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 Science Directorate (SD) delivers high quality, impactful and highly relevant multidisciplinary science. Our people are diverse, talented, engaged and inspired to deliver innovative outcomes.�

Do you want to apply your science technical, communication and problem-solving skills in a role that provides variety?�

An experienced scientist with diagnostic research expertise is required to provide management and delivery of exotic mycoplasma surveillance and diagnostics at APHA as part of National and International Reference Laboratory functions. The work of the team involves detection and identification of veterinary Mycoplasma presenting an economic and disease threat and includes surveillance for notifiable, reportable, and new and emerging Mycoplasma species. This work is carried out at ISO17025 quality standard and requires specialist scientific diagnostic skills and knowledge as well as communication with veterinarians and scientists both inside and outside the agency and internationally. As exotic ruminant Mycoplasma laboratory lead, the post-holder will manage the delivery of specialist bacteriological and immunodiagnostic testing associated with international trade and provide advice on Mycoplasma diagnostics to customers when needed. Some of the work is done at high containment and the post involves management of one containment laboratory, overseeing the work of others to support emergency response capability as well as contributing to underpinning research, and preparing technical instructions, reports, and manuscripts.�

This is post is full-time, we may consider two part-time staff on a job-share basis if continuity can be arranged. The post is based at the Weybridge APHA laboratories. Attendance at the laboratories is essential and therefore the post holder needs to be able to work from the APHA Weybridge site.

Job description

Develop specialist knowledge of Mycoplasma microbiology and diagnostic tests. Deputise for the Mycoplasma Team Lead, particularly supporting exotic Mycoplasma ruminant diagnostics ensuring relevant testing diagnostic reports are approved within turnaround times. Develop and maintain competency to work independently under SAPO2 / CL3 containment laboratory conditions and take responsibility for safe handling and disposal of waste. Develop as Mycoplasma containment laboratory manager, directing work and staff within the facility, taking responsibility of laboratory operations in response to disease incidents. Oversee production of reagents used by other teams in the agency for immunodiagnostic tests and contribute to underpinning research work with a focus on prevention and control of exotic mycoplasma disease. Direct line management responsibility of up to two team members and supporting these staff to line manage others. Organisation of training in specialist techniques to national and overseas visitors and delivery of in country advisory and training visits on occasional basis. Effectively communicate Mycoplasma expertise when liaising with stakeholders, veterinarians, diagnostic customers and other laboratories, both nationally and internationally.�� Expand Mycoplasma expertise, through communication with international mycoplasmology networks and visits to, and by, collaborators and other Mycoplasma specialists. Preparation of newsletters, presentations, reports, abstracts and scientific papers. Ensure work and associated reporting is carried out to ISO17025 and ISO9001 standards, as appropriate.

Person specification

We are seeking enthusiastic applicants with diagnostic research expertise who, within a team of 8 staff, will act as exotic Mycoplasma laboratory and test manager and deliver effective day to day oversight of the diagnostic workstream of the Mycoplasma team ensuring country freedom from exotic Mycoplasma disease. You will be based in the Exotic Bacterial Diseases Workgroup within the Bacteriology Department at APHA Weybridge.

You will have knowledge and experience of research and or diagnostics with veterinary pathogens to include health and safety management and associated procedures and you will be expected to use this expertise to develop your working knowledge, support underpinning research and liaise with stakeholders relating to the detection and identification of economically important exotic veterinary Mycoplasma in support of Reference Laboratory activities.�

Good communication skills including experience of delivering presentations and in scientific writing.

Experience of designing and delivering specialist laboratory training to others, including visitors.

Knowledge and experience of microbiological diagnostic testing and/or research including standard microbiological / immunological techniques.

Good understanding of bacteriological diseases of animals.

Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office, Powerpoint, Excel and Access databases is expected.

The Weybridge site is a strategically important national asset due to its role as a reference laboratory supporting the Government�s response to national emergencies including disease outbreaks. For this reason, all postholders based, or working frequently, on the APHA Weybridge site must hold a valid Counter Terrorist Check (CTC) security clearance or above. It is up to each person applying for a post at APHA Weybridge to ensure they meet the . person applying for a post at APHA Weybridge to ensure they meet the residency criteria.Applicants must be currently resident in the UK & have at least three years continuous UK residency as this is a requirement to work at the Weybridge site where the team and work is situated.�

Qualifications

Science background with education to minimum degree level in a relevant scientific subject.

Behaviours

We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:

Seeing the Big Picture Leadership Making Effective Decisions

Benefits

Alongside your salary of �35,857, Animal and Plant Health Agency contributes �10,387 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 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.