regulatory, and quality requirements.
- Promote scientific excellence through research, knowledge sharing, and collaborative innovation.
Scientific Innovation
- Oversee the development and implementation of novel diagnostic approaches and laboratory technologies.
- Build strategic partnerships with public sector, academic, and commercial organisations to accelerate innovation.
- Support the translation of research into operational services and national capability.
Workforce Leadership
- Build, develop, and retain a highly skilled, diverse, and motivated workforce.
- Foster a culture of safety, inclusion, learning, and continuous professional development.
- Ensure robust health and safety standards across all laboratory environments.
Partnerships and Stakeholder Engagement
- Strengthen relationships with:
- NHS, government departments
- Academic institutions
- Industry partners
- International health organisations
- Support commissioned services and fulfil national and international commitments.
- Act as a senior ambassador for UKHSA and Public Health Microbiology across the wider health and scientific community.
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Governance and Performance
- Lead quality management systems, performance reporting, and business continuity planning.
- Ensure efficient, effective service delivery aligned with performance standards.
- Drive continuous improvement through data, evidence, and best practices.
Financial and Operational Management
- Hold accountability for significant budgets, ensuring financial stewardship and value for money.
- Optimise operational performance via strong governance, planning, and resource allocation.
- Identify opportunities for efficiency, sustainability, and service effectiveness.
Culture and Capability
- Foster an environment of innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
- Develop multidisciplinary capability and future leadership talent.
- Create an inclusive environment where individuals thrive while supporting UKHSA’s mission and values.
Security Clearance Requirements
This critical role requires:
- Developed Vetting (DV) clearance.
- Starting immediately with Security Check (SC) clearance; continued employment depends on achieving DV within the first 3 months.
Note: Optimal eligibility typically requires 10+ years of UK residency for DV. Exceptions may apply—contact the Recruiting Manager for further advice.
About UKHSA
At UK Health Security Agency, everyone matters. We are committed to: ✔ Diversity and inclusion as pillars of innovation and better outcomes. ✔ Removing barriers to create a workplace where all thrive.
We actively encourage applicants from underrepresented groups. For more, visit: UKHSA Careers. [Currently hiring for dedicated roles.]
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