Project Management:
The postholder will lead on scientific delivery in the VZ Workgroup and deputise for the VZ WGL, when required. With a team of senior scientists, they will be responsible for staff management, CPD engagement, visitor/student supervision, health and safety, project resources including finance and facilities (high and low containment laboratories). They will ensure the communication of outcomes to government, industry and other stakeholders are timely and appropriate, maintaining APHA’s reputation, profile and visibility. This includes preparation and submission of research and surveillance results for publication, presentations at national and international scientific conferences and meetings. Ensure that resource is deployed in the most efficient way, ensuring value for money, with well-defined and appropriate objectives and aims. Identify new funding routes and develop grant proposal(s) for Defra and non-Defra funding.
Working Together and Stakeholder Engagement:
The postholder will work closely with staff across the VZ workgroup, relevant departments in APHA and government to deliver R&D in the field of viral zoonoses, particularly SARS-CoV-2 and other coronaviruses in animals. They will be required to provide expertise and advice to a range of stakeholders. They will represent the VZ WG at local, national and international levels with a broad range of stakeholders including Government policy makers, other Agencies / Organisations, academia, commercial customers and industry. They will also provide a supporting role for the VZ WGL in managing VZ disease incidents and outbreaks, liaising with veterinary and public health stakeholders and developing a One Health approach to working with viral zoonoses.
Performance Management:
They will create a team-working environment, in which everyone can and does contribute effectively and in which different perspectives are heard and channelled towards achieving the Agency’s objectives. To ensure that high standards and expectations of staff and team performance and behaviours are developed and maintained at all times. Provide direct line management of scientific staff, including coaching, mentoring, academic supervision and acting as an effective people manager / Civil Servant and EDI role model. The post holder will have opportunities for expanding expertise and Continuing Professional Development, both within and out with APHA for self and team members.
Health and Safety:
To support and maintain the establishment and maintenance of high health, safety and well-being standards and act as a role model. Ensure all work of the team is delivered in accordance with Health & Safety requirements. Contribute to the review, development and implementation of Health & Safety practices and procedures, including documentation, as required.
Quality Assurance and Legislation Compliance:
Ensure all work is delivered in accord to the appropriate standards of Quality Assurance. Support project work and procedures under the Animals Act (Scientific Procedures) 1986 in support of work of the NRLs and research.
Experience
- Post-graduate laboratory experience including scientific experiment delivery. Ability to plan, prioritise, be flexible and deliver with competing workloads.
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Disease pathogenesis technical skills set including data collation and analyses, contribution to published outputs.
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Working in partnerships, engagement with full range of staff, communication skills for internal interactions including sensitive information, evidence of working with collaborators.
The Weybridge site is a strategically important national asset due to its role as a reference laboratory supporting the Governments response to national emergencies including disease outbreaks. For this reason all postholders based on the APHA Weybridge site must hold a valid Counter Terrorist Check (CTC) security clearance or above. It is up to each person applying for a post at APHA Weybridge to ensure they meet the residency criteria. UK residency is required from 3 to 10 years depending on the level of Security. However residency qualification maybe reduced for certain roles and will be considered on a case by case basis.
Should you be successful at interview you will be required to undertake this security check along with Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) check. This includes: identity, employment status, nationality and immigration status, criminal records and any other essential pre-employment checks.
The successful candidate will need to comply with a number of health protocols and wear protective clothing and Respiratory Personal Protective Equipment (RPPE) as required.
Depending on the areas of work involved you will be expected to have any necessary vaccinations or health surveillance. This will be arranged by the Health Team, Weybridge. It may also be necessary to undergo a pre-employment medical assessment.
Periodic travel within the UK and internationally will be required.
A valid full driving licence is necessary or access to an alternative means of transport.
Due to access requirements to biosecure areas, individuals must be physically able.
Out of hours work may be required in the event of an incident and in relation to international stakeholder engagement.