Job summary
Do you wish to be part of an amazing, diverse team on the frontline in researching, investigating, and acting to protect the UK�s animal, plant, and bee health?
If so, why not join us and make a difference.�
As a Laboratory Scientist in the Avian viral diseases team, you will support the delivery of the research projects and perform diagnostic tests to support outbreak response, commercial and statutory diagnosis of a broad range of viruses.
Currently, we have three positions available within the Avian viral diseases team. The successful candidates will either work within the avian endemics team, in the outbreak response team or in the avian virology research team.
In the avian endemics team, the candidate will be involved in the development and delivery of frontline diagnostics for avian endemic diseases such as herpesviruses, pox viruses and coronaviruses.
In the outbreak response team, the postholder will play a key role in the delivery of conventional and molecular testing workstreams for statutory disease response including avian influenza, Newcastle disease and bluetongue with deputy building officer responsibilities for the Biocontainment facilities.
Within the avian virology research team, the candidate will be involved in a variety of research projects improving our understanding of the transmission dynamics, epidemiology, and pathogenesis of avian influenza viruses. �
All three posts offer opportunities for the postholder to participate in novel test development and improvement as well as in research activity with further opportunity to present the data at scientific conferences and in peer-review publications.
The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) is an executive agency of the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs, and works on behalf of the Scottish Government and Welsh Government. Our diverse teams of over 3,000 skilled and committed professionals come together to provide research, advice and support to UK Government for safeguarding animal, public and plant health for benefit of the environment and economy.
The Science Directorate (SD) delivers high quality, high impact and highly relevant multidisciplinary science. Our People are diverse, talented, engaged and inspired to deliver innovative outcomes.
Job description
Main areas of work will include:
1. Conduct and support experimental studies involving a variety of avian viral diseases.
2. Assist with the maintenance and management of the conventional and molecular test portfolio for viral diseases.
3. Conduct experimental and diagnostic work, some of which could involve the handling and sampling of laboratory animals and assistance with managing and maintaining insectaries.
4. Establish new techniques, write and implement SOPs and maintain, troubleshoot or improve existing methods.
5. Maintain Safety standards while working in Bio containment level 2 and 3 facilities, including writing and implementing risk assessments and acting as deputy building officer as required.
6. Act as Quality liaison officer assisting the department in maintaining an efficient and effective quality management system meeting the requirements of ISO9001:2015 certification and ISO17025 accreditation.
7. Prepare written reports for inclusion into manuscripts, publications and project reports.
8. Be part of the Core capability team to support other groups within the Virology department to perform serological/molecular diagnostic tests in the event of an outbreak or to provide support for WHO/OIE reference laboratories.
9. Present data at national and international meetings and conferences as appropriate.
10. Manage junior staff and train new staff members, visiting scientists and students as required.
Person specification
You will need to demonstrate the following:
11. Good written and oral communication skills.
12. Numeracy and IT literacy.
13. Technical laboratory experience in the following areas: Virology experience cell/virus culture, titration.Molecular biology nucleic acid extraction, PCR, sequencing and phylogenetic analysis.Serology assays ELISA, immuno-diffusion assays, virus neutralisation.Ability to input into the design, management, write up and presentation of work.
14. Willingness to work at Biocontainment levels 2 and 3 and have an understanding of SAPO/ACDP compliance.
15. Willingness to hold a Home Office Personal Licence and assist with in vivo studies.
16. A Biological science degree or equivalent experience.
Staff will be required to work rostered on-call duties, weekends, Bank Holidays and occasional evenings. Out of hours work may be required in the event of a disease incident. When overtime or out-of-hours work is required, APHA Management reserves the right to change overtime patterns to meet requirements. You may be eligible for overtime payments and where overtime is approved you will receive appropriate payment.
The successful candidate will be expected to have any necessary vaccinations and comply with health surveillance protocols. This will be arranged by the Health Team, Weybridge. It will also be necessary to undergo a pre-employment medical assessment. The post holder will need to wear protective clothing and Respiratory Personal Protective Equipment (RPPE) as required.�
The work of the post can be physically demanding, and due to access requirements to biosecure areas (laboratory and animal facilities), individuals must be physically able.
Periodic travel within the UK or overseas may be required.
A valid full driving licence is necessary or access to an alternative means of transport.
Behaviours
We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
17. Making Effective Decisions
18. Working Together
19. Delivering at Pace
Technical skills
We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:
20. Knowledge of avian viral diseases
21. Understanding of laboratory techniques
Benefits
Alongside your salary of �30,827, Animal and Plant Health Agency contributes �8,930 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme.
In return for your dedication and hard work, we will support your ongoing personal development through appropriate training. Inclusion, support as the development of our people matter to us. We aim to support the career and personal wellbeing of everyone in APHA. Our benefits include generous annual leave, a generous, staff bonuses and recognition, salary sacrifice benefit options, and an employee discount scheme, reward vouchers and in-year bonuses. We also offer additional days off if accrued extra hours (flexi-time �if accumulated), three paid volunteering days per year. We also have a social committee who run team building and fun events at the Weybridge site. Further details can be found in the Candidate Information Pack.�
Everyone in APHA is supported to develop their skills and capabilities. When you join the Directorate, you will be welcomed into your new team through an induction programme that will provide you with helpful information on the civil service, our work and our policies. Your line manager will also work with you to establish your priorities for the year, developing a performance, learning and development plan tailored to you and your role.