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- Tasks: Conduct diagnostic testing and support laboratory operations in a dynamic research environment.
- Company: The Pirbright Institute, a leader in viral disease research and animal health.
- Benefits: Generous pension scheme, 25 days leave, gym membership, and employee discounts.
- Why this job: Join a vibrant team making a real impact on global animal health and disease control.
- Qualifications: BSc in biological sciences and at least one year of lab experience required.
- Other info: Work with cutting-edge technologies in high-containment facilities.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
The Pirbright Institute delivers world-leading research to understand, predict, detect and respond to viral disease outbreaks. We study viruses of livestock that are endemic and exotic to the UK, including zoonotic viruses, by using the most advanced tools and technologies to understand host-pathogen interactions in animals and arthropod vectors. Our major strength in understanding the immune systems of livestock provides a platform to control current diseases and respond to emerging threats. This important research would not be possible without the proportionate use of animals, which are integral to the development of new disease control measures such as vaccines and diagnostics. We have an establishment-wide commitment to the 3Rs (replacement, reduction and refinement), high standards of animal welfare, a culture of care and openness.
Organisation position and purpose
The post holder will work within the non-vesicular reference laboratories (NVRL) at the Pirbright Institute within a large multi-disciplinary team. The NVRL comprises six National and WOAH/FAO reference laboratories and provides diagnostic and confirmatory testing for both national (Defra) and international competent authorities, and leads the UK’s outbreak response to exotic, notifiable non-vesicular animal diseases. The post holder is expected to support the diagnostic capabilities and resilience of the NVRL. The post holder will be expected to undertake the day-to-day testing of diagnostic samples received in the laboratory, and will support the maintenance of our accreditation standards.
Main duties and responsibility
- Responsible for diagnostic testing within the NVRL, which will include:
- Sample receipt and processing
- Data entry using the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS)
- Serological and molecular testing of submissions to the NVRL
- Maintaining detailed and complete records
- Assist in the day-to-day running of the laboratory (such as waste management, reagent and instrument preparation)
- Support various ongoing projects in delivery of milestones
- Correctly identifying and addressing quality events
- Storage of samples and archiving
This job description is only an outline of the tasks, responsibilities and outcomes required of the role. The jobholder will carry out any other duties as may be reasonably required by his/her line manager. The job description and personal specification may be reviewed on an ongoing basis in accordance with the changing needs of The Pirbright Institute. All employees shall actively participate in the Institute-wide quality assurance system in conjunction with the Institute’s Quality Manager. Employees are also expected to safeguard their own health and safety and security by following policies and all employees are responsible for the Health and Safety and security of staff under their management. The post-holder will be working in our high-containment facilities with SAPO-3 and SAPO-4 viruses (African swine fever virus, bluetongue virus, African horse sickness virus, peste des petits ruminants virus and capripox viruses) and must comply with all biosafety procedures.
Specific requirements
- BSc in biological sciences or related discipline
- Experience in (minimum 1 year) basic lab practices; serology, molecular biology techniques
- Evidence of reliability under pressure
- Capable of careful, precise work
- Good skills in oral communication
- Proven ability to effectively work in a team
- Willingness to be on call out of hours
- Experience in real-time PCR as a diagnostic tool
- Experience in working to ISO/IEC 17025 standards or equivalent
- Experience in working in high-throughput testing laboratory
- Evidence of good record keeping
Due to the nature of the work carried out by Pirbright, all successful applicants will be required to go through a comprehensive screening process including reference and qualification checks, financial and security clearances.
What we offer
- Generous Group Personal Pension Scheme and life cover (subject to age and earnings)
- 25 days annual leave per annum, pro rata, plus 10.5 public and privilege days
- Buy and sell annual leave
- Option to carry over up to two weeks annual leave
- Pirbright gym with subsidised membership
- Pirbright social club
- Pirbright Lifestyle Hub (employee discount site)
Laboratory Analyst in Woking employer: The Pirbright Institute
Contact Detail:
The Pirbright Institute Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Laboratory Analyst in Woking
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at The Pirbright Institute on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your lab skills and knowledge about viral diseases. Show us you’re passionate about the work we do and how you can contribute to our mission.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to highlight your teamwork skills! We value collaboration, so share examples of how you’ve worked effectively in a team setting during your previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for a smoother process! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our vibrant community.
We think you need these skills to ace Laboratory Analyst in Woking
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Laboratory Analyst role. Highlight any relevant lab practices, especially in serology and molecular biology techniques, to show us you’re the right fit!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about viral disease research and how your background aligns with our mission at The Pirbright Institute. We love seeing genuine enthusiasm!
Showcase Your Team Spirit: We value collaboration here at The Pirbright Institute. In your application, mention any experiences where you’ve worked effectively in a team. This will help us see how you can contribute to our vibrant community.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Pirbright Institute
✨Know Your Science
Make sure you brush up on your biological sciences knowledge, especially around serology and molecular biology techniques. Be prepared to discuss your experience with real-time PCR and how it applies to diagnostic testing.
✨Showcase Your Team Spirit
The Pirbright Institute values teamwork, so be ready to share examples of how you've effectively collaborated in previous roles. Highlight any experiences where you contributed to a team project or supported colleagues in achieving common goals.
✨Demonstrate Attention to Detail
As a Laboratory Analyst, precision is key. Prepare to discuss how you maintain detailed records and ensure quality control in your work. You might even want to bring up specific instances where your careful approach made a difference.
✨Understand the 3Rs and Biosafety
Familiarise yourself with the principles of replacement, reduction, and refinement in animal research. Also, be ready to talk about biosafety procedures, especially since you'll be working with high-containment viruses. Showing that you understand these concepts will impress your interviewers.
