Details
Reference number
423707
Salary
£25,070
For details of our pay on appointment policy, please see below under the heading 'Salary'.
A Civil Service Pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%
GBP
Job grade
Administrative Officer
Contract type
Permanent
Business area
APHA – Science
Type of role
Science
Working pattern
Flexible working, Full-time, Job share, Part-time
Number of jobs available
1
Contents
* Location
* About the job
* Benefits
* Things you need to know
* Apply and further information
Location
Sand Hutton, Yorkshire and the Humber, YO41 1LZ
About the job
Job summary
Do you want to be part of a team protecting Great Britain from exotic notifiable diseases?
If so, why not join us and make a difference. More than ever before the health of our environment, plants, animals and bees matters. Do you wish to be part of are part of an amazing, diverse team on the frontline in researching, investigating, and acting to protect the UK's animal, plant and bee health? You will be helping to make a difference to the UK and contributing to global efforts to control and eradicate disease in plants, animals (such as Avian Influenza) and protecting global biodiversity.
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.
Job description
The successful candidate will carry out laboratory testing duties in the APHA York Laboratory. The role covers work in Parasitology, Molecular Biology and Wildlife Surveillance with support to other areas as required.
The purpose of the job is to be a member of a team carrying out sample testing to monitor for the presence of the parasites Echinococcus in foxes, and Trichinella in wildlife and domestic animal species.
All work is undertaken in a minimum of Containment Level 2 laboratories.
The post holder will be required to:
* Work to Agency safety and quality standards.
* Test submissions using scientific techniques used in APHA.
* Provide support and undertake duties on behalf of local Quality and Safety manager.
Laboratory scientists are required to gain a high level of competency in all technical disciplines undertaken at the laboratory and are required to work in different areas of the laboratory involving different disciplines on a rotational basis to provide testing cover where it is needed.
Anisakis/Trichinella surveillance
* To learn the artificial digest method for Trichinella testing.
* Process samples received for testing by our customers.
* Record results onto LIMS
* Ensure the appropriate disposal of specimens and other clinical laboratory and animal waste.
Echinococcus surveillance
* Carry out fox collections.
* Provide support in the post-mortem room with sampling and recording of findings, including collection of samples and preparing instruments/trays.
* Preparation of samples prior to DNA/RNA extraction.
* DNA/RNA extraction procedures.
* PCR clean room procedures
* Performance of end-point and real time PCR
* Gel Electrophoresis
Quality
* Work to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and local procedures
* Check and report results, liaising with line manager
* Maintain laboratory logbooks and records
* Ensure equipment logs are up to date and that failures are reported to Responsible Officer
* Assist with maintenance of ISO17025 accreditation by working to SOP's
* Contribute to the ethos of working to the highest quality standards
* Archive specimens according to agreed procedures
* Provide support to the Local Quality Manager where needed.
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
Work activities may change depending on the needs of the business which may involve training for additional tests and tasks not detailed on this job description.
Person specification
You will need to demonstrate the following experience/skills:
* Experience of working within a laboratory
* Experience in molecular biology
Licences
A full UK driving licence is required for this post. Evidence will be requested at interview.
Behaviours
We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
* Working Together
* Delivering at Pace
We only ask for evidence of these behaviours on your application form:
* Working Together
Technical skills
We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:
* Experience of working within a Laboratory
* Experience in Molecular Biology
Benefits
Alongside your salary of £25,070, Animal and Plant Health Agency contributes £7,262 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.
* Learning and development tailored to your role
* An environment with flexible working options
* A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity
* A Civil Service pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%
Things you need to know
Selection process details
This vacancy is using Success Profiles, and will assess your Behaviours, Experience and Technical skills.
After submission of the first stage of your application you will be invited to complete a Civil Service Numerical Test and Civil Service Verbal Test. If you successfully pass the test, you will be invited to complete the final stage of the application.
Please complete the online tests as soon as possible (within 24-48 hours is recommended), the closing date for the tests is 23:55 on 11th September 2025. If you fail to complete the online test before the deadline your application will be withdrawn. Guidance for the test will be available when you are invited to take the test. The tests are administered online and accessed via the CS Jobs website.
Do not leave completing the tests until the last minute in case you experience any access or technical issues. There may not be technical support available after business hours and after 2pm on the closing date of 11th September 2024.
While the tests should work on most operating systems and modern browsers with a good internet connection, we cannot guarantee that every combination will work. At the beginning, the test will check which browser you are using, and alert you if it is likely to be incompatible.
It is highly recommended that you complete the online tests on a desktop computer, not a mobile phone or tablet.
Please note that online tests associated with this vacancy are not subject to time limits; for further information visit the Reasonable adjustments for online tests - a candidate guide
IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON ONLINE TESTS
Our online test supplier will be performing scheduled maintenance between 4:00pm and 7:00pm on 30th August 2025. There will be up to 1 hour during this time where candidates will not be able to access tests.
All online tests will be affected.
IMPACT FOR CANDIDATES
Candidates who are taking a test when the downtime starts will have their test paused. They will be able to pick up where they left off after the downtime. They can do this by accessing the test again from their application centre.
Candidates will not be able to launch new tests during the downtime.
Candidates reporting issues should be advised to return to take the test after 7:00pm on 30th August 2025.
As part of the application process you will be asked to complete an online test, CV, 500 word Personal Statement and behaviour (Working Together).
Further details around what this will entail are listed on the application form.
