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Laboratory Assistant (ID3801, ID3832, ID3858)
Animal and Plant Health Agency
Borough of Runnymede
On-site
GBP 28,000 - 33,000
Full time
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Job summary
Join the Animal and Plant Health Agency as a Laboratory Assistant, contributing to diverse research teams dedicated to safeguarding the UK’s animal, plant, and bee health. This role involves conducting diagnostic assays, maintaining laboratory standards, and supporting bioinformatics analysis, all within biocontainment facilities.
Benefits
Qualifications
- Good understanding of biocontainment levels.
- Experience with genetic sequencing and genomic analyses.
- Ability to maintain ISO9001 and ISO17025 standards.
Responsibilities
- Support experimental research and diagnostic studies.
- Assist with bioinformatics and data analysis of molecular data.
- Maintain safety standards in biocontainment laboratories.
Skills
Education
Job description
Join to apply for the Laboratory Assistant (ID3801, ID3832, ID3858) role at Animal and Plant Health Agency
Join to apply for the Laboratory Assistant (ID3801, ID3832, ID3858) role at Animal and Plant Health Agency
Job Summary
Do you wish to be part of an amazing, diverse team on the frontline in researching, investigating, and acting to protect the UK’s animal, plant and bee health? If so, why not join us and make a difference.The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) is an executive agency of the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs, and works on behalf of the Scottish Government and Welsh Government. Our diverse teams of over 3,000 skilled and committed professionals come together to provide research, advice and support to UK Government for safeguarding animal, public and plant health for the benefit of the environment and economy.
New Haw, South East England, KT15 3NB
Job Summary
Do you wish to be part of an amazing, diverse team on the frontline in researching, investigating, and acting to protect the UK’s animal, plant and bee health? If so, why not join us and make a difference.The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) is an executive agency of the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs, and works on behalf of the Scottish Government and Welsh Government. Our diverse teams of over 3,000 skilled and committed professionals come together to provide research, advice and support to UK Government for safeguarding animal, public and plant health for the benefit of the environment and economy.
APHA is a brilliant place to work where our people feel valued, have a voice and can be their authentic selves. We value difference and diversity, because it helps us be more innovative and make better decisions.
We are dedicated to being an inclusive employer, offering equitable opportunities for all individuals. Our goal is to build a diverse workforce, and we hope to attract applications from all backgrounds and underrepresented groups.
The Science Directorate (SD) delivers high quality, high impact and highly relevant multidisciplinary science. Our People are diverse, talented, engaged and inspired to deliver innovative outcomes.
As a Laboratory assistant in the Virology department, you will provide scientific support for the delivery of the research projects and maintain competencies for diagnostic tests including genomics to support outbreak response, commercial and statutory diagnosis of a broad range of viruses.
Currently, we have three positions available one in the Vector borne diseases team and two within the Avian viral diseases team. Within the vector borne diseases team, the laboratory assistant will support the delivery of diagnostic assays for vector borne diseases. The roles in the avian diseases team will be involved in the development and delivery of conventional and molecular testing workstreams for avian viral diseases and will be involved in frontline diagnostics with one of the roles focusing on genomics and bioinformatics delivery for outbreak response. All three roles will involve working within biocontainment level 3 facilities and full training will be provided.
Job Description
- Conduct and support experimental research and diagnostic studies involving a variety of viral diseases.
- Assist with the maintenance and management of the conventional and molecular test portfolio for viral diseases, including the generation of genomic data.
- Assist with bioinformatics and data analysis of molecular data, including genomic data.
- Working in biocontainment laboratories and using microbiological safety cabinets.
- Conduct experimental and diagnostic work, some of which could involve the handling and sampling of laboratory animals.
- Establish new techniques, write and implement SOPs and maintain, troubleshoot or improve existing methods.
- Maintain Safety standards while working in Biocontainment level 2 and 3 facilities, including writing and implementing Risk Assessments, wearing appropriate PPE and reporting incidents and near misses.
- Assist the department in maintaining an efficient and effective quality management system meeting the requirements of ISO9001:2015 certification and ISO17025 accreditation.
- Prepare written reports for inclusion into manuscripts, publications and project reports.
- Producing reagents for diagnostic and research tests for use within APHA and for commercial purposes.
- Be part of the Core capability team to support other groups within the Virology department to perform serological/molecular diagnostic tests in the event of an outbreak or to provide support for WHO/WOAH/FAO reference laboratories. This may involve working at weekends or out of hours.
- Conduct and support experimental research and diagnostic studies involving a variety of viral diseases.
- Assist with the maintenance and management of the conventional and molecular test portfolio for viral diseases, including the generation of genomic data.
- Assist with bioinformatics and data analysis of molecular data, including genomic data.
