Public Analyst: Job description
Public analysts are responsible for the safety and quality of our foods and check that the labels give
us correct information.
These highly-skilled analytical scientists also test a wide range of consumer goods as well as water
and air samples that may have an effect on human health or the environment.
More recently, some laboratories have been involved in the fight against terrorism and run tests on
hazardous materials and suspicious powders.
Public Analysts
May be involved in work as diverse as:
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chemical or forensic analysis;
process development;
product validation;
quality control;
toxicology;
Typical work activities
Typical work activities include:
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analysing samples from various sources to provide information on compounds or quantities of
compounds present;
using analytical techniques and instrumentation, such as gas and high performance liquid
chromatography (HPLC), ion chromatography, electrochromatography and spectroscopy
(infrared and ultraviolet, amongst others);
interpreting data and adhering to strict guidelines on documentation when recording data;
reporting scientific results;
using a range of analytical techniques, instrumentation and software;
developing new techniques for the analysis of drug products and chemicals;
working collaboratively in cross-functional teams;
liaising with customers, staff and suppliers;
being aware of, and keeping up to date with, health and safety issues in all aspects of the work
undertaken;
validating methods and equipment.
Food technologist : Job description
Food technologists develop the manufacturing processes and recipes of food and drink products.
They work on existing and newly discovered ingredients and technologies to invent new recipes and
concepts, as well as modify foods to create, for example, fat-free products and ready meals.
Food technologists are involved in conducting experiments and producing sample products, as well
as designing the processes and machinery for making products with a consistent flavour, colour and
texture in large quantities. This must be done within a strict and ever-changing regulatory
framework around the treatment of foodstuffs.
The work may also involve building relationships with suppliers and customers, as well as ensuring
products are profitable.
Typical work activities
Typical activities include:
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modifying existing products and processes and developing new ones;
checking and improving quality control procedures in your own and suppliers' factories, from
the raw material stage through to the finished product;
researching current consumer markets and latest technologies to develop new product
concepts;
selecting raw materials and other ingredients from suppliers;
preparing product costings based on raw materials and manufacturing costs to ensure
profitable products;
addressing issues of safety and quality.
In food manufacturing, the work may also involve:
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carrying out process support and development, new product development, and quality control;
developing the ability to repeat processes to ensure consistency and safety;
liaising and cooperating with technical and commercial colleagues in procurement, sales and
technical services, and marketing and distribution, and also with official food inspection and
hygiene agencies (this takes up a considerable proportion of time on the manufacturing side).
In retailing, typical work activities include:
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working with suppliers on quality issues and new product ideas.
In the public sector, the work involves:
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carrying out administration and devising policy for government departments;
implementing enforcement roles in local authority environmental health departments
Scientific laboratory technician : Job description
Scientific laboratory technicians are responsible for laboratory-based tasks, which include sampling,
testing, measuring, recording and analysing results in biological, chemical, physical and life sciences.
They also provide all the required technical support to enable the laboratory to function effectively
whilst adhering to correct procedures and health and safety guidelines.
Scientific laboratory technicians carry out fundamental tests as part of a scientific team. These tests
assist in the advancement and development of modern medicine and science. The work plays an
important role in the foundation stages of research and development (R&D) and in scientific analysis
and investigation.
Typical work activities
The main function of a scientific laboratory technician is to perform the specific scientific procedures
that allow scientists to perform the more complex analytical processes of the laboratory.
Tasks typically involve:
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performing laboratory tests in order to produce reliable and precise data to support scientific
investigations;
carrying out routine tasks accurately and following strict methodologies to carry out analyses;
preparing specimens and samples;
constructing, maintaining and operating standard laboratory equipment, for example
centrifuges, titrators, pipetting machines and pH meters;
ensuring the laboratory is well-stocked and resourced;
recording and sometimes interpreting results to present to senior colleagues;
using computers and performing mathematical calculations for the preparation of graphs;
keeping up to date with technical developments, especially those which can save time and
improve reliability;
demonstrating practical procedures if working in education;
conducting searches on identified topics relevant to the research;
following and ensuring strict safety procedures and safety checks.
The actual nature of the work will depend upon the organisation. For example:
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within a local authority environmental health department, the work may involve analysing food
samples to consider prosecution and to protect public health;
within the water industry, the work will mainly focus on the collection and analysis of water
samples.
Environmental health practitioner : Job description
Environmental health practitioners (EHPs) ensure the food we eat is safe and of good quality, to
improve housing conditions, safeguard standards of workplace health and safety and create a better
environment.
EHPs are responsible for developing, implementing and enforcing health policies, using specialist
technical skills and knowledge to maintain and safeguard standards relating to people’s health and
well-being.
EHPs act as advisers, educators, consultants, managers and enforcement officers, ensuring people
are able to live, work and play in safe healthy environments. They may be generalist or may
specialise in specific areas of the industry, such as housing, public health, occupational health and
safety, food safety and food standards, environmental protection, waste management and pollution
control.
Typical work activities
Typical work activities will vary according to whether working in a general or specialised area, but
typical work activities may include:
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carrying out routine or unplanned visits and inspections to ensure compliance with health and
safety legislation and taking action to improve conditions;
providing advice and assistance to householders and businesses;
taking photos, producing drawings, removing samples and conducting interviews as part of the
inspection process;
investigating complaints from the general public;
carrying out food hygiene and food standards inspections;
investigating accidents at work, and complaints about poor standards of health and safety, as
well as identifying areas of negligence;
investigating outbreaks of infectious disease, and preventing it spreading any further;
taking water samples to maintain and improve standards in public swimming and bathing areas
as well as private water supplies;
monitoring radiation activity, taking action when safety levels have been exceeded;
ensuring the health and welfare of animal livestock on farms and other premises, as well as
during transportation;
issuing licenses for pet shops and other animal related businesses;
advising on planning and licensing applications;
monitoring levels of noise, air, land and water pollution;
giving talks at public enquiries, meetings and exhibitions, as well as ensuring compliance
through education, advice and enforcement;
taking enforcement action, initiating legal proceedings, preparing and giving evidence in court;
advising on health and safety issues in relation to new buildings and developments;
arranging for removal of abandoned vehicles and refuge