Virology Laboratory Manager

Overview

Are you excited by the opportunity to contribute to growing and protecting Scotland’s rural economy and environment?

We are looking for a Virology Lab Manager to join the Potato, Virology and Zoology branch at SASA, which is a division of the Agriculture and Rural Economy Directorate.

We are a community of 180 scientists, inspectors, policy professionals and support staff with responsibility for supporting both ministers and external stakeholders across arable agriculture, horticulture, food, the environment and the wider rural economy

The Virology Laboratory Manager will be responsible for overseeing the operation of the Virology lab which provides diagnostic services in support of the Scottish Seed Potato Classification System (SPCS). You will lead a small team carrying out immunological and molecular testing to detect and identify viruses in potato leaf and tuber material. This will include direct line management of two staff, supervision of lab processes and improving service delivery and efficiency.

Responsibilities

• Line management and professional development of two Virology Diagnosticians.
• Managing and prioritising workloads.
• Conducting and supervising high throughput sample processing for detection of viruses using immunological and molecular methods.
• Engaging with RPID inspectors and commercial customers regarding sample notification, receipt and reporting.
• Ensuring samples are processed as quickly as possible and results reported accurately and timeously.
• Ensure lab adheres to ISO 17025 standards including QC checking results and reports, ensuring equipment and reagents are maintained and prepared in accordance with procedures.
• Improving service delivery and diagnostic procedures.