Job Title: Infectious Disease Laboratory Manager
Job Purpose
To provide functional leadership to three infectious disease laboratories (veterinary virology, veterinary microbiology, and veterinary parasitology) within the SBOHVM’s Veterinary Diagnostic Service (VDS), managing this major service with a significant degree of autonomy. The role involves integrating commercial work with academic research, strategically developing the service, and enhancing its international reputation. The post holder will develop links with biotechnology enterprises to attract diagnostic contracts and foster collaborations. In partnership with the academic head of infectious disease, the role includes developing novel diagnostics for companion animals to maintain service profitability.
Main Duties and Responsibilities
1. Manage the planning, operation, and oversight of bacteriology, parasitology, and virology diagnostic laboratories.
2. Ensure a rapid, efficient, and quality-assured testing service for samples from veterinarians and institutions, including prioritization and delegation of tasks.
3. Utilize specialist knowledge to develop and adapt the infectious disease service in a dynamic veterinary diagnostic market.
4. Innovate in companion animal diagnostics, developing new methods with improved sensitivity and accuracy to enhance the service’s international standing.
5. Collaborate with research scientists and commercial companies on scholarly and commercial projects.
6. Manage the laboratory budget, monitor expenses, and implement remedial actions as needed.
7. Develop staff capacity and motivate/mentor team members to meet current and future research and commercial needs.
8. Contribute to the broader management of the diagnostic service and the School through committee memberships.
9. Prioritize and allocate resources to meet service objectives and organizational requirements.
10. Deliver teaching and training to students, scientists, and staff, including tutorials, seminars, and one-on-one sessions.
Knowledge, Qualifications, Skills, and Experience
Essential
* A degree or equivalent in a related subject.
* Working knowledge of diagnostic virology, bacteriology, and parasitology.
* Knowledge of health and safety regulations and university policies.
* Ability to interpret diagnostic findings and develop new test methods.
* Strategic thinking to integrate commercial and research activities.
* Excellent training, communication, supervisory, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
* Extensive IT skills, including Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS).
Desirable
* Postgraduate qualification in Biological Sciences or Virology/Microbiology.
* Advanced skills in veterinary virology, molecular biology, tissue culture, assays, and virus purification.
* Experience in research, staff leadership, and publication record.
Experience
* Significant diagnostic laboratory experience.
* Independent work experience.
* Practical experience in molecular and serological testing, classical virology, bacteriology, or parasitology.
* Experience with scientific software and expert systems.
* Experience in research-oriented technical work and staff supervision (desirable).
Terms and Conditions
Salary is Grade 7, £39,347 - £44,263 per annum. This is a full-time, open-ended position. The university offers a welcoming culture, flexibility, and a commitment to development and inclusion.
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