Laboratory Assistant (ID4754)

Job summary

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.

As Laboratory Assistant in the Surveillance and Laboratory Services Department you will support science at APHA, this will include performing diagnostic tests such as ELISA, Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), Complement fixation test (CFT), Indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT) and Serum agglutination test (SAT).

Job description

Your responsibilities may include, but will not be limited to:

• Performing serological diagnostic tests
• Maintenance, cleaning, and calibration of equipment
• Cleaning and sterilising utensils
• Ensuring the laboratories are clean, tidy and free from clutter
• Stock taking and ordering of reagents
• Working in a high containment facility
• Undertaking some of your work in a microbiological safety cabinet
• Responding to animal disease outbreaks
• Undertaking all training necessary to perform your role
• Complying with health and safety policies
• Completing all logbooks and forms relevant to your task in accordance with our ISO17025 standard

Person specification

You will need to demonstrate the following:

• Enthusiastic, self-motivated, and organized
• Flexible approach to work and ability to cope with change
• Good interpersonal and communication skills
• Excellent team working skills

Security clearance

The Weybridge site is a strategically important national asset due to its role as a reference laboratory supporting the Government’s response to national emergencies including disease outbreaks. For this reason all postholders based on the APHA Weybridge site must hold a valid Counter Terrorist Check (CTC) security clearance or above. It is up to each person applying for a post at APHA Weybridge to ensure they meet the residency criteria. Applicantsmust be currently resident in the UK & have at least three years continuous UK residency as this is a requirement to work at the Weybridge site where the team and work is situated.

Ways of Working

This post requires you to be working in the Laboratory five days per week or less if job-share

Periodic travel within the UK and Europe may be required to attend training courses, conferences and scientific meetings.

Out of hours work may be required. When overtime or out-of-hours work is required, APHA Management reserves the right to change overtime patterns to meet requirements. You may be eligible for overtime payments and where overtime is approved you will receive appropriate payment.

The post is full-time, we may consider two part-time staff on a job share basis if continuity can be arranged

The successful candidate is required to carry out all their duties from a UK location and cannot work from an overseas location for any prolonged period of time. Please take note that Defra does not hold a UK Visa & Immigration (UKVI) Skilled Worker License sponsor and are unable to sponsor any individuals for Skilled Worker Sponsorship.

Restrictions on outside/domestic contact with small animals, mainly rodents and rabbits, may apply.

A valid full driving licence is necessary or access to an alternative means of transport.

The successful candidate will need to comply with a number of health protocols and wear protective clothing and Respiratory Personal Protective Equipment (RPPE) as required.

The post will also require Health clearance. Depending on the areas of work involved you will be expected to have any necessary health surveillance including Skin sensitizers. This will be arranged by the Health Team, Weybridge. It may also be necessary to undergo a pre-employment medical assessment.

Behaviours

We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:

• Changing and Improving
• Delivering at Pace
• Making Effective Decisions
• Seeing the Big Picture

We only ask for evidence of these behaviours on your application form:

• Changing and Improving

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £29,770, Animal and Plant Health Agency contributes £8,624 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides (opens in a new window).

Further benefits offered also include:

• A minimum of 25 days of paid annual leave, increasing by 1 day per year up to a maximum of 30.
• An extensive range of learning & professional development opportunities tailored to your role.
• Access to a range of retail, travel and lifestyle employee discounts.
• Staff bonuses and recognition, salary sacrifice benefit options, and an employee discount scheme. · Three days special leave with pay, per year, for volunteering (pro-rata for part time employees).
• Making it work for you - With so many flexible options, most people can find a work schedule to suit their circumstances.
• We also have a social committee who run team building and fun events at the Weybridge site

To find out the full range of what we offer refer to the Information Pack attached for more detail.

Learning and Development

Everyone in APHA is supported to develop their skills and capabilities. When you join the Directorate, you will be welcomed into your new team through an induction programme that will provide you with helpful information on the civil service, our work and our policies. Your line manager will also work with you to establish your priorities for the year, developing a performance, learning and development plan tailored to you and your role. This can include a variety of courses, Apprenticeships, paid Masters and PhD and on-the-job training specific to your role.

In return for your dedication, we will support your ongoing personal development through appropriate training. Inclusion, support and the development of our people matter to us. We aim to support the career and personal wellbeing of everyone in APHA.

Things you need to know

Artificial intelligence

Artificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our