Manager of Reagent Production and Cellular Cultivation

4 weeks ago


Weybridge, Surrey, United Kingdom Animal and Plant Health Agency Full time

Position Overview

Are you passionate about ensuring the highest standards of animal and plant health?

We invite you to consider this opportunity.

The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) operates as a key executive agency under the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs, serving the interests of the Scottish and Welsh Governments. Our dedicated teams, comprising over 3,000 skilled professionals, collaborate to provide vital research, guidance, and support to the UK Government, all aimed at protecting animal, public, and plant health for the benefit of our environment and economy.

The Science Directorate (SD) is committed to delivering exceptional, impactful, and relevant multidisciplinary scientific research. Our workforce is diverse, talented, and motivated to achieve innovative results.

This role plays a crucial part in both the Reagent Production Unit (RPU) and the Cell and Tissue Culture Unit (CTC).

In the RPU, your responsibilities will include overseeing the supply and production of a diverse array of immunological reagents, such as antibodies, antigens, and kits, utilized in APHA laboratories and for commercial distribution. You will also assist with the validation and troubleshooting of these reagents.

In the CTC, you will engage in the preparation of cell cultures and immunological reagents to support surveillance, research, and disease response efforts at APHA, as well as for commercial clients. A significant aspect of your role will involve preparing primary cell cultures from various animal tissues, which includes the dissection of animal organs and occasional participation in animal postmortem procedures.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee reagent production in RPU4, ensuring that stocks are maintained, meet quality standards, and are suitable for their intended use. Initiate production and testing as new stock is needed.

• Ensure that reagent orders for the RPU4 workgroup are fulfilled using the stock management system (Integra), adhering to agreed turnaround times for both internal and external requests. Address inquiries, complaints, and non-conformance issues related to reagent products.

• Assist in the validation of new diagnostic assays developed by commercial entities and in-house tests, contributing to the organization and execution of practical work specific to test validation projects.

• Support the completion of ad-hoc project work and troubleshooting of tests as required.

• Maintain the efficient operation of the laboratory, ensuring that room officer duties are fulfilled and managing equipment servicing and calibration on behalf of the unit.

• Uphold a safe working environment in compliance with local safety standards and COSHH regulations, including regular reviews of risk assessments and standard operating procedures.

• Procure laboratory supplies using Oracle SOP.

• Provide functional management of AO staff.

• Work flexibly within Biotechnology and Lab Testing as needed to ensure continuity of operations.

Cell and Tissue Culture Responsibilities

• Produce primary cell cultures from various animal tissues, which will involve dissection of animal organs and occasional attendance at animal postmortem.

• Generate chick/embryo primary cultures.

• Cultivate a variety of established cell lines and associated media.

• Conduct routine monitoring of cell cultures for contamination by mycoplasma, bacteria, and fungi.

• Possess knowledge of animal anatomy and dissection skills; training will be provided.

• Maintain both manual and computerized records in accordance with ISO 9001:2015 standards.

• Participate in the upkeep of the laboratory and its equipment, including routine cleaning and ensuring that equipment is serviced and calibrated.

Candidate Profile

Experience and Skills:

You should demonstrate the following:

  • Manual dexterity for performing dissections of animal organs.
  • Strong planning and management skills, with experience in a laboratory environment to ensure timely production of reagents.
  • Desirable working knowledge of immunoassays.
  • Ability to manage multiple tasks and adapt to changing work conditions.
  • Enthusiastic and self-motivated, taking ownership of your responsibilities.
  • Team-oriented with excellent interpersonal skills and effective communication abilities.

Technical Skills:

  • Manual dexterity for performing dissections of animal organs.

Qualifications:

A degree in a scientific discipline or equivalent relevant experience.

Work Environment:

This position requires laboratory work five days a week, or fewer if part-time. The successful candidate must adhere to various health protocols and wear protective clothing and Respiratory Personal Protective Equipment (RPPE) as necessary. The role may involve physically demanding tasks.

Depending on the specific work areas, necessary vaccinations or health surveillance may be required, coordinated by the Health Team. A pre-employment medical assessment may also be necessary.

Due to access requirements for biosecure areas, candidates must be physically capable. Out-of-hours work may be necessary in case of incidents. Health clearance will also be required.

Behavioral Competencies:

During the selection process, candidates will be assessed on the following behaviors:

  • Collaboration
  • Effective Decision-Making
  • Quality Service Management

Technical Competencies:

Candidates will also be evaluated on the following technical competencies:

  • Manual dexterity for performing dissections of animal organs.

Benefits:

In addition to a competitive salary, the Animal and Plant Health Agency contributes significantly towards your membership in the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. We are committed to supporting your ongoing personal development through appropriate training, as the inclusion, support, and development of our personnel are of utmost importance to us. Our benefits package includes generous annual leave, a substantial employer pension contribution, staff bonuses, recognition programs, salary sacrifice options, and an employee discount scheme. We also offer additional days off for accrued extra hours, three paid volunteering days per year, and opportunities for team-building and social events.

At APHA, we prioritize the development of our employees' skills and capabilities. Upon joining the Directorate, you will be welcomed into your new team through an induction program that provides essential information about the civil service, our operations, and our policies. Your line manager will collaborate with you to establish your annual priorities, creating a tailored performance, learning, and development plan for your role.

For further information, please refer to the Candidate Information Pack.



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