Associate Principal Test Scientist

**Who we are**:The Rosalind Franklin Laboratory is part of the NHS Test and Trace Laboratory network and is at the heart of the UK Health Security Agency’s plans for managing coronavirus (COVID-19).

When scaled up to full capacity, the laboratory will be able to process hundreds of thousands of tests a day, adding to what is already the largest network of diagnostic testing facilities in British history. It will play an important role in stopping the transmission of COVID-19, as well as ensuring the nation can respond quickly and at greater scale to deal with pandemics and other future threats.

The site has considerable benefits to the local area in terms of job creation and putting Royal Leamington Spa on the international scientific map with world-leading technology.
**In this role you will have the opportunity to**:work in a diverse branch of the Development and Innovation Group. The primary function of the scientific test team is to ensure the elimination of known risks to patient test outcomes in the successful deployment of changes in a high throughput diagnostic environment.

As a member of the team, you be performing in two key areas. The first is the staged test and deployment of both system improvements and new diagnostic capability, responsive to new software and hardware technologies advances. The second is to ensure that all equipment removed from production is tested in compliance with ISO15189:2012 before redeployment.

As an Associate Principal Test Scientist, you will be a key pillar within the scientific test team and be tasked with fostering a collaborative working environment between the scientific test team, development and operations groups. You will have opportunities to lead and work on various deployment and continuous process improvement projects and aid in the knowledge transfer and support with other key departments within the organisation.

**Your Responsibilities**:

- Performing unit, integration, regression and load-based testing, interfacing between automated robotics and LIMS systems
- The test and re-commissioning of all serviced and repaired equipment on the diagnostic lines presenting formal reports to the quality team for sign off.
- Perform Diagnostic end-2-end validation and verification activities
- Support change control activities
- Team specialisms include: Data Analysis, Quality Documentation, Training, Test Theory, Experimental design, Error simulation, method improvement
- Execute both functional and non-functional testing programs, communicating the results to both technical and non-technical stakeholders
- Perform test protocols for all new diagnostic capabilities and technology improvements
- Assist the Training Team on operator training requirements for all new product and process deployments. Support in operational training for line managers for new and amendments to standard operating procedures
- Data analysis and production of validation and verification reports for all end-2-end process testing
- Perform diagnostic instrument OQ and PQ activities and provide data for all new diagnostic equipment ensuring compliance with ISO 15189:2012
- Meet key KPI’s such as turnaround times for all equipment re-deployment following service and breakdown activities

**To succeed in this role, you should have the following skills & experience**:

- Previous experience or an understanding of test procedure and strategies needed to support continuous integration to meet business needs
- Understanding of validation procedure and strategies needed to support continuous change and improvements to meet business needs.
- A good, solid working knowledge of PCR is essential
- Understanding and experience of technical troubleshooting of automated systems
- Experience or working knowledge of best practice in a regulated environment
- Has a creative approach to problem solving, identifying opportunity during change with the ability to communicate this effectively to the team
- Must be familiar with clinical diagnostic test procedures and assays
- Flexibility with a willingness to embrace change and enjoys working in a team environment
- Experienced in working in a high-pressured team where quality is paramount

**Education**:

- Science degree or equivalent industrial experience

**In return we offer you**:You will receive a minimum 18-month contract with opportunity to go permanent and competitive rate of pay £51,519 and a 10% retention payment (paid at 9 and 18 months).

**Working hours**:Mon - Fri: 9am - 5pm

If you would like to request any reasonable adjustments around start times, working additional hours, learning about different shifts or future opportunities around securing a permanent position, please speak to the team to learn more about how we can accommodate you.
**Compliance**:Please be aware that Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) including a media check is the required level of screening for all staff working at the Leamington Spa Laboratory.
**Dive