Ocean Career: Cefas Pathologist

Aquatic Animal Health at Cefas (Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science) integrates research, advice, and regulation in support of Defra’s aquatic animal health policy.

It integrates epidemiology, risk modelling, pathology, molecular biology, and microbiology in undertaking statutory duties and novel research funded by UK government, to support implementation of the animal health regulations.

Employing a range of tools including histology, immunohistochemistry, light microscopy, electron microscopy, laser-capture microdissection and digital pathology, the Pathology Team is primarily responsible for the identification and characterization of aquatic animal diseases, with a focus on fish diseases.

As a lead pathologist, with expertise in histopathology, you will need to possess a proven publication record in the field. You will join an experienced team analyzing samples from aquatic organisms. You will provide scientific expertise in histopathology and the provision of professional assessments for statutory diagnostic, environmental monitoring, pathogen identification and, wider research of relevance to the health of aquatic environments.

You will collaborate with colleagues at institutes in the UK and abroad for the advancement of aquatic animal health science and participate in expert groups (e.g., WOAH, ICES) to enhance scientific excellence and reputation at Cefas.

There will be opportunities to develop and head national and international research programs and you will be expected to promote UK science at national and international conferences. An essential aspect of the role is a proven ability to communicate scientific outputs via a range of published, visual, spoken, and social media.

Cefas is proud of a diverse and inclusive work environment, committed to fairness and the promotion of equality of opportunity for all. We know that having a range of experiences, backgrounds, ways of working and thinking, makes us a stronger organization, better at reflecting the communities we serve. We embrace different views and experiences and value the fresh perspective that people from a variety of circumstances bring to the work we do. We welcome applications from candidates who have not previously worked for the Civil Service, mid- and late-career changers with transferable skills, people from all backgrounds and circumstances regardless of disability, gender, age, ethnicity, LGBT+ identity and socio-economic status.

Your main duties and responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:

• The postholder will apply their histopathology skills and knowledge to describe cellular and tissue responses for assessment of ecosystem health and the diagnosis and description of aquatic animal diseases for statutory diagnostic and research projects within the Cefas International Centre of Excellence (ICoE).
• Participation in, and contribution to, the development and application of international fish disease assessments for England and Wales.
• You will use digital pathology via virtual slide technology platforms for collaboration and training in pathology, and aid in expanding the Registry of Aquatic Pathology (RAP).
• Collaborating with colleagues you will develop and apply methods in “pathology” for multi-species of interest through interpretation of changes in tissues. Integrating pathology into our programs of work offers further opportunities for application of the toolbox to national and international programs, including environmental work programs within, and alongside, the ICoE.
• Fieldwork in the UK and overseas may be needed to collect samples for research and diagnostic purposes.
• You will be expected to lead and support delivery of national and international projects related to aquatic animal pathogen identification and environmental programs, (e.g., CSEMP).
• You will provide expert scientific advice in support of the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) Collaborating Centre for Emerging Aquatic Animal Disease (CCEAAD). This will include specialist input to diagnostic cases for emerging aquatic animal disease occurrences as reported to the CCEAAD. Representing the CCEAAD at WOAH meetings may also be required.
• As a principal scientist at Cefas you will be expected to demonstrate leadership in expanding self-knowledge and developing others, especially when gaining a working knowledge of new species.
• Working closely with Cefas colleagues, you will develop research opportunities and secure the national and international collaborations required for delivery.
• You will be expected to combine professional technical ability in histopathology with effective communication and leadership skills to develop and grow the influence and reputation of our science.
• You will need to possess and maintain a proven publication record, promote Cefas science at national and international conferences and effectively participate in expert groups (e.g., WOAH, ICES).

In addition, Cefas reserves the right to ask staff to take on additional duties and responsibilities which are commensurate with their grade. Team Leaders and management will have a discussion with staff to explain the changes that are to be made. A new job description will be issued if required.

The following are essential criteria required for this role and you must be able to demonstrate your skills and experience in the following areas:

• Working within a multidisciplinary team, to identify and describe fish diseases and those affecting other aquatic animals
• Knowledge of diagnostic reporting and awareness of statutory responsibilities
• Knowledge of WOAH procedures, WOAH Aquatic Animal Health Code and the WOAH Manual for Diagnostic Tests for Aquatic Animals
• Collaboration with colleagues, and building effective partnerships, to deliver research programs
• A proven record of leading high impact scientific reports and peer-reviewed publications
• Capability to represent Cefas at national and international conferences with participation in expert groups (e.g., WOAH, ICES)
• Ability to prioritize workload to ensure project milestones are achieved
• Compliance with health and safety procedures and UKAS ISO17025 quality systems, where applicable
• A Post-Graduate degree in a biological science where histopathology formed a key component

A Post-Graduate degree in a biological science where histopathology formed a key component.

We'll assess you against these behaviors during the selection process:

• Making Effective Decisions
• Seeing the Big Picture
• Communicating and Influencing
• Developing Self and Others

We only ask for evidence of these behaviours on your application form:

• Making Effective Decisions

We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:

• Able to demonstrate working knowledge and experience in histopathology.
• Able to demonstrate investigating pathogens affecting fish and other aquatic organisms. Scientific Writing: a proven record of peer reviewed publications in high impact journals is essential. Communication and presentation skills; able to explain complex scientific information to peers and non-technical customers.

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