Location
Office based at the Scientific Campus in Colindale, Edgware, London.

Hours
Full Time

Salary
£37,737 per annum

About the Role
The Food, Water and Environmental Microbiology Services (FWEMS) Laboratories are specialist microbiology laboratories within the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), located across three sites nationally. The London FWEMS Laboratory provides microbiology testing and advisory services to Local Authorities, Port Health Authorities, hospitals, and commercial clients across London, Southeast England, and the Midlands. Accredited to ISO 17025 and recognised as an Official Laboratory for microbiological examination of food within the EU, the laboratory plays a vital role in protecting public health from threats posed by contaminated food, water, and the environment.

As a Laboratory Administrator, you will coordinate professional administrative services within the laboratory, provide Personal Assistant support to the Laboratory Manager and Unit Head, and supervise and train administrative staff. You will work closely with the Business Support Manager to implement business plans and services, act as a key point of contact for Local and Port Health Authorities, NHS, and commercial customers, and ensure timely invoicing and sample collection through liaison with courier contractors.

Your responsibilities will include diary management, meeting organisation, minute taking, maintaining staff records, assisting with correspondence and reports, monitoring budgets, authorising invoices, managing travel and expense claims, and supporting quality systems to maintain UKAS accreditation. You will also assist with recruitment, staff supervision, HR functions, and ensure compliance with health and safety and data protection policies.

This role requires a high standard of work, a commitment to continuous service improvement, and the ability to work collaboratively across departments to support the laboratory’s objectives and maintain excellent customer relationships.

Experience
- Managing priorities within a large, complex organisation
- Records maintenance and filing systems (both paper and electronic)
- Using a variety of software packages, data entry, and strong keyboard skills
- Ordering and invoicing processes
- Liaising with customers and maintaining customer relationships
- Managing and communicating sensitive and confidential information

About you
- Excellent organisational skills with the ability to manage your own workload effectively
- Clear and concise communication skills, both oral and written
- Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team and across organisational boundaries
- High level of motivation and commitment to maintaining high standards
- Understanding of and commitment to equality of opportunity and fostering good working relationships

Qualifications
- Educated to A Level/NVQ standard or equivalent, including English

Desirable
- Experience working in a public health-related field
- Knowledge of laboratory safety requirements and procedures
- Experience independently managing projects within an administrative capacity
- Previous experience supervising or managing staff
- Knowledge and experience of financial management, including budget monitoring
- Proven ability to identify and develop efficient and effective workplace systems