Overview
About The Organisation
Public Health Scotland launched 1st April 2020 as a national health board, employing around 1200 people, with an annual budget of around £101 million. Public Health Scotland aims to create a Scotland where everybody thrives and life expectancy improves, and where the gap in life expectancy between the poorest and wealthiest areas narrows.
The Role
The Clinical and Protecting Health Directorate protects the people of Scotland from infectious and environmental hazards; enables high-quality clinical and public health knowledge, research and innovation; and influences clinical and public health practice through audits at national and local levels. The Directorate is seeking to appoint a Band 5 Healthcare Scientist Practitioner. The post-holder will work closely with clinical, scientific and analytical staff to contribute to Public Health Scotland’s intelligence surveillance, epidemiology, research and development activities.
While the current opportunity aligns with priorities within Health Protection and the PHS Strategy, this recruitment may result in the appointment of more than one successful candidate depending on service or business needs. Public Health Scotland reserves the right to appoint to additional posts should they become available across other relevant service areas, including (but not limited to):
* Respiratory Viral and Bacterial teams
* Surveillance
* Health Protection Guidance
* Vaccination and immunisation programmes
* Blood borne viruses and sexually transmitted infections
* Gastrointestinal / Zoonotic infections
* Zoonotic, Emerging Infections and Borders
* Environmental Public Health
* Field Epidemiology Team
The Candidate
You will work collaboratively with colleagues both internal and external. You will support epidemiologic analyses of the data, coordinating advice and guidance on specialist aspects of the analyses from topic teams where relevant. You will have good communication skills, as you will be involved in interpreting and preparing timely communications about the status of investigations as well as scientific reports and published articles of the results.
If you choose to use artificial intelligence (AI) or other tools to assist in writing your application, personalise this information, particularly your supporting information section. Tools cannot fully grasp the context or requirements of the job. By submitting your application, you confirm that all answers are your own work and have not been solely produced by AI or similar technologies.
Location and Working Pattern
The post is based in either Gyle Square, Edinburgh or Bothwell Street, Glasgow. We are currently hybrid working; you will be expected to spend time in both PHS offices with an option to work from home. There will be an expectation to travel to local areas for some meetings and events. The work pattern is Monday to Friday, 36 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 needs, you may be required on a temporary basis to work your normal contracted hours over 7 days including weekends to meet service needs. It is a condition of employment that you must live and remain a resident within the UK for the post.
Benefits
Our benefits package includes a pension scheme, a 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.
Inclusion
Public Health Scotland (PHS) is a national NHS board committed to being a diverse, inclusive and welcoming employer. We support flexible working options to help staff balance work and personal responsibilities. As an Established Carer Positive employer, we are committed to supporting staff with caring responsibilities and fostering a flexible, understanding workplace culture.
We offer a wide range of learning and development opportunities to support colleagues to grow and thrive. Staff are also welcome to join our active equality networks. As an equal opportunities and Disability Confident Employer, we guarantee an interview to disabled applicants who meet the minimum shortlisting criteria, and we are committed to providing an accessible and inclusive recruitment experience. PHS is working towards becoming a trauma-informed organisation and recognises that trauma may affect people in different ways, including during the recruitment process. If you need reasonable adjustments or support, please contact the Recruitment Team at nss.wfrs@nhs.scot.
Further Information
For an informal discussion on the post, please contact Brian Paris, Service Manager at brian.paris@phs.scot.
Closing date for completed applications is 27 May 2026. Interviews are in person in Edinburgh or Glasgow. Further information on PHS is available at www.publichealthscotland.scot. Please note that the majority of correspondence is sent by e-mail only, so check your e-mail regularly (including junk folders).
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