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Senior Technical and Scientific Officer- Molecular - 29982

Number of jobs available

Region

East of England

City/Town

Brampton

Grade

Staff Grade 4

Post Type

Fixed Term

Role Type

Science

Working Pattern

Full Time

Salary Minimum

£33,000 pro-rata

Closing Date:

15/12/2024, 23:55 hours

Job description attachment 1

Job description attachment 2

Candidate pack

Security checks level

Basic Check

Job description

At the Environment Agency we aspire for inclusivity to thrive in our workforce. We embrace equal opportunities and flexible work arrangements, ensuring everyone can contribute and succeed.
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).
This role focuses on the delivery, management and operation of our molecular services, overseeing sample processing, ensuring quality standards, data analyses, interpretation and reporting. You will use a range of modern molecular methods (PCR, qPCR, DNA/RNA extractions, high-throughput sequencing), aiding the NFLs ability to detect, monitor and manage fish populations, pathogens of fish and non-native species. You will also help to deliver the scientific evidence to strengthen our operational and regulatory duties with the aim to maintain, improve, and develop freshwater fisheries in England.
A key element of your role is the development of our molecular service, for example using innovative monitoring tools for the detection of priority species and pathogens, and for broader environmental monitoring. You will primarily support our eDNA monitoring workflow, including biodiversity metabarcoding and pathogen surveillance. You will drive standards and seek opportunities for better ways of working, advising on sample design and interpretation of outputs to better inform fisheries management and monitoring of fish populations
This is a senior role with responsibilities including the supervision and training of staff from diverse backgrounds and working with other senior team members to facilitate the smooth delivery of our services and in managing a growing portfolio of work. You will have grounded experience of working in molecular laboratories and be comfortable working with internal and external partners. You will be expected to adhere to the highest standards of health, safety, and wellbeing.

The team

National experts, the NFL protect the environment from risks associated with fish disease and non-native fish species, our work also directly contributes to the organisation's monitoring and regulation of fish and fisheries. We identify, monitor and limit the impact of current and future threats to fisheries and the aquatic environment through the delivery of post-mortem and laboratory diagnostics (parasitology, bacteriology, histology, molecular, ageing) and the provision of technical advice and guidance to inform our regulations.

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.
Be 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 based 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 be required to support with an incident response role and across our core disciplines as necessary to ensure delivery of our services as required and be expected to support our fisheries incident response service, which may on occasion be outside of these hours.
We offer flexible working as well as a host of other employee benefits. For further information please download the candidate pack.
Interviews are expected to take place the beginning of January.
If you have any other questions, please contact Technical Specialist Connor Harvey connor.harvey@environment-agency.gov.uk

Length of contract

Up to 24 months

Competence 1

Applies Analytical Knowledge and Experience

Description

Please note that your answers to the capability questions will be blind assessed and used for shortlisting purposes. You may find researching the STAR technique (Situation, Task, Action, Result) useful when answering the questions. Please demonstrate how you meet the requirements of the role in your answers.

Applies acquired knowledge and experience to produce and interpret results from samples analysed in the laboratory. Please provide an example of when you have used molecular tools to inform outcomes.

Competence 2

Focuses on Efficiency, Innovation and Quality

Description

Identifies and seizes the opportunity to create, introduce and implement new or improved methods and processes, without compromising quality or accuracy. Please provide an example of when you have implemented new or improved methods to a process.

Competence 3

Coaches Others

Description

Uses variety of methods, including direct instruction, coaching and feedback skills to help others to develop. Please provide an example of how you have successfully coached others (ideally in a laboratory setting)

Competence 4

Engages others

Description

Plans, carries out and evaluates effective engagement with internal and external stakeholders. Please provide an example of when you had to engage collaboratively with others to achieve a result.

If you are applying from the Civil Service please note that the Environment Agency is not a part of HM Civil Service and you would not be a Crown Servant in the event of being appointed. Therefore, you will not be eligible for continuous service. For applicants who currently work in local government or other bodies listed in the Redundancy Payments (Continuity of Employment in Local Government etc) (Modification) Order 1999, you may be eligible for continuous service for the purpose of calculating any future redundancy payment. If you are unsure of your status then you should contact your own HR Team.

We are fully committed to having a diverse and inclusive workforce to reflect the communities we serve. We welcome flexible working patterns for all our vacancies, including job share, so please include clearly any information regarding your preferred working arrangements on your application.

We also have a Guaranteed Interview Policy to support those with a disability who are seeking employment. We have committed to guaranteeing an interview to anyone with a disability whose application meets the minimum criteria for the post.

The Environment Agency, as a Non-Departmental Public Body, is committed to providing value for money and utilises Central Government frameworks and contracts for all external recruitment needs. For this reason, we are unable to engage with the market directly through post, email or phone calls . Should you wish to become a support supplier on one of these frameworks or contracts please visit for more information.

Senior Technical and Scientific Officer- Molecular - 29982

Senior Technical and Scientific Officer- Molecular - 29982

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