Assistant Scientific Officer (ID4881)

Job summary

Do you want a role safeguarding standards of animal and plant health and welfare?

Do you want to apply your communication and problem-solving skills in a role that provides variety and flexibility?

If so, why not join us and make a difference.

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 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.

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.

Job description

We are looking for a motivated and detail-oriented Laboratory Technician to join our diagnostic laboratory team. This is an exciting opportunity to develop expertise across a range of microbiological, serological and molecular diagnostic techniques while contributing to high-quality laboratory services.

Working within a supportive environment, you will play a key role in sample processing, diagnostic testing, quality assurance and maintaining safe laboratory operations.

What you'll be doing

Sample Processing & Laboratory Operations

• Receive, register and process laboratory samples submitted for diagnostic testing.
• Prepare and package samples for referral to external laboratories.
• Respond to enquiries relating to laboratory submissions and testing services.
• Maintain laboratory equipment records, logs and documentation.
• Carry out housekeeping and laboratory maintenance activities in line with schedules.
• Ensure the safe disposal of samples, biological material and laboratory reagents.
• Escalate any issues, abnormalities or concerns to the appropriate manager.

Diagnostic Testing

Full training will be provided across a range of laboratory techniques, including:

• Culture, examination and processing of diagnostic specimens.
• Preparation and inoculation of microbiological culture plates.
• Reading and interpretation of culture results.
• Microbial identification using a variety of methods, including Gram staining, serotyping, fluorescent antibody test (FAT) and API (Analytical Profile Index) systems.
• Antimicrobial sensitivity testing and other investigative diagnostic procedures.
• Detection of antibodies using ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) and DPP (Dual Path Platform) testing methods.
• Molecular diagnostic techniques, including DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) extraction, PCR (polymerase chain reaction) and whole genome sequencing (WGS).

Quality & Compliance

• Follow Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and laboratory quality systems.
• Maintain accurate, timely and compliant laboratory records.
• Support equipment maintenance and calibration activities.
• Work in accordance with ISO 17025:2017 quality standards.
• Participate in external proficiency testing schemes where required.
• Support internal and external audits and continuous improvement initiatives.

Health, Safety & Biosecurity

• Promote and contribute to a positive safety culture.
• Follow all laboratory health and safety policies, procedures and risk assessments.
• Participate in safety training, contingency exercises and emergency preparedness activities.
• Support laboratory safety audits and inspections.

What we're looking for

• Excellent attention to detail and a methodical approach to work.
• Strong organisational and record-keeping skills.
• Ability to follow procedures accurately and consistently.
• Good communication skills and the ability to work effectively as part of a team.
• A willingness to learn new laboratory techniques and undertake further training.
• Commitment to quality, safety and continuous improvement.

Additional Information

• This role offers the opportunity to gain experience across multiple areas of diagnostic laboratory testing. As business needs evolve, you may receive training in additional techniques and undertake duties not specifically listed in this advert, providing ongoing opportunities for professional development and career growth.

Person specification

Experience and skills

You will need to demonstrate the following:

• Implementation of and maintaining quality and safety
• Good written and oral communication skills
• Well organised with good attention to detail
• Ability to follow instructions
• Basic laboratory skills
• Prior experience, or a willingness to learn laboratory techniques (e.g. pipetting, culturing, autoclaving)

If you wish to undertake a Level 6 Biological Degree Apprenticeship you will require:

• Science “A” levels or equivalent

• GCSE Maths and English (or equivalent) OR be willing to complete Functional Skills modules in working level Maths and English as part of the apprenticeship pathway.

For Level 3 you will not require A Levels in Science or equivalent but will require GCSEs Maths and English (or equivalent)

Government apprenticeship requirements state that the apprenticeship will provide “substantive new skills and learning” and that the apprenticeship programme it is “materially different to any other training undertaken or qualification held”. For this reason, applicants who already have a science degree cannot be accepted.

Workplace arrangements

The post holder must work from the location listed in the Location section of the advert. This post requires you to be working onsite at APHA Starcross five days per week or less if part-time.

Health Surveillance

The post will also require Health clearance. You will be expected to complete a questionnaire on your general