- Working in biocontainment laboratories and using microbiological safety cabinets.
- Conduct experimental and diagnostic work, some of which could involve the handling and sampling of laboratory animals.
- Establish new techniques, write and implement SOPs and maintain, troubleshoot or improve existing methods.
- Maintain Safety standards while working in Biocontainment level 2 and 3 facilities, including writing and implementing Risk Assessments, wearing appropriate PPE and reporting incidents and near misses.
- Assist the department in maintaining an efficient and effective quality management system meeting the requirements of ISO9001:2015 certification and ISO17025 accreditation.
- Prepare written reports for inclusion into manuscripts, publications and project reports.
- Producing reagents for diagnostic and research tests for use within APHA and for commercial purposes.
- Be part of the Core capability team to support other groups within the Virology department to perform serological/molecular diagnostic tests in the event of an outbreak or to provide support for WHO/WOAH/FAO reference laboratories. This may involve working at weekends or out of hours.
You Will Need To Demonstrate The Following
- Good written and oral communication skills.
- Knowledge of laboratory techniques such as PCR (real-time / standard), immunoassays, virus isolation.
- Knowledge of genetic sequencing and genomic analyses (Sanger and Next-/Third Generation Sequencing).
- Understanding of different biocontainment levels.
- Knowledge of working to ISO 17025 and ISO9001 standards.
- Knowledge of virology.
The Weybridge site is a strategically important national asset due to its role as a reference laboratory supporting the Government’s 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. Applicants must be currently resident in the UK & have at least three years continuous UK residency as this is a requirement to work at the Weybridge site where the team and work is situated.
Qualifications
A-Levels or equivalent
Behaviours
We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
- Working Together
- Delivering at Pace
- Making Effective Decisions
In return for your dedication and hard work, we will support your ongoing personal development through appropriate training as inclusion, support and the development of our people matter to us. We aim to support the career and personal wellbeing of everyone in APHA. Our benefits include generous annual leave, a generous employer contributory pension, staff bonuses and recognition, salary sacrifice benefit options, and an employee discount scheme, reward vouchers and in-year bonuses. We also offer additional days off if accrued extra hours (flexi-time –if accumulated), three paid volunteering day per year. We also have a social committee who run team building and fun events at the Weybridge site. Further details can be found in the Candidate Information Pack.
Everyone in APHA is supported to develop their skills and capabilities. When you join the Directorate, you will be welcomed into your new team through an induction programme that will provide you with helpful information on the civil service, our work and our policies. Your line manager will also work with you to establish your priorities for the year, developing a performance, learning and development plan tailored to you and your role.
Selection process details
This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours and Experience.
Application Process
As part of the assessment process, your application will consist of a CV-style application template, and a 500-word personal statement against the details in the Person Specification in the advert and the job description. Further details around what this will entail are listed on the application form.
Sift
Should a large number of applications be received, an initial sift may be conducted using the personal statement. Candidates who pass the initial sift may be progressed to a full sift or progressed straight to assessment/interview.
Sift and interview dates as well as the interview location to be confirmed.
Interview
If successful at application stage, you will be invited to interview where you will be assessed on the Behaviours and your skills and experience.
A presentation or additional exercise may also be assessed.
Please use the STAR technique (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to provide evidence of each behaviour.
Your interview will either be conducted face to face or by video. You will be notified of the location if you are selected for interview.
Location
As part of the pre-employment process, successful candidate(s) will be able to agree a contractual workplace from those locations listed in this advert. The agreed contractual workplace is then the substantive and permanent place of work for the successful candidate(s).
Where the location is 'National' the successful appointee should discuss and agree an appropriate contractual location in line with both Defra’s location policy and site capacity, prior to proceeding with pre-employment processes.
This role is based at APHA Weybridge only due to the nature of the role and the duties required.
The agreed amount of time spent at a workplace for this post will reflect the requirement for Civil Servants to spend at least 60% of their working time in an organisation workplace with the option to work the remaining time flexibly from home. Working time spent at a workplace may include time spent at other organisational locations including field-based operational locations, together with supplier, customer or partner locations. This is a non-contractual agreement which is consistent with common Civil Service expectations.
Travel costs to non-contractual workplaces will be subject to departmental travel and subsistence policies. Travel costs to contractual workplaces are the responsibility of the employee.
The successful candidate is required to carry out all their duties from a UK location, and cannot do so from an overseas location at any time.
Defra includes the core department, APHA, RPA, Cefas and VMD.
Salary
New entrants are expected to start on the minimum of the pay band.
Reserve List
A reserve list may be held for a period of 12 months from which further appointments can be made.
Childcare Vouchers
Any move to DEFRA from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. This includes moves between government departments. You may however be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax Free Childcare; for further information visit the Childcare Choices website.
