We are seeking a Grade 4 Technical and Scientific Officer with experience in molecular biology to join the National Fisheries Laboratory (NFL) team in Brampton, Cambridgeshire on a 24-month contract (with potential for the role to become permanent).
The primary focus of this role will be related to the delivery of our molecular service in support of the detection, monitoring and management of fish pathogens and non-native fishes to support our incident response and regulations. You will work with our molecular technical specialist in managing a growing portfolio of work for internal and external customers. You will deliver scientific evidence to strengthen our operational and regulatory duties with the aim to maintain, improve, and develop freshwater fisheries in England. You will also be required to support across our core disciplines as necessary to ensure delivery of our services to area operational teams and external fishery customers.
You will assist and manage the day-to-day operation of our molecular laboratories and will have responsibilities that include overseeing the processing of samples, ensuring quality standards, data analyses, interpretation, reporting, maintaining equipment through the management of service contracts, writing COSHH and Risk Assessments, maintaining laboratory supplies and more. This is a senior role and will require training of staff from diverse backgrounds and working with other senior team members to ensure smooth delivery of our services.
You will have significant experience of working in molecular laboratories and be comfortable working with internal and external partners to support the implementation and development of our molecular service, for example using innovative monitoring tools for the detection of priority species and pathogens, and for broader environmental monitoring to address future risks.
You will adhere to the highest standards of health, safety, and wellbeing and will also be required to support with incident response across the business.
The team
The National Fisheries Laboratory team act as a single point of expertise to identify, monitor and limit the impact of current and future threats to fisheries and the aquatic environment from fish disease, parasites, pathogens, non-native species, and ageing.
A laboratory and office-based team, our work consists of the delivery of post-mortem and laboratory diagnostics (parasitology, bacteriology, histology, molecular, ageing) and the provision of technical advice and guidance to inform our regulation.
Experience/skills required
Sound scientific knowledge of molecular tools and approaches, degree level or equivalent, with experience in the collection, processing, and analysis of molecular data is essential to this role.
Experience working in laboratory teams, leading people or areas of work and overseeing the day to day running of a laboratory.
Knowledge of disease diagnostic principles such as DNA/RNA handling, PCR, and sequencing, freshwater fish diseases and freshwater fisheries monitoring including eDNA is preferable.
A strong team ethic is essential, as is an ability to work independently and as part of a highly motivated and technical team.
Self-motivated, inquisitive, organised, and with excellent attention to detail.
Be able to prioritise demanding seasonal workloads, work under pressure to meet varied demands, be comfortable working to tight deadlines, and have a clear pragmatic approach to achieving objectives.
An excellent communicator at all levels and in various forms, with strong influencing and inter-personal skills.
Contact and additional information
The role is office and laboratory based, situated within the National Fisheries Laboratory, Brampton, Cambridgeshire. Occasional travel for meetings, events and site visits may be required.
We operate a 9 am to 5 pm, Monday to Friday service. You will also have an incident role and will be expected to support our fisheries incident response service, which may on occasion be outside of these hours.
We are fully committed to being an inclusive employer and ensuring equal opportunities for everyone. We offer flexible working as well as a host of other employee benefits. For further information please download the candidate pack.
If you have any other questions, please contact the hiring manager Emma Nolan at emma.nolan@environment-agency.gov.uk of the molecular technical specialist Connor Harvey connor.harvey@environment-agency.gov.uk
Closing date: 19 November 2023, 23:55 hours.
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