At a Glance
- Tasks: Support Salmonella strategy through auditing, training, and technical support.
- Company: Join APHA, a leading agency safeguarding animal and public health.
- Benefits: Flexible working locations, professional development, and a collaborative environment.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for travel and career advancement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on public health and animal welfare through your expertise.
- Qualifications: Experience in microbiology and knowledge of quality assurance standards.
The predicted salary is between 31500 - 38500 £ per year.
The Bacteriology Department is responsible for research and surveillance activity on endemic and exotic veterinary and zoonotic pathogens with UK wildlife, food-producing animals and domesticated pets.
Within the department, the Field Epidemiology and Surveillance Workgroup (BAC2) has a focus on endemic zoonotic bacteria and antimicrobial resistance regarding food producing animals and minimising risks to public health., BAC2 is seeking an experienced microbiologist for the post of Salmonella Technical Officer to support the APHA delivery of the Salmonella strategy.
The work will involve technical support to the Salmonella National Reference Laboratory team, and oversight of the performance of Defra-approved Salmonella testing laboratories for the Salmonella National Control Programme.
You will work alongside the APHA One Health team to deliver expert appraisal of applications for Defra-approved laboratory (DAL) status, conduct audits of laboratories, write associated reports, and provide training.
The post can be based at any APHA laboratory location but requires travel to APHA Weybridge and external sites.,
- Provide external and internal auditing, training, and advisory services for APHA and DALs at multiple locations across the UK.
Plan and conduct auditing to monitor compliance with Defra and APHA procedures for approved laboratories, relevant International Standards and to facilitate improvements in business processes.
- Provide oversight of the performance of Defra-approved Salmonella testing laboratories, primarily those testing National Control Programme (NCP) samples under Control Salmonella Poultry Order (CSPO), but also those testing Poultry Health Scheme (PHS) samples under Trade in Animal Related Products (TARP).
- Liaise with disease and test consultants, Department of Epidemiological Sciences, United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS), proficiency testing team, APHA One Health and DALs teams to deliver expert appraisal of applications for laboratory approval.
- Provide audits (and associated reports) of laboratories (located at multiple sites across the UK) which apply for Defra approval (on a 2‑yearly basis) or in cases of performance issues.
- Collation and analysis of approved laboratory test and quality assurance data including commentary on participant performance in the VETQAS proficiency testing (PT).
- Contribution towards an annual ring trial of approved laboratories using a challenging faecal matrix with low Salmonella
- Act as APHA representative, liaising with UKAS (if required), APHA Quality/ISO17025 teams and VETQAS Sutton Bonington, with regards to DAL Salmonella‑related quality assurance procedures and the DAL inspection programme.
Coordinate and advise on the effective response to findings raised at external and internal audits.
- Maintain and develop expertise in ISO17025, ISO9001 and ISO17043.
- Provide advise and summary reports on issues affecting the DAL scheme to the National Reference Laboratory (NRL) and DALs teams.
- Troubleshoot and resolve quality issues/ findings.
- Responsibility for establishment of effective and efficient implementation and communication of quality initiatives Across the DAL network.
- Identification of opportunities for or i nh...... ear . x..
There will also be involvement with the VETQAS PTs team for both the provision of comments on participant performance in the VETQAS PTs and contribution to an annual ring trial for approved laboratories using a challenging faecal matrix with low Salmonella levels.
The postholder will also contribute to future developments in EQA/PT and be involved in other general work relating to quality assurance within APHA.
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 benefit of the environment and economy.
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.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Salmonella Technical Officer in Crewe employer: Animal & Plant Health Agency
The Animal & Plant Health Agency (APHA) is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that values collaboration and professional growth. Located in Weybridge, employees benefit from a dynamic environment where they can engage in meaningful work that contributes to public health and safety, alongside opportunities for learning and development in a well-structured administrative role.
Contact Details:
Animal & Plant Health Agency Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Salmonella Technical Officer in Crewe
✨Get Involved in Local Research Communities
Tap into local biotechnology meetups and research forums. These are great places to mingle with industry professionals, share your passion, and even discover unadvertised job openings. It's all about getting your face known in the field!
✨Leverage University Alumni Networks
If you're a recent grad, don’t underestimate the power of your university’s alumni network! Reach out to alumni working in biotechnology to gather tips about job openings at companies like Animal & Plant Health Agency. You'd be surprised how willing people are to help out a fellow grad!
✨Show Off Your Projects
Curate a portfolio showcasing any research projects or internships you've completed in biotechnology. This tangible evidence of your skills can really impress employers when you chat with them at networking events or interviews. It's about making that killer first impression!
✨Stay Up-to-Date with Industry Trends
Biotech is a fast-paced field, so keeping yourself updated with the latest advancements is crucial. Attend industry conferences, webinars, or workshops to broaden your knowledge and meet potential employers. Plus, it’ll give you fantastic talking points for your interviews at places like Animal & Plant Health Agency!
We think you need these skills to ace Salmonella Technical Officer in Crewe
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Lab Skills:In the biotechnology field, it's super important to highlight your lab experience in your CV. Be sure to mention specific techniques or instruments you've mastered (think PCR, gel electrophoresis, etc.) and any relevant projects you've worked on. This will show Animal & Plant Health Agency that you have the hands-on skills they need.
Tailor Your Technical Skills:Make sure to emphasise your technical skills, especially those relevant to the biotechnology sector. Include any software tools or programming languages you've used, like R or Python for data analysis, which could be key for this role at Animal & Plant Health Agency.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Since this is a full-time role, your cover letter should reflect not only your passion for biotechnology but also your long-term career ambitions. Share why you're excited about the work that Animal & Plant Health Agency does and how you envision contributing to their goals. This shows that you’re not just looking for any job, but you're genuinely invested in this opportunity.
Include Your Papers and Projects:If you've published any papers or contributed to significant projects, mention them! These documents can boost your application and provide tangible evidence of your expertise in the biotechnology field. Don’t forget to link to any relevant publications or project summaries—this can set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Animal & Plant Health Agency
✨Brush Up on Lab Techniques
Since you're eyeing a full-time gig in biotechnology, make sure you're well-versed in the lab techniques relevant to the role. Be ready to talk about PCR, CRISPR, or any specific methods mentioned in the job description at Animal & Plant Health Agency. You might even be asked to demonstrate your understanding of these processes.
✨Know Your Bioinformatics Tools
Get comfortable with bioinformatics tools that are commonly used in the industry, like BLAST or Bioconductor. These are key in biotechnology, and having hands-on experience or at least familiarity can set you apart. Prepare to discuss any relevant projects you've worked on, especially if they involved data analysis or genomic research.
✨Show Your Teamwork Skills
Biotech often involves collaboration across multiple disciplines. Be ready to share stories that highlight your teamwork and communication skills, especially in research projects. Think about working with different teams at university or any internships – this is where you can show how well you fit into Animal & Plant Health Agency's culture.
✨Research Recent Biotech Innovations
Stay updated on the latest trends and breakthroughs in biotechnology. Knowing what's happening in the field can help you engage in more meaningful discussions during your interview. Bring up recent articles or advancements that excite you, especially those related to the work being done at Animal & Plant Health Agency. This shows your passion for the industry!