Reasonable Adjustment
If a person with disabilities is put at a substantial disadvantage compared to a non-disabled person, we have a duty to make reasonable changes to our processes.
If you need a change to be made so that you can make your application, you should:
Contact Government Recruitment Service via defrarecruitment.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk as soon as possible before the closing date to discuss your needs.
Complete the ‘Assistance required’ section in the ‘Additional requirements’ page of your application form to tell us what changes or help you might need further on in the recruitment process. For instance, you may need wheelchair access at interview, or if you’re deaf, a Language Service Professional.
Accessibility
If you are experiencing accessibility problems with any attachments on this advert, please contact the email address in the 'Contact point for applicants' section.
Visa Sponsorship Statement
Please take note that Defra does not hold a UK Visa & Immigration (UKVI) Skilled Worker License sponsor and are unable to sponsor any individuals for Skilled Worker Sponsorship.
Criminal Record Check
If successful and transferring from another Government Department, a criminal record check may be carried out.
In order to process applications without delay, we will be sending a Criminal Record Check to Disclosure and Barring Service on your behalf. However, we recognise in exceptional circumstances some candidates will want to send their completed forms direct. If you will be doing this, please advise Government Recruitment Service of your intention by emailing Pre-EmploymentChecks.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk stating the job reference number in the subject heading.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in applications
The Civil Service values honesty and integrity and expects all candidates to abide by these principles. Please ensure that all examples provided in your application are taken directly from your own experience and that you describe the examples in your own words. Applications will be carefully reviewed and if evidence of plagiarism or copying examples/answers from other sources is found, your application will be withdrawn.
We understand that you might use artificial intelligence (AI) and other resources for your application; however, we also value the personal touch and urge applicants to write statements without the use of AI to emphasise their own unique experiences. Please ensure all information you provide is factually accurate, truthful, and original and doesn’t include ideas or work that isn’t your own. This is so that your application is authentically and credibly your own.
Internal Fraud Database Check
Applicants who are successful at interview will be, as part of pre-employment screening subject to a check on the Internal Fraud Database (IFD). This check will provide information about employees who have been dismissed for fraud or dishonesty offences. This check also applies to employees who resign or otherwise leave before being dismissed for fraud or dishonesty had their employment continued. Any applicant’s details held on the IFD will be refused employment.
A candidate is not eligible to apply for a role within the Civil Service if the application is made within a 5-year period following a dismissal for carrying out internal fraud against government.
Full Time Only
This role is full time only. Applicants who wish to work an alternative pattern are welcome to apply however your preferred working pattern may not be available and you should discuss this with the vacancy holder before applying. We may consider two part-time staff on a job share basis if continuity can be arranged.
NSV
For further information on National Security Vetting please visit the following page https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/demystifying-vetting
Higher Security Clearance
Please be aware the levels of national security clearance are changing which may impact on the level needed for this role by the time of appointment. All efforts will be made to keep candidates informed of any changes and what that will mean in terms of vetting criteria. For more information please See our vetting charter.
Feedback
Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.
This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours and Experience.
Security
Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.
Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is counter-terrorist check (opens in a new window).See our vetting charter (opens in a new window).
People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.
Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check.
Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is counter-terrorist check (opens in a new window).See our vetting charter (opens in a new window).
People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.
Medical
Successful candidates will be expected to have a medical.
Nationality requirements
This Job Is Broadly Open To The Following Groups
- UK nationals
- nationals of the Republic of Ireland
- nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
- nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window)
- nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
- individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
- Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service
Working for the Civil Service
The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.
We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window).
The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.
The Civil Service also offers a Redeployment Interview Scheme to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the advertised vacancy.
The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.
We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window).
The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.
The Civil Service also offers a Redeployment Interview Scheme to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the advertised vacancy.
Diversity and Inclusion
The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see the Civil Service People Plan (opens in a new window) and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy (opens in a new window).
This vacancy is part of the Great Place to Work for Veterans (opens in a new window) initiative.
The Civil Service welcomes applications from people who have recently left prison or have an unspent conviction. Read more about prison leaver recruitment (opens in new window).
Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.
Contact point for applicants
Job Contact
- Name : Science Directorate HR
- Email : Science.DirectorateHR@apha.gov.uk
- Email : defrarecruitment.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk
If you feel your application has not been treated in accordance with the Recruitment Principles and you wish to make a complaint, in the first instance, you should contact Government Recruitment Services via email: defrarecruitment.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk
If you are not satisfied with the response you receive from the Department, you can contact the Civil Service Commission: here
- Seniority levelEntry level
- Employment typeFull-time
- Job functionResearch, Analyst, and Information Technology
- IndustriesGovernment Administration
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