Overview
Do you want a role safeguarding standards of animal and plant health and welfare? More than ever before the health of our environment, plants, animals and bees matters. 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, 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 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 under‑represented groups.
Duties and Responsibilities
* Sample testing to establish the diagnosis of animal disease, monitor animal health, screen for incursion of exotic disease, and perform statutory testing.
* Perform a wide variety of tests utilising serology, microbiology, parasitology and molecular biology techniques in Containment level 1 facilities, with some work at higher containment levels.
* Adhere to safe working practices, comply with ISO 17025 standards and all relevant safety documentation.
* Work as part of a cross‑department team of veterinary, laboratory and administration staff to deliver testing results to internal and external customers.
Specific Activities by Category
Gamma Interferon
* Ensure all samples received for gamma testing are processed efficiently.
* Stimulate high volumes of whole blood samples.
* Carry out enzyme‑linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) testing.
Media Production
* Prepare solid and liquid culture media.
* Conduct quality control checks of products.
Salmonella and Animal By‑Products
* Ensure all samples received for Salmonella and animal by‑products testing are processed as required.
General
* Receipt and dispatch of samples on a LIMS system.
* Record test data and findings.
* Housekeeping tasks.
* Preparation of critical test reagents.
* Disposal of samples and spent reagents.
* Use of lab equipment such as autoclave, pipettes, etc.
* Keep line management informed of problems or anomalies.
Health and Safety
* Contribute to a positive safety culture by following Agency safety policies and procedures.
* Apply risk assessments and controls appropriately.
* Ensure equipment maintenance duties are carried out in all areas of the laboratory.
* Participate in contingency exercises and safety training.
* Participate in safety audits and inspections to support the local safety manager.
Quality
* Maintain accurate records.
* Follow Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
* Comply with ISO 17025 quality standards.
* Participate in proficiency testing schemes.
* Support audits to assist the local quality manager.
Disability Confident
APHA is a Disability Confident employer. Applicants who declare a disability and meet the minimum criteria will generally be offered an interview. In certain recruitment situations, such as high‑volume, seasonal and high‑peak times, the employer may limit the number of interviews offered to both disabled and non‑disabled applicants. For more details, please refer to the company’s disability confident policy.
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