Job summary
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 role of Molecular Test Manager is primarily focused on managing PCR testing to facilitate international trade, surveillance and diagnostic testing.
Job description
As Molecular Test Manager you will be involved in containment work, working collaboratively with various teams within the Central Unit of Sequencing and PCR (CUSP) and interacting with other departments within APHA.� The role has direct line management responsibility for the team, and it will be necessary to manage or functionally manage at least 6 assistant scientists.� These scientists will be performing PCRs including TB, Swine flu, SBV and Avian flu.� You will be responsible for safeguarding turn-around times, quality systems and health and safety.
You will work collaboratively with other CUSP managers and provide cover in the case of absences.
Person specification
1. Experience of molecular techniques, for example PCR.
2. Understanding of notifiable diseases.
3. Knowledge of ISO17025.
4. Excellent written & verbal communication skills are needed.
Out of hours working may be required and you will be expected to stay and complete tasks using our flexitime system.
Behaviours
We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
5. Leadership
6. Making Effective Decisions
7. Communicating and Influencing
8. Changing and Improving
9. Seeing the Big Picture
We only ask for evidence of these behaviours on your application form:
10. Leadership
11. Making Effective Decisions
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 as inclusion, support and 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 employer contributory pension(, 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 day 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.