Overview
This is a full-time opportunity, on a permanent basis. The role will be based in South Mimms, Hertfordshire. The Scientific Research and Innovation Group delivers public health impact, world-leading research innovation, and a unique proposition via an ambitious Science Strategy balancing innovation with sustainability and affordability. It is divided into 6 sub-Groups: Innovation Accelerator, Clinical Investigations and Trials, Research and Development, Standards Lifecycle, Control Testing and Quality Assurance, and Health & Safety. The SR&I Research & Development (R&D) function delivers statutory mandated, strategically aligned, sustainable and impactful Regulatory Scientific research applied primarily to biological reference materials development and medicines control testing and areas of international and national priority for future biological medicines. Analytical and Biological Sciences (ABS) is a multi-laboratory, multidisciplinary team of experts within R&D. Both in vitro and in vivo methods are used to deliver practical laboratory analysis, experimentation and expertise aligned to Agency objectives.
The facility is provisioned to manage activities with a wide range of species, including at different biocontainment levels up to and including containment level 3 (CL3). A highly trained professional technical team care for the animals and perform the scientific procedures, underpinned by a specialist support team, ensuring the highest standards of animal welfare are maintained.
Role purpose and responsibilities
The post holder\'s main responsibilities relate to the operation and management of the Small Animals Holding Floor. The role holder actively contributes to the management, performance, and practical delivery of the in-vivo functions to support the scientific activities of the Agency, including the care and welfare of a variety of animal species, including non-human primates (NHPs) housed in the biological services facility to support Agency programmes of work that require in-vivo models. All responsibilities are performed in accordance with relevant Standard Operating Procedures, Codes of Practice and appropriate legislation and regulatory guidelines.
* Compliance with Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 (ASPA).
* Compliance with Quality Standard ISO/IEC 17025.
* Compliance with local Health and Safety Codes of Practice.
Operational and management duties
* Responsible for the operational delivery of in-vivo testing work in the assigned areas.
* Organisation and supervision of staff assigned to work in the managed area, including training, ongoing competency, and continuing professional development.
* Line management duties for staff.
* Responsible for Health and Safety within the managed area.
* Responsible for operational upkeep of the managed area, including equipment, environment, and relevant controlled documentation.
* Coordinate repairs and maintenance servicing of equipment within the managed area with external contractors and internal staff to ensure smooth operation.
Additional divisional duties
* Member of the following groups/committees.
* Preparation of anaesthetics/analgesics under delegation of Named Veterinary Surgeon.
* Completion of check systems to ensure ASPA compliance.
Scientific Procedures for in-vivo testing
* Qualified to hold a Home Office Personal Licence (modules A-C).
* Primary responsibility for animals under Personal Licence, including care and welfare.
* Performing a diverse and complex range of in-vivo scientific procedures on a variety of laboratory species across different containment levels.
Care and welfare of animals
* Communications with Named Veterinary Surgeons, Named Animal Care and Welfare Officers and Project Licence Holders to ensure the highest standards of animal welfare.
* Promote the 3Rs (Replacement, Reduction, Refinement) and our Culture of Care. Support animal welfare initiatives to ensure the highest standards are maintained.
* May include additional responsibilities, e.g., Named Animal Care and Welfare Officer following appropriate training.
* There is an expectation of contribution to out-of-hours, weekend and Bank Holiday cover for animal care.
Personal responsibilities
* Health and safety of self and others, including at the highest level of bio-containment.
* Compliance with Home Office Personal Licence standard conditions.
* Personal development and continual professional development.
Other information
The job description is not intended to be exhaustive, and duties may be altered from time to time in light of changing circumstances and after consultation with the postholder.
Online application form includes questions based on the Behaviour, Experience and Technical Success Profiles. CVs are not reviewed; applications are assessed on the basis of the questions answered.
Requirements and eligibility
* UK nationals; nationals of the Republic of Ireland; nationals of Commonwealth countries with the right to work in the UK; nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members with settled or pre-settled status under the EUSS; other listed EUSS categories.
* Further information on nationality requirements is available.
* Applicants will be assessed on mandatory requirements and competency-based answers; criminal record check required; baseline personnel security checks may be undertaken for government assets.
Working for the Civil Service
* The Civil Service Code sets out standards of behaviour for civil servants. We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition. The Civil Service embraces diversity and equal opportunities, including a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) and Redeployment Interview Scheme for eligible civil servants.
Role-related competencies
* Experience of supervising/managing a discrete area within an animal laboratory facility (Essential).
* Experience in organizing, supervising, and training staff to meet operational, quality and health and safety requirements (Essential).
* Considerable experience within the animal research field across a range of species (Essential).
* MIAT membership or equivalent; RAnTech is desirable; Home Office Personal Licence holder with confirmed training and competency records (Essential).
* Knowledge of ASPA legislation and practical implementation; up-to-date on education and training in laboratory animal science and welfare; knowledge of Home Office licensing requirements (Essential).
Strengths and selection
* Adaptable; Networker.
* Selection may include questions based on Behaviour, Experience, Technical and Strengths profiles.
Application and security
In a high-volume application scenario, an initial sift may occur based on lead criteria. Applicants are assessed on mandatory requirements as well as necessary skills and experience. A criminal record check is required. Baseline security checks apply for government assets.
Benefits and salary
Salary: £46,160 plus employer contributions to Civil Service Pension Scheme (£13,372). Benefits include 25 days annual leave rising to 30, 8 bank holidays, Privilege Leave, 37-hour week (full-time), sick pay progression, mobility clause, flexible working, season ticket or bike loan, Employee Assistance Services, Civil Service Benevolent Fund, CSMA, and ongoing learning and development opportunities.
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