Laboratory Scientist – Avian Viral Diseases (ID3182 & ID2966)
| Posting date: | 03 February 2025 |
|---|---|
| Salary: | £32,220 per year |
| Additional salary information: | London: £32,300 - £33,430. Pro-rata for job share |
| Hours: | Full time |
| Closing date: | 24 February 2025 |
| Location: | KT15 3NB |
| Company: | Government Recruitment Service |
| Job type: | Permanent |
| Job reference: | 383371/1 |
Summary
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 two positions available within the Avian viral diseases team. The successful candidates will be involved in the development and delivery of conventional and molecular testing workstreams for avian viral diseases and will be involved in frontline diagnostics. One of the roles will assist in delivering our obligations within a variety of international partnerships, in maintaining our viral repository, and in commercial reagent production. Both roles will involve working within biocontainment level 3 facilities and full training will be provided.
Both 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.
Main areas of work will include:
- Conduct and support experimental studies involving a variety of avian viral diseases.
- Assist with the maintenance and management of the conventional and molecular test portfolio for viral diseases.
- Conduct experimental and diagnostic work, some of which could involve the handling and sampling of laboratory animals and assistance with managing and maintaining insectaries.
- Establish new techniques, write and implement SOPs and maintain, troubleshoot or improve existing methods.
- Manage and maintain viral repository and stocks of antigen/antisera reagents.
- Maintain Safety standards while working in Biocontainment level 2 and 3 facilities, including writing and implementing risk assessments and acting as deputy building officer as required.
- 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.
- Prepare written reports for inclusion into manuscripts, publications and project reports.
- 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.
- Manage junior staff and train new staff members, visiting scientists and students as required.
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