Molecular Testing Manager (ID4623 and ID4602)


Company:	Government Recruitment Service
Salary:	£34,434 to £35,468 a year
Hours:	Full-time
Location:	KT15 3NB
Job type:	Permanent
Posting date:	15 Sept 2026
Closing date:	28 Sept 2026

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Summary

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.

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 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.

The role of the Test Manager is to lead, and line manage a team in the department whilst acting as a point of contact for all testing queries. In liaison with the Laboratory Manager, you will be responsible for implementing, planning, prioritising, and allocating testing requirements to ensure a common Science Directorate (SD) approach. The job involves working with pathogens and hazardous samples, and must be undertaken following safe working practices as specified in instructions and safety documentation. Laboratories perform to ISO 17025 standards, and work must conform to these standards. You will help as part of the wider SD lab testing team to cover staff resource issues or other duties in the event of a disease outbreak.

We can also offer you a fully funded Apprenticeship at Level 5 in Laboratory Management (Technical Scientist) at the next available intake.

Outbreak

Test management for Avian Influenza Wild Bird Surveillance scheme (polymerase chain reaction - PCR) and Bluetongue PCR
Containment work across multiple containment facilities, including Specified Animal Pathogen Order Containment Level 4 and Advisory Committee for Dangerous Pathogens Level 3 (SAPO CL4/ACDP3)
Performing test validation and accreditation tasks for new molecular tests used in outbreak response
Succession planning for various competencies to build and maintain resilience
Supporting continuous improvement activities, including but not limited to systems such as Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) and PowerBi
Working collaboratively with a range of stakeholders to deliver testing to ISO17025 in a safe and timely manner

Central Unit for Sequencing and PCR

Supporting test management of core testing activities within the department may include but not limited to Next Generation Sequencing, Sanger, Genotyping, Microsatellite, Babesia PCR, Tuberculosis (TB) PCR, Equine Influenza, Swine Influenza, Schmallenberg Virus. This includes functional line management across teams.
Testing should be carried out to meet UKAS accreditation adhering to ISO17025.
Working in various high containment facilities as required
Succession planning for various competencies to build and maintain resilience

Health and Safety

Contributing to a positive safety culture by following Agency safety policies and procedures.
Understanding and following controls in Risk Assessments.
Ensuring equipment maintenance duties are carried out in all areas of the laboratory.
Participate in contingency exercises and other safety training.
Participate in safety audits/ inspections to support the local safety manager.
Ensuring health clearances are achieved and maintained for all work as required
General housekeeping

Quality

Accurate record keeping.
Working to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
Working to quality standards (ISO 17025).
Participate in proficiency testing schemes.
Participate in audits to support the local quality manager.
Raise non-conforming work reports when investigating issues with testing

Line Management

Directly line mange staff and oversee training in Agency policy and procedures
Provide training following SOPs
Hold regular one-to-one meetings to develop and manage performance
Managing HR related activities, including but not limited to performance, attendance, and conduct.

Equipment and Consumables maintenance

Arrange servicing and calibration with external service providers
Raise quotes and purchase orders for work
Supervise visitors
Maintain stock of consumables and reagents
Managing and supporting a range of outbreak response activities across multiple teams
Managing a team responsible for performing diagnostic and molecular testing.
Providing a supervisory role in the containment labs including training and supervising new staff.
Managing staff performance reviews, absence, occupational health referrals and disciplinary actions.
Reviewing and updating scientific and administrative procedural documentation.
Ensuring work is performed to the ISO17025 standard including taking responsibility for audit actions and test assurance.
Overseeing diagnostic testing including interactions with veterinary professionals and Defra.
Investigating non-conformances and documenting findings.
Communicating essential information to your team for discussion and feedback by regular minuted meetings.
Complying with all safety procedures including wearing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and reporting incidents and near misses.
Participating in all the necessary training to allow you to perform your role correctly and safely.

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