Molecular Testing Manager (ID4623 and ID4602)

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.

APHA is a brilliant place to work where our people feel valued, have a voice and can be their authentic selves. We value difference and diversity, because it helps us be more innovative and make better decisions. We are dedicated to being an inclusive employer, offering equitable opportunities for all individuals. Our goal is to build a diverse workforce, and we hope to attract applications from all backgrounds and underrepresented groups.

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.

The role of the Test Manager is to lead, and line manage a team in the department whilst acting as a point of contact for all testing queries. In liaison with the Laboratory Manager, you will be responsible for implementing, planning, prioritising, and allocating testing requirements to ensure a common Science Directorate (SD) approach. The job involves working with pathogens and hazardous samples, and must be undertaken following safe working practices as specified in instructions and safety documentation. Laboratories perform to ISO 17025 standards, and work must conform to these standards. You will help as part of the wider SD lab testing team to cover staff resource issues or other duties in the event of a disease outbreak.

We can also offer you a fully funded Apprenticeship at Level 5 in Laboratory Management (Technical Scientist) at the next available intake.

Outbreak

• Test management for Avian Influenza Wild Bird Surveillance scheme (polymerase chain reaction - PCR) and Bluetongue PCR
• Containment work across multiple containment facilities, including Specified Animal Pathogen Order Containment Level 4 and Advisory Committee for Dangerous Pathogens Level 3 (SAPO CL4/ACDP3)
• Performing test validation and accreditation tasks for new molecular tests used in outbreak response
• Succession planning for various competencies to build and maintain resilience
• Supporting continuous improvement activities, including but not limited to systems such as Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) and PowerBi
• Working collaboratively with a range of stakeholders to deliver testing to ISO17025 in a safe and timely manner

Central Unit for Sequencing and PCR

• Supporting test management of core testing activities within the department may include but not limited to Next Generation Sequencing, Sanger, Genotyping, Microsatellite, Babesia PCR, Tuberculosis (TB) PCR, Equine Influenza, Swine Influenza, Schmallenberg Virus. This includes functional line management across teams.
• Testing should be carried out to meet UKAS accreditation adhering to ISO17025.
• Working in various high containment facilities as required
• Succession planning for various competencies to build and maintain resilience

Health and Safety

• Contributing to a positive safety culture by following Agency safety policies and procedures.
• Understanding and following controls in Risk Assessments.
• Ensuring equipment maintenance duties are carried out in all areas of the laboratory.
• Participate in contingency exercises and other safety training.
• Participate in safety audits/ inspections to support the local safety manager.
• Ensuring health clearances are achieved and maintained for all work as required
• General housekeeping

Quality

• Accurate record keeping.
• Working to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Working to quality standards (ISO 17025).
• Participate in proficiency testing schemes.
• Participate in audits to support the local quality manager.
• Raise non-conforming work reports when investigating issues with testing

Line Management

• Directly line mange staff and oversee training in Agency policy and procedures
• Provide training following SOPs
• Hold regular one-to-one meetings to develop and manage performance
• Managing HR related activities, including but not limited to performance, attendance, and conduct.

Equipment and Consumables maintenance

• Arrange servicing and calibration with external service providers
• Raise quotes and purchase orders for work
• Supervise visitors
• Maintain stock of consumables and reagents
• Managing and supporting a range of outbreak response activities across multiple teams
• Managing a team responsible for performing diagnostic and molecular testing.
• Providing a supervisory role in the containment labs including training and supervising new staff.
• Managing staff performance reviews, absence, occupational health referrals and disciplinary actions.
• Reviewing and updating scientific and administrative procedural documentation.
• Ensuring work is performed to the ISO17025 standard including taking responsibility for audit actions and test assurance.
• Overseeing diagnostic testing including interactions with veterinary professionals and Defra.
• Investigating non-conformances and documenting findings.
• Communicating essential information to your team for discussion and feedback by regular minuted meetings.
• Complying with all safety procedures including wearing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and reporting incidents and near misses.
• Participating in all the necessary training to allow you to perform your role correctly and safely.

You will need to demonstrate the following:

• Organise and manage workloads and demonstrate awareness of quality requirements, ensuring all testing meets ISO17025 standards.
• Show a safety-first mindset making sound, evidence based decisions when working in a laboratory environment including high containment facilities and following all ACDP/SAPO controls.
• Provide support to colleagues, supervising testing activities, and taking ownership for performance, training, and workflow delivery.
• Build a positive work environment communicating clearly and working collaboratively across teams, stakeholders, and containment facilities to deliver shared objectives.

Qualifications

If you wish to undertake the Level 5 Laboratory Manager Apprenticeship you will require:

• GCSE Maths and English (or equivalent) OR be willing to complete Functional Skills modules in working level Maths and English as part of the apprenticeship pathway.

Security clearance

The Weybridge site is a strategically important national asset due to its role as a reference laboratory supporting the Governments response to national emergencies including disease outbreaks. For this reason all postholders based 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 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.

Workplace arrangements

This post is based at Weybridge only and requires you to be working in the Laboratory five days per week or less if part-time.

Out of hours work may be required. 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 need to comply with a number of health protocols and wear protective clothing and Respiratory Personal Protective Equipment (RPPE) as required. The work involved in this post can be physically demanding, therefore a level of physical fitness is required.

Restrictions on outside/domestic contact with small animals, mainly rodents and rabbits, may apply.

Health clearance

The post will also require Health clearance. You will be expected to complete a questionnaire on your general health and have any necessary vaccinations or health surveillance. This role involves high containment work with avian influenza, so use of MSCs and PPE including RPE for emergency protocols is required.