Healthcare Scientist

About the organisation

Public Services Delivery Scotland (PSD Scotland) has been formed through the joining of NHS National Services Scotland and NHS Education for Scotland into one national organisation. The aim of this change is to preserve continuity now while building a more joined-up and sustainable service for the future.

PSD Scotland brings together the strengths of both organisations to help accelerate national programmes that support the NHS in delivering better care now and in the years ahead. Its work includes staff education and training, providing tools and data that improve services, and delivering national functions such as procurement, logistics, and blood, tissue and cell services.

As a national NHS Board, PSD Scotland supports NHSScotland at strategic and operational levels. It helps customers run services more efficiently through shared national services, modern systems and high standards, always working to improve the health and wellbeing of people across Scotland.

About the role

This Healthcare Scientist position sits within Antimicrobial Resistance and Healthcare Associated Infection (ARHAI) Scotland, part of PSD Scotland. The role focuses on supporting priority services that contribute to a safer and healthier Scotland, particularly within health protection.

The successful candidate will work across four of ARHAI Scotland’s five priority programmes: National Policies, Guidance and Evidence (NPGE), Infection Control in Built Environment & Decontamination (ICBED), Community Antimicrobial Resistance & Healthcare Associated Infection (CHIPC), and Clinical Assurance.

The post is a national role, with the contract base in Glasgow. Hybrid working is in place, with substantial scope to work from home, and access to other NHS PSD buildings across Scotland may be available when needed.

What you will do

You will support consultants, programme leads, and senior nursing and scientific colleagues by providing specialist information, advice, and support to stakeholders. This includes carrying out scientific literature reviews, analysing and interpreting epidemiological and surveillance data, presenting findings clearly, and contributing to relevant research activity.

You will also help develop evidence-based guidance and support ARHAI Scotland’s work in areas such as incident and outbreak management, decontamination, the built environment, research, and infection prevention and control.

What we are looking for

The ideal candidate will be educated to postgraduate level or hold equivalent experience in a health or research setting. You should have a strong background in health protection, epidemiology, or public health, along with proven experience in relevant work.

Strong leadership ability is important, as is the confidence to work well within a multidisciplinary team. You should also be an effective communicator who can engage with a broad range of stakeholders. An interest in animal health would be welcome.

Experience or knowledge of the NHS would be an advantage. You will also need to demonstrate the NHS values of respect and care, openness, and integrity.

Working pattern

The role follows a flexible Monday to Friday schedule, with 36 hours of work per week.

Checks and eligibility

The appointed candidate will need to complete a Disclosure Scotland check. Anyone who has lived or worked overseas for more than 12 months during the previous 5 years will also need to provide a criminal record check from the relevant overseas authority.

It is a condition of employment that you remain resident in the UK and have the legal right to work in the UK for this post.

Benefits

PSD Scotland offers a pension scheme, a broad range of work-life balance policies, occupational health services, learning resource centres, and discounts across leisure, finance, and shopping.

Inclusion and flexible working

PSD Scotland is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace where people feel welcome and supported. Flexible working is encouraged through Once for Scotland flexible working policies, helping staff balance personal and professional responsibilities.

The organisation also supports staff wellbeing through learning and development opportunities, equality staff networks, and a long-term commitment to health, wellbeing, diversity, inclusion, and mental health. As an equal opportunities employer and Disability Confident Leader, PSD Scotland aims to interview disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria and to provide an accessible recruitment process with reasonable adjustments where needed.

Further information

For an informal discussion about the post, contact Gemma Waugh, Advanced Healthcare Scientist (Health Protection), at gemma.waugh@nhs.scot.

The closing date for completed applications is 7 July 2026.

Important notice

ARHAI Scotland is now part of PSD Scotland. The job description currently reflects the older Health Protection Scotland branding and structure, but it will be updated over the coming months to reflect the new ARHAI Scotland identity and organisational changes.

Please note that most correspondence will be sent by email, so applicants should check inboxes regularly, including junk folders.

PSD Scotland states that it is an equal opportunities employer and, as a participant in the Disability Confident scheme, it guarantees interviews for disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria. In cases of exceptionally high application volumes, a fair and proportionate shortlisting process will be used in line with Disability Confident guidance.