Higher Scientific Officer - Sutton Bonington, United Kingdom - Animal and Plant Health Agency

Animal and Plant Health Agency

Verified Company

Sutton Bonington, United Kingdom

1 week ago

Posted by:

Tom O´Connor

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Description

Details:

Reference number:

Salary:

- £30,317 - £32,803

Prorata salary for job share
Job grade:
Higher Executive Officer
Contract type:
Permanent
Business area:
Commercial

, Science Directorate
Type of role:

Commercial
Science
Working pattern:
Fulltime, Job share, Parttime
Number of jobs available:
1Contents

Location

About the job

Benefits:

Things you need to know

Location

Sutton Bonington, East Midlands (England), LE12 5RBAbout the job

Job summary:

Proficiency testing (PT) is an integral part of laboratory quality assurance.

It forms the basis for continuous monitoring of diagnostic test validity and supports laboratories to achieve and maintain accreditation to ISO VETQAS is a world leader in veterinary PT covering a wide range of diseases, species and tests; it is held in high regard globally.

This role is within the Commercial Department, part of the Science Directorate of the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA).

The VETQAS PT programme supports the core work of APHA and Defra to safeguard animal health and welfare and public health, protect the economy and enhance food security, for example in the National Control of Salmonella Programme.

It is responsible for the development, production and supply of PTs under the VETQAS brand to veterinary laboratories worldwide.

This role will work within the VETQAS team at the Sutton Bonington site, in compliance with ISO/IEC 17043, to design, plan and deliver PT schemes that suitably challenge laboratory test methods and ensure they are aligned for future technical challenges associated with laboratory testing.

At the same time, continue to expand the PT portfolio and help maintain business growth.

The post holder requires working knowledge of laboratory testing disciplines and procedures to ensure the smooth operations and delivery of VETQAS PTs.

The post holder reports to the Head of VETQAS PT and at times may deputise for some aspects of their work; they may also cover the work of other Scientists.

Job description:

Key areas of work will include:

Scientific duties

Plan, prepare and organise PT schemes covering a variety of test disciplines, for example, Microbiology, Serology, Parasitology, Haematology and Molecular
Provide evaluation and summaries of laboratories testing performance
Review and authorise PT Reports
Provide technical advice to customers on PT schemes and test methods
Review PT schemes including writing technical data sheets, marketing literature, and relevant SOP's
Design and plan new PTs in accordance with ISO/IEC 1704
Examine developments in science for incorporation into improving and developing new PTs
Setting criteria for Quality Control checks
Undertaking trials for the assessment of PT sample stability, homogeneity and uncertainty levels associated with PT samples and test methods
Assisting with sourcing suitable biological material used in the PTs
Responding to technical problems and enquiries
Provides information to the Head of Unit on a variety of scientific matters

Personnel & Training

Part of a team of scientists and administrative staff
Training and development of junior staff
Develop and maintain strong relationships with Stakeholder e.g. Customers, Scientists, Vets.

Safety

Works in accordance with health, safety and wellbeing procedures
Writing and reviewing risk assessments, COSHH and Material Safety Data Sheets
Ensuring the safe transportation of biological material including preparing risk assessments and information required for Health Certificates for the shipping of samples in accordance with IATA (International Air Transport Association) regulations
Organising safety contingency exercises.

Quality Systems

Ensure compliance with the International Standards for PT providers ISO/IEC 1704
Preparation of local Standard Operating Procedures.

Accommodation/Equipment

Shared responsibility for maintenance and upkeep of PT computer system, accommodation and equipment

Other Duties

May include other duties e.g. Fire warden, First Aider etc and agreed work objectives as noted in the performance management plan.

Person specification:

Required skills and experience:

Strong background in science, with work experience in a diagnostic testing environment
Working to recognised quality standards e.g. ISO 17025, ISO 900
Analysing scientific data
Working with a multitude of stakeholders
Competent in laboratory testing
Excellent written and verbal communication skills able to communicate to staff in a clear and concise manner and convey PT and scientific concepts to a range of stakeholders across Government and the scientific community, that is sufficient to represent APHA as necessary
High standard of interpersonal skills, being motivated, resilient and approachable in our multidisciplinary team
Ability to work under pressure in a flexible and agile