International Reference Laboratory (IRL) Senior Laboratory Scientist

APHA's scientific activities focus on protecting the UK from a wide variety of animal diseases. APHA hosts 23 designated reference laboratories, the highest number of any institution globally. These include the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) and the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) International Reference Laboratories (IRLs) for avian influenza (AI), swine influenza (SwIV), and Newcastle disease (ND).

As a Senior Laboratory Scientist in the IRL for AI, SwIV, and ND, you will work on several high-profile projects aimed at defining, characterising, and controlling these pathogens globally. These projects build on established research and bolster international collaborations, enabling further global linkages to address the international threat from AI, SwIV, and ND. The projects will investigate critical factors related to the emergence and spread of these pathogens, aiming to improve our understanding and develop effective strategies to combat both veterinary and zoonotic risks worldwide. Critically, the role will foster connections with international partners to enhance the capability and capacity development of teams worldwide, thus enabling threat definition.

Your role will involve working in a multidisciplinary research team at APHA, using and helping develop a range of in vitro, in vivo, and bioinformatics tools to investigate the infectivity, transmissibility, and virulence of these viruses, as well as maintaining and developing effective diagnostic assays. You will also explore the serological responses induced by these viruses, the impacts of vaccination and virus evolution, and the emergence of novel viruses. The highly collaborative nature of these projects will require close interaction with partner institutes, including presenting findings, sharing data, and potentially hosting or visiting partner institutions worldwide.

A strong personal drive and enthusiasm to investigate viral factors using multiple approaches is central to this role. The successful candidate will need to utilise and develop the necessary laboratory techniques, including in vitro, in vivo, and bioinformatics to contribute to the project objectives. Your commitment to safe and responsible practices with infectious pathogens is reflected in the critical importance of competent containment laboratory work.

The role will involve the management of five laboratory scientists within the IRL and include team working responsibilities within the immediate IRL team and with colleagues across the workgroup and the wider department, including strong linkages with the research teams and National Reference Laboratory (NRL). This will include having or developing the capability to work in SAPO4/ACDP3 containment facilities. Clear scientific and managerial communication skills are essential, with a focus on achieving peer-reviewed publications.

APHA Virology is a multi-disciplinary department with internationally recognised expertise on a wide range of viruses. This is a particularly exciting time to join the Defra group. The programme of work on animal influenza and Newcastle disease at APHA has a strong international dimension and focus, seeking to apply better solutions for threat mitigation and control, to protect UK and global food security.

In return for your dedication, we will support your ongoing scientific and personal development through appropriate training. You will also enjoy excellent Civil Service benefits including a Civil Service pension. This position is based at APHA Weybridge and the successful candidate will need to pass Counter Terrorist Checks. For further details, please check the job description on civil service jobs.

Closing date: 12 August 2024.

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