Job Purpose
To provide functional leadership to three infectious disease laboratories (veterinary virology, veterinary microbiology and veterinaryparasitology) in the SBOHVM’s Veterinary Diagnostic Service (VDS), managing this major service with a significant degree of autonomy. To facilitate the integration of commercial work with academic research activities, strategically developing the service and augmenting its international reputation. The role involves developing links with biotechnology enterprises in order to attract commercial diagnostic contracts and foster collaborative relationships. In collaboration with the academic head of infectious disease, the post holder will develop novel, leading-edge companion animal diagnostics to maintain the profitability of the service.Main Duties and Responsibilities1.Assume responsibility for the planning, management and operation of technical service, encompassing oversight of bacteriology, parasitology and virology diagnostic laboratories. 2.To manage a rapid and efficient service, ensuring accurate testing and reporting of samples from internal/external veterinarians and institutions, including quality assurance control throughout; to assess the ongoing test requirements of the section and react accordingly and to prioritise and delegate tasks within the infectious disease unit. 3. Use specialist technical knowledge and experience to develop and deliver the infectious disease service in the face of an ever-changing veterinary diagnostic marketplace 4. Innovatively utilise specialist resources in the field of companion animal diagnostics, formulating new methods with improved sensitivity and accuracy to enhance the testing portfolio of the service in order to maintain and enhance its international reputation. 5.In collaboration with the academic head of infectious disease, develop collaborations with research scientists and commercial companies on both scholarly and commercial projects. 6.Manage the diagnostic laboratory budget, monitoring spending and take remedial action should budget limits be exceeded. 7.Develop/improve the capacity of staff within the infectious disease laboratories, integrating the three disciplines into an effective and efficient service unit and motivating/mentoring staff to better meet the current and future anticipated commercial and research requirements. 8.Contribute to the management of the diagnostic service and School as a whole through membership of relevant committees and groups. 9.Determine priorities and allocate resources to meet planned objectives of the infectious disease service and the requirements of the entire veterinary diagnostic service. 10.To deliver teaching and training and to impart knowledge, skill and guidance in a specialist area to undergraduate and postgraduate students, scientists, clinical scholars, nurses and technical staff, through the delivery of tutorials, seminars and one-one teaching as required.Knowledge, Qualifications, Skills and ExperienceKnowledge/QualificationsEssentialA1 Degree or equivalent in related subjectA2 Working knowledge of diagnostic virology, bacteriology and parasitology, sufficient to manage staff in each of these areas.A3 Knowledge of relevant health and safety issues as well as University policies and procedures.DesirableB1 Postgraduate qualification in Biological Sciences or Virology/MicrobiologyB2 Extensive theoretical and practical knowledge/skills in a wide range of diagnostic and research techniques within virology; molecular biology techniques, tissue culture, assays, and virus purification.SkillsEssentialC1 An ability to interpret diagnostic findings and develop novel test modalities.C2 Capacity to think strategically, integrating commercial laboratory activities with research opportunitiesC3 Ability to impart knowledge and expertise through training of commercial partners and international scientists.C4 Ability to independently devise, execute and interpret experimental work, using specialised equipment and resources.C5 Excellent organisational, planning and problem-solving skills together with communication and supervisory abilities.C6 Extensive IT skills including expert systems such as Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS).DesirableD1 In possession of advanced/specialist skills in the discipline of veterinary virologyExperience EssentialE1 Significant diagnostic laboratory experienceE2 Experience of working independentlyE3 Extensive practical experience in molecular and serological testing along with classical virology, bacteriology or parasitology.E4 Extensive IT experience, focusing on scientific application software and expert systems.DesirableF1 Experience of research-oriented technical work, evidenced by publicationsF2 Experience of staff leadership, supervision and motivation, facilitating the promotion of junior colleaguesTerms and ConditionsSalary will be Grade 7, £39,347 - £44,263 per annum. This post is full time and open ended. As part of Team UofG you will be a member of a world changing, inclusive community, which values ambition, excellence, integrity and curiosity. The University of Glasgow has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK. If you require a Skilled Worker visa to work in the UK, you will be required to meet the eligibility requirements of the visa route to be assigned a Certificate of Sponsorship. As a valued member of our team, you can expect:1 A warm welcoming and engaging organisational culture, where your talents are developed and nurtured, and success is celebrated and shared. 3 A flexible approach to working.
