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- Tasks: Lead the design and architecture of APHA's Laboratory Information Management System.
- Company: Join a diverse team at the Animal and Plant Health Agency, making a real impact.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, inclusive culture, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Shape the future of animal health management with innovative technology.
- Qualifications: Experience in LIMS architecture and a passion for scientific innovation.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive environment that values diversity and collaboration.
The predicted salary is between 56375 - 62000 £ per year.
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. Surveillance and Laboratory Services Department (SLSD) is one of the departments that makes up the Science Directorate. SLSD provides a range of diagnostic testing and surveillance services on behalf of Defra and the devolved governments.
The APHA Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) is used across the APHA Science Directorate, primarily within SLSD, both as a conventional LIMS and as a key data asset. It underpins Defra’s animal disease management capability by enabling efficient, timely, and accurate testing for animal diseases and pathogens. This ensures outbreaks can be contained, UK agriculture remains protected, imports and exports of live animals are biosecure, and confidence in the UK’s disease-free status for food and farming is strengthened.
The Grade 7 APHA LIMS Architect will oversee the direction of and the scientific architecture within APHA’s extensive and complex LIMS system. This role will work closely with APHA Science and technology leaders and with colleagues from Defra’s IT department Digital Data Technology Security (DDTS) to create an ambitious vision for APHA’s LIMS system as well as a realistic and deliverable roadmap that delivers on this vision. This role will prioritise investing in APHA’s current LIMS system to ensure it is more resilient and secure, accelerating the digitisation and transformation of the way APHA carries out its Science and improving the scientific services we offer to internal and external customers.
LIMS Architecture
- Refine APHA’s scientific and business requirements and translate them into architectural patterns and solutions within the LIMS system.
- Collaborate with APHA’s IT delivery teams to ensure these solutions are developed, ensuring resilience, performance, efficiency, and supportability.
- Align work with other architects and technical professionals to maintain consistency across systems.
- Establish and communicate architectural principles, patterns, and constraints to ensure technically sound implementation.
Roadmap and backlog management
- Align roadmap with strategy: Ensure the LIMS roadmap supports organisational objectives, industry best practices, and long-term value.
- Architectural oversight: Assess impacts of roadmap and backlog changes, balancing priorities, risks, and opportunities to minimise downtime.
- Integrated backlog management: Govern feature and engineering backlogs holistically, linking near-term delivery with strategic roadmap goals.
Strategy for the “Future LIMS”
- Craft an ambitious vision for APHA’s future LIMS, incorporating new technologies, automation, and digitisation opportunities for enhanced efficiency and scientific service delivery.
- Support strategy development that aligns with organisational goals, challenging assumptions, and identifying new opportunities.
Quality Assurance
- Ensure all LIMS system developments align with accreditation standards (e.g., ISO17025, GLP) through robust system testing and documentation.
Cross-Government and Industry Alignment
- Build relationships across government, academia, and the private sector to share best practices and knowledge in LIMS system management.
- Monitor technology trends to identify improvement opportunities for APHA’s LIMS.
Supplier Liaison
- Lead communication with external suppliers for service improvements or system upgrades, providing architectural insight to guide effective collaboration.
- Minimise time spent on technical discovery by aligning suppliers’ contributions with APHA's needs.
Scientific Awareness
- Develop and maintain awareness in APHA’s science, representing scientific needs to IT departments, governance boards, and forums.
- Actively network within the APHA community to align strategic goals with technical and scientific requirements.
Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
- Build the architecture and design framework for APHA’s LIMS.
- Define strategy and play a central role in assuring services.
- Ensure and assure the continued alignment of LIMS solution development & delivery with APHA’s, Defra’s, and broader government’s strategic objectives.
- Ensure and assure the continued alignment of LIMS solution development & delivery with APHA’s legal, regulatory, and compliance obligations.
- Regularly collaborate and find agreement with senior stakeholders, providing direction and constructive challenge.
- Contribute to the overall management of technical and operational risk in relation to the APHA LIMS systems & service.
- Contribute to the overall management of business continuity in relation to the APHA LIMS systems & service.
- Contribute to the overall management and improvement of performance in relation to the APHA LIMS systems & service.
- Be proactive in identifying problems and translating these into non-technical descriptions that can be widely understood.
- Act as a mentor and coach to junior colleagues and may also be required to functional manage on a project basis, though no direct line management responsibilities apply.
Proud member of the Disability Confident employer scheme.
Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) Architect (CR769) in Cardiff employer: CAREER CHOICES DEWIS GYRFA LTD.
Contact Detail:
CAREER CHOICES DEWIS GYRFA LTD. Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) Architect (CR769) in Cardiff
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at APHA on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give us insider info about the company culture and maybe even a referral!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching APHA’s recent projects and initiatives. We want to show that we’re genuinely interested in their work and how our skills can contribute to their goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice common interview questions, especially those related to LIMS architecture and data management. We should be ready to discuss our past experiences and how they align with APHA's needs.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure our application gets noticed. Plus, it shows we’re serious about joining the team at APHA.
We think you need these skills to ace Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) Architect (CR769) in Cardiff
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the LIMS Architect role. Highlight your relevant experience and skills that align with the job description, especially in areas like architectural patterns and system management.
Showcase Your Technical Skills: Don’t shy away from detailing your technical expertise! Mention specific technologies or methodologies you’ve worked with that relate to LIMS systems, as this will show us you’re the right fit for the role.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon unless it’s relevant to the role. We want to see your qualifications without having to sift through unnecessary fluff!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. This ensures your application is received properly and gives you a chance to explore more about us and the amazing work we do at APHA!
How to prepare for a job interview at CAREER CHOICES DEWIS GYRFA LTD.
✨Know Your LIMS Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you have a solid understanding of Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS). Familiarise yourself with the specific technologies and methodologies used in the APHA's LIMS. This will not only help you answer technical questions but also demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.
✨Align with APHA’s Vision
Research the Animal and Plant Health Agency's mission and values. Be prepared to discuss how your experience and vision for the future of LIMS align with their goals. Showing that you understand their objectives will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to work under pressure. Think of examples from your past experiences where you successfully managed challenges related to LIMS architecture or collaboration with IT teams. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers.
✨Showcase Your Collaborative Spirit
Since the role involves working closely with various stakeholders, be ready to discuss your teamwork and communication skills. Share examples of how you've built relationships across departments or with external partners. Highlighting your ability to collaborate effectively will resonate well with the interviewers.
