Data Science And Bioinformatics Development Lead

Data Science and Bioinformatics Development Lead

Grade: SSO

Working pattern: Flexible working, Full-time, Job share, Part-time

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.

This post is based in the Virology department, which is a multi-disciplinary department with internationally recognised expertise on a wide range of viruses. Our programmes of work on avian influenza (AIV), swine influenza (SwIV) and Newcastle disease virus (NDV) at APHA have a strong international dimension and focus, seeking to apply better solutions for threat mitigation and control, to protect UK and global food security.

We are seeking enthusiastic applicants who will be able to lead a bioinformatics revolution within the workgroup with linkages across the wider department. The successful candidate will be required to lead the bioinformatic aspects of both externally and internally funded projects and lead frontline bioinformatic assessment of outbreak samples. This will involve line management of a small team to deliver existing projects. The successful candidate will have a strong understaanding of bioinformatic pipelines and develop innovative approaches in this area. This will include both management and delivery of laboratory based research into the bioinformatic elements of epidemiology, pathogenicity, transmission and control of avian influenza virus, mammalian influenza and avian paramyxoviruses. You will be helping to support international engagement across a variety of projects to enhance the reputation of the workgroup as well as contributing towards grant proposals to help diversify the funding for the group. You will be required to ensure that the team maintain accurate and traceable laboratory records by adherence to appropriate quality standards (ISO9001, ISO17025) and have management oversight of the bioinformatics team with strong linkages to the research teams and diagnostic team leaders. You will also assist senior staff in developing and managing staff in their roles and help supervise visiting scientists and students.

The successful candidate will be required to: maintain expertise and knowledge of bioinformatics, particularly as related to influenza virus and NDV research; publish work in peer-reviewed journals; write grant applications to enhance funding streams; represent APHA at national and international meetings as necessary; develop and maintain national and international collaborations and research activities with scientists from other APHA internal departments and external partners; and assist in project budget management, interacting with senior virology staff and across the department.

The ideal candidate will have leadership qualities and a strong background in virology or veterinary virology environment along with experience in bioinformatic delivery, molecular biology. Excellent written and oral presentations skills and quality management system awareness is also required.

The successful candidate will need to demonstrate a commitment and personal compliance in all health and safety requirements by training and becoming competent in working with hazard group level 3 pathogens at biological containment level 3 (CL-3) (ACDP3/SAPO4), including Codes of practice, biological and genetically modified organism risk assessments and SOPs.

You will be expected to have gained a PhD in a relevant subject or be able to demonstrate equivalent scientific experience.

In return for your dedication, we will support your ongoing scientific and 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. Our benefits include generous annual leave, a contributory pension, staff bonuses and recognition, salary sacrifice benefit options, and an employee discount scheme. We also offer flexible working.

A full job specification and role requirements can be found on the Civil Service job site.

Closing date: Apply before 11:55 pm on Monday 26 February 2024.