TB Technical Lead (ID4567)

Do you want to be part of a team protecting Great Britain from exotic notifiable diseases? Do you want to apply your communication and problem-solving skills in a role that provides variety and flexibility?

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 Surveillance and Laboratory Services Department (SLSD) offers a range of diagnostic tests to support private veterinary surgeons (PVS) in veterinary case management across farms in England and Wales. The department also performs testing in a number of areas for surveillance purposes. The department plays a key role in delivering notifiable disease outbreak testing.

The technical lead post works directly in the delivery of diagnostic tests, providing technical expertise and experience across the testing in their area. You will provide technical troubleshooting as well as training and functional support of other team members in their delivery area.

The Tuberculosis (TB) Technical Lead is responsible for managing all the TB serology testing at Starcross Veterinary Investigation Centre (VIC) EX6 8PE. Responsible for the management of the throughput of testing and development work whilst upholding quality and safety standards.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for all the TB serology testing activities carried out at APHA Starcross.
• Manage the receipt, processing and reporting of results for samples submitted for TB serology testing.
• Manage and carry out the testing of serum samples for the detection of TB antibodies using Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA), Enferplex (Chemiluminescence Immunoassay) and Dual Path Platform (DPP) technology.
• Fulfil the role of Test Consultant for certain serological tests, as required.
• Provide support in other TB testing areas, as required, including at Containment Level 3 (CL3).

Training

• Maintain a training programme for scientific staff referencing the succession plan and provide/arrange training for staff as required. Update the succession plan as training is complete and competence is signed off.

Technical

• Undertake and provide technical support for all the TB serology testing activities carried out at Starcross, maintenance of the TB serology SharePoint calendar.
• Monitor and maintain all associated stocks of reagents and consumables for all TB serology tests.
• Keep up to date with literature and policies/regulations that will compliment or enhance current TB testing regimes or project work and feed back to colleagues as required e.g. via project meetings and presentations.
• Responsible for technical troubleshooting, test development, improvement, and validation.
• Develop and maintain strong collaborative links with other scientists within/outside APHA.
• Provide assistance and technical cover to the TB test manager/s when required.
• Keep relevant managers and disease consultant up to date, as required.
• To provide assistance and technical support to other areas of the laboratory as required.
• Responsible for the collation and monitoring of External Quality Assurance (EQA), Internal Quality Control (IQC) and test performance data.
• Develop and maintain expertise in TB serology methods, providing feedback on testing outcomes to management and Species Experts as required.
• Attend or prepare briefings for local management meetings.
• Assist with promoting TB serology testing and expertise within the APHA and external institutions as required.

Quality

• Ensure testing processes are in line with ISO17025 quality standards by maintaining Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), logbooks, calibration records, Non-Conforming Work (NCW) investigations, Uncertainty of Measurement (UoM), External Quality Assurance (EQA), Internal Quality Control (IQC) documentation as well as participating/undertaking audits as required.

Accommodation

• To take appropriate action to resolve damage/faults/equipment failure. Arrange servicing/calibration of equipment as required.

Safety

• Comply with the APHA’s Health and Safety (H&S) Policy, H&S Standards and Guidance, risk assessments and SOPs, and to accept that by not following these could lead to management action against the post holder.
• Ensure all testing processes are carried out in line with the agencies safety policies and procedures and as well as maintaining appropriate risk assessments.
• Undertake twice yearly H&S ‘Supervision & Monitoring’ of staff within the areas of responsibility.

Proud member of the Disability Confident employer scheme

Disability Confident

About Disability Confident

A Disability Confident employer will generally offer an interview to any applicant that declares they have a disability and meets the minimum criteria for the job as defined by the employer. It is important to note that in certain recruitment situations such as high-volume, seasonal and high-peak times, the employer may wish to limit the overall numbers of interviews offered to both disabled people and non-disabled people. For more details please go to Disability Confident.