At a Glance
- Tasks: Conduct diagnostic testing and support antimicrobial resistance research in a collaborative lab environment.
- Company: Join the Animal and Plant Health Agency, dedicated to safeguarding health and the environment.
- Benefits: Fully funded Biological Science Degree Apprenticeship and opportunities for career growth.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace valuing diversity and offering equitable opportunities for all.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on public health while developing your scientific skills.
- Qualifications: Interest in science and problem-solving; training provided for all skill levels.
The predicted salary is between 27000 - 33000 £ per year.
Surveillance and Laboratory Services (SLSD) performs testing in a number of areas for both diagnostic and surveillance purposes.
The department plays a key role in delivering notifiable disease outbreak testing.
You will carry out diagnostic laboratory testing duties in the APHA Starcross Veterinary Investigation Centre.
Work as part of a team handling the receipt, registering and testing of samples in an ACDP Containment Level 2/3 laboratory.
- You will be required to;
- Work to Agency Safety and Quality standards (ISO:17025 / 9001)
- Follow approved Standard Operating Procedures, Risk Assessments and Codes of Practice
- Provide assistance with other duties in the Regional VIC when workload demands
We can also offer you a fully funded Biological Science Degree Apprenticeship at Level 6 or a Level 3 Laboratory Technician if you wish at the next available intake.
There are specific qualifications required to undertake this apprenticeship.
This role is based at APHA Starcross Veterinary Investigation Centre, Staplake Mount, Starcross, Exeter.
This is an excellent opportunity to build technical expertise in bacteriology and antimicrobial susceptibility testing while working in a collaborative laboratory environment that supports scientific excellence, quality and continuous improvement.
General duties
- Receiving samples into the laboratory and processing the tests
- Preparing samples for dispatch to other laboratories
- Dealing with queries received relating to laboratory submissions
- Maintain equipment records and logs
- Perform housekeeping duties to schedule
- Dispose of samples and spent reagents appropriately
- Keep line management informed of potential problems/anomalies
Diagnostic testing
- Culture and examination of bacterial specimens
- Preparation and inoculation of microbiological culture media
- Reading, interpreting and recording culture results
- Performing biochemical assays to support bacterial identification
- Conducting antimicrobial susceptibility testing using a range of methodologies, including: Supporting the development, optimisation and validation of antimicrobial susceptibility testing methods and contributing to AMR surveillance, monitoring and research activities as required.
Health and Safety
- Contribute to a positive safety culture by following safety policies, standards and procedures
- Understand and follow controls outlined in Risk Assessments
- Participate in contingency exercises and other safety training
- Participate in safety audits/inspections to support the local safety manager
Quality
- Ensure equipment maintenance duties are carried out and to schedule
- Maintain accurate record keeping
- Work to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
- Work to quality standards (ISO 17025 / 9001)
- Participate in appropriate external proficiency testing schemes
- Participate in audits to support the local quality manager
While the primary focus of this role is antimicrobial resistance testing and surveillance, responsibilities may evolve to meet changing business and scientific priorities.
Training will be provided to support the development of additional laboratory skills and involvement in new testing activities as required.
Do you want to apply your communication and problem-solving skills in a role that provides variety and flexibility?
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.
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.
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Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Assistant Scientific Officer in Starcross employer: Animal & Plant Health Agency
The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work environment where employees are valued and encouraged to be their authentic selves. With opportunities for professional growth, including fully funded apprenticeships in Biological Science, APHA fosters a culture of diversity and inclusion, ensuring that all team members can contribute to meaningful work that safeguards animal and public health. Located at the Starcross Veterinary Investigation Centre, you will be part of a dedicated team committed to high-quality laboratory services and innovative scientific outcomes.
Contact Details:
Animal & Plant Health Agency Recruitment Team