Behaviours:
* Working Together (application and interview)
* Delivering at Pace (interview only)
Sift and Interview dates to be confirmed
Interview
If successful at application stage, you will be invited to interview where you will be assessed on the behaviours, technical skills and experience.
Your interview will either be conducted face to face or by video. You will be notified of the location if you are selected for interview.
Everyone in APHA is supported to develop their skills and capabilities. When you join the Directorate, you will be welcomed into your new team through an induction programme that will provide you with helpful information on the civil service, our work and our policies. Your line manager will also work with you to establish your priorities for the year, developing a performance, learning and development plan tailored to you and your role.
Location
As part of the pre-employment process for this post, successful candidate(s) will be able to agree a contractual workplace from those locations listed in this advert.
The agreed contractual workplace is then the substantive and permanent place of work for the successful candidate(s).
Successful applicants currently employed by the hiring Defra organisation for this post may choose to remain in their current contractual location or may choose to change contractual location to one of those listed above. This should be discussed and agreed prior to proceeding with pre-employment processes.
The agreed amount of time spent at a workplace for this post will reflect the requirement for Civil Servants to spend at least 60% of their working time in an organisation workplace with the option to work the remaining time flexibly from home. Working time spent at a workplace may include time spent at other organisational locations including field-based operational locations, together with supplier, customer or partner locations. This is a non-contractual agreement which is consistent with common Civil Service expectations.
Travel costs to non-contractual workplaces will be subject to departmental travel and subsistence policies. Travel costs to contractual workplaces are the responsibility of the employee.
The successful candidate is required to carry out all their duties from a UK location, and cannot do so from an overseas location at any time.
Defra includes the core department, APHA, RPA, Cefas and VMD.
Salary
New entrants to the Civil Service are expected to start on the minimum of the pay band. The internal roles rules apply to existing Civil Servants, i.e. level transfers move on current salary or the pay range minimum, transfers on promotion move to new pay range minimum or receive 10% increase. Either case is determined by whichever is the highest.
Ways of Working
This post requires you to be working in the Laboratory five days per week or accordingly if part-time.
Other information
The post will also require Health clearance.
Reserve List
A reserve list may be held for a period of 12 months from which further appointments can be made.
Childcare Vouchers
Any move to APHA from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. This includes moves between government departments. You may however be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax Free Childcare; for further information visit the Childcare Choices website.
Reasonable Adjustment
If a person with disabilities is put at a substantial disadvantage compared to a non-disabled person, we have a duty to make reasonable changes to our processes.
If you need a change to be made so that you can make your application, you should:
Contact Government Recruitment Service via as soon as possible before the closing date to discuss your needs.
Complete the 'Assistance required' section in the 'Additional requirements' page of your application form to tell us what changes or help you might need further on in the recruitment process. For instance, you may need wheelchair access at interview, or if you're deaf, a Language Service Professional.
Accessibility
If you are experiencing accessibility problems with any attachments on this advert, please contact the email address in the 'Contact point for applicants' section.
Visa Sponsorship Statement
Please take note that Defra does not hold a UK Visa & Immigration (UKVI) Skilled Worker License sponsor and are unable to sponsor any individuals for Skilled Worker Sponsorship.
Criminal Record Check
If successful and transferring from another Government Department a criminal record check may be carried out.
In order to process applications without delay, we will be sending a Criminal Record Check to Disclosure Barring Service on your behalf.
However, we recognise in exceptional circumstances some candidates will want to send their completed forms direct. If you will be doing this, please advise Government Recruitment Service of your intention by emailing Pre- stating the job reference number in the subject heading.
Internal Fraud Database Check
Applicants who are successful at interview will be, as part of pre-employment screening, subject to a check on the Internal Fraud Database (IFD). This check will provide information about employees who have been dismissed for fraud or dishonesty offences. This check also applies to employees who resign or otherwise leave before being dismissed for fraud or dishonesty had their employment continued. Any applicant's details held on the IFD will be refused employment.
A candidate is not eligible to apply for a role within the Civil Service if the application is made within a 5 year period following a dismissal for carrying out internal fraud against government.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Recruitment
We recognise that AI may be helpful when applying for this role, but it is important to use it in the right way. Read our Artificial intelligence and recruitment, Civil Service Careers guidance on how to make the best use of AI while ensuring your application remains authentic and effective.
Artificial Intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.
Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.
Security
Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.
People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.
Nationality requirements
This job is broadly open to the following groups:
* UK nationals
* nationals of the Republic of Ireland
* nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
* nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
* nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
* individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
* Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service
Further information on nationality requirements
Working for the Civil Service
The Civil Service Code sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.
We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles .
The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.
The Civil Service also offers a Redeployment Interview Scheme to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the advertised vacancy.
Diversity and Inclusion
The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see the Civil Service People Plan and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy .
Apply and further information
This vacancy is part of the Great Place to Work for Veterans initiative.
The Civil Service welcomes applications from people who have recently left prison or have an unspent conviction. Read more about prison leaver recruitment (opens in new window).
Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.
Contact point for applicants
Job contact :
* Name : Recruitment Team (Wildlife)
* Email :
Recruitment team
* Email :
Further information
If you feel your application has not been treated in accordance with the Recruitment Principles and you wish to make a complaint, in the first instance, you should contact Government Recruitment Services via email:
If you are not satisfied with the response you receive from the Department, you can contact the Civil Service Commission: here