Senior Technical Specialist Applied Molecular Biology - 26798

An exciting opportunity has arisen to lead a growing arm of the Monitoring Laboratories (ML) portfolio. ML have recently expanded their molecular biology service offering, looking at new tools to support environmental improvement and using environmental monitoring to support health surveillance. Molecular biology has the potential to transform our knowledge of the environment. By unlocking the treasure trove of information available you will play your part in protecting the environment for future generations.

This role will be the key technical link between DEFRA, the Environment Agency, and commercial customers on how to turn academic research into tools that deliver outcomes for the environment. The role will work with Senior Research Scientists at the aforementioned organisations and develop a work plan for future developments in this field. The role will also support the Chiefs Scientists group in the development of new tools in this field and publishing our findings to support the wider scientific community.

You will act as a mentor to team members who wish to enhance their academic understanding of molecular biology and be an active participant in the EA applied science profession. The right applicant will be kind, supportive and have a passion for their subject that will encourage others to want to be experts in their field.

You will be required to have an incident role and make yourself available to respond to incidents or provide business continuity support during an incident. This may attract an additional payment and full training and alternative working arrangements will be available to support you with your incident role.

The team will be based at the Starcross laboratory in Exeter and be part of the wider molecular and microbiology team based there. You will work closely with other technical specialists including those based at our National Fisheries laboratory in Brampton who also deliver molecular biology services. You will have close links with our customer service teams and the ML management team in delivery of your role.

Experience/skills required:

• You will have significant academic understanding of molecular biology, preferably to Doctorate level and extensive experience of turning academic papers into new tools to deliver evidence.
• The ability to interpret data to ensure it provides the required evidence to the required standards.
• A proven understanding of developing safe techniques that protect our people from contact with potential health threats is critical.
• Proven experience of delivering analytical methods compliant with the ISO17025 quality management system.
• Be able to demonstrate your ability to take academic papers and develop business cases that would support the development of new tools.
• The ability to lead people and other technical experts to ensure successful outcomes.
• Proven project management skills and the ability to use tools and systems to control budgets and resources.
• You will have a passion for developing people and be able to demonstrate where you have supported people to achieve their best.

You will be welcomed into the team and given all the training and support you need to succeed in your new role. We support flexible working hours and practices to help you strike a good balance between your work and personal life. You will have access to a Local Government Pension scheme as well as a host of other employee benefits.

For further information on this role, the employee benefits and work of the Environment Agency, please download the candidate pack.

Closing Date: 18/06/2023, 23:55 hours

We are fully committed to having a diverse and inclusive workforce to reflect the communities we serve. We welcome flexible working patterns for all our vacancies, including job share, so please include clearly any information regarding your preferred working arrangements on your application. We also have a Guaranteed Interview Policy to support those with a disability who are seeking employment.