Job summary
Do you wish to be part of an amazing, diverse team on the frontline in researching, investigating, and acting to protect the UK�s animal and public health?
If so, why not join us and make a difference.�
As a virologist in the Viral Zoonoses (VZ) Workgroup, you will deliver work on cross-cutting zoonotic/reverse zoonotic viral disease projects including SARS-CoV-2 and other coronaviruses for a range of funders � Defra, EU Horizon 2020, UKRI. Development and application of diagnostic and research tools and working as part of a team within the National Reference Laboratories (NRLs) for Rabies and Viral Zoonoses is a key part of the role.
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.
Job description
Main areas of work will include:
1. Lead on scientific delivery for coronavirus related projects by planning, organising and carrying out research and diagnostic activities as part of a team.
2. Undertake laboratory work including classical virology, molecular (PCR, sequencing, variant analyses etc) and immunological (serology, innate, cellular) analyses at containment levels 2 and 3.
3. Ensure the communication of outcomes towards project milestones and deliverables.
4. Data analyses with preparation of project reports, presentations and manuscripts; preparation and submission of research and surveillance results for publication and delivering presentations at national and international scientific conferences and meetings.
5. Work closely with staff across the VZ workgroup, relevant departments in APHA including pathology, animal sciences and wildlife teams to deliver R&D in the field of viral zoonoses, particularly SARS-CoV-2 and other coronaviruses in animals.
6. Represent the VZ Workgroup at local, national and international levels with a broad range of stakeholders including Government policy makers, other Agencies / Organisations, academia, commercial customers and industry.
7. Interact with a range of collaborators in the UK and Europe on the research topic of SARS-CoV-2 and other viruses at the animal-human interface.
8. Provide regular scientific progress updates to the Virology Senior Scientist.
9. Create a team-working environment, in which everyone can and does contribute effectively and in which different perspectives are heard and channelled towards achieving the Agency�s objectives.
10. Provide direct line management or functional management of scientific staff where appropriate.
11. The post holder will have opportunities for expanding expertise and Continuing Professional Development, both within and out with APHA.�
12. To support and maintain the establishment and maintenance of high health, safety and well-being standards and act as a role model. Ensure all work of the team is delivered in accordance with Health & Safety requirements.
13. Contribute to the review, development and implementation of Health & Safety practices and procedures, including documentation, as required.
14. Ensure all work is delivered in accord to the appropriate standards of Quality Assurance (ISO9001 and ISO17025).
15. Support project work and procedures under the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 to support NRL activities and research.
Person specification
Experience and skills:
You will need to demonstrate the following:
16. Post-graduate laboratory experience, data collation and analyses, working in partnerships.
17. Disease pathogenesis technical skills set including contribution to published outputs.
18. Scientific experiment delivery, engagement with full range of staff, communication skills for internal interactions including sensitive information, evidence of working with collaborators.
19. Ability to plan, prioritise, be flexible and deliver with competing workload demands.
20. Biological Science degree or equivalent experience.
Staff will be required to work rostered on-call duties, weekends, Bank Holidays and occasional evenings. Out of hours work may be required in the event of a disease incident. 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 be expected to have any necessary vaccinations and comply with health surveillance protocols. This will be arranged by the Health Team, Weybridge. It will also be necessary to undergo a pre-employment medical assessment. The post holder will need to wear protective clothing and Respiratory Personal Protective Equipment (RPPE) as required.
The work of the post can be physically demanding, and due to access requirements to biosecure areas (laboratory and animal facilities), individuals must be physically able.
Periodic travel within the UK or overseas may be required.
A valid full driving licence is necessary or access to an alternative means of transport.
Behaviours
We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
21. Working Together
22. Delivering at Pace
23. Making Effective Decisions
24. Managing a Quality Service
Technical skills
We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:
25. Experience working with viral pathogens in biosecurity settings at least CL2, and knowledge or experience working at CL3.
26. Experience with developing and applying molecular and immunological assays for viral zoonotic pathogens.
27. Evidence of contribution to peer-reviewed published papers and delivering external presentations.
Benefits
Alongside your salary of �35,857, Animal and Plant Health Agency contributes �9,681 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme.
Offered benefits
In return for your dedication and hard work, we will support your ongoing personal development through appropriate training. Inclusion, support as the development of our people matter to us. We aim to support the career and personal wellbeing of everyone in APHA.� Our benefits include generous annual leave, a generous employee contributory pension(27%), staff bonuses and recognition, salary sacrifice benefit options, and an employee discount scheme, reward vouchers and in-year bonuses. We also offer additional days off if accrued extra hours (flexi-time �if accumulated), three paid volunteering day per year. Further details can be found in the Candidate Information Pack.
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
Office attendance
This post requires you to be working in the Laboratory five days per week, or less if part-time.