Quality Control Lead Scientist

Salary & Grade: SEO (National) GBP38,724 - GBP44,393

We are looking for a Quality Control Lead Scientist to join our European Collection of Cell Cultures (ECACC) team. ECACC is part of the Culture Collections Department, which operates a Biological Resource Centre that procures, maintains, and supplies cultured human and animal cells and microorganisms for public health research and diagnostic testing.

As the Quality Control Lead Scientist, you will:

• Provide scientific and managerial leadership for the ECACC Quality Control Team.
• Manage and develop Quality Control testing activities for over 2000 ECACC cell line products and for external customers, ensuring testing and reporting conforms to ISO17025.
• Work with a diverse and experienced team of 80 staff within the UKHSA Culture Collections.

To be successful in this role, you will need:

• A PhD, MSc, equivalent qualification, or several years' postgraduate experience in a relevant scientific field
• Experience in cell culture and Quality Control techniques
• To demonstrate evidence of leading projects and project teams. Good communication and teamwork skills

Location

This will be an on-site role located at UKHSA Porton Down, Salisbury, SP4 0JG.

Please be aware that this role can only be worked from within the UK and not overseas. Relocation expenses are not available.

Responsibilities section:

The job holder will be required to carry out the following responsibilities, activities, and duties:

1. Plan, implement and utilise a range of methods and techniques in support of all activities associated with the operation of ECACC QC to ensure production and Quality Control targets are met.
2. Take responsibility for the provision of reagents and consumables required for the team and documented storage of materials generated.
3. Lead the QC team to identify, evaluate and adapt new technologies where appropriate and to ensure that the project operates to high scientific and quality standards (e.g. ISO17025) using current methods.
4. Establish links and collaborations within and outside the UKHSA as necessary to benefit the project and/or the ECACC department.
5. Take lead responsibility for the supervision and training of junior staff allocated to the QC operation.
6. Provide reports and certificates of analysis through the interpretation of data using software and databases as necessary, to meet project targets and lead on preparation of presentations and publications.
7. Assist in the organisation and participate in external training course provided by Culture Collections.
8. To perform any other duties required by the Line manager commensurate with grade.
9. To ensure that the project team undertakes work in accordance with UKHSA's Code of Safety Practice and to work within any Quality Systems that are applicable to the site (e.g. ISO 9001 and ISO 17025).
10. To maintain health and safety competence as a laboratory supervisor in line with UKHSA policies and guidance.

The duties/responsibilities listed above describe the post as it is at present and is not intended to be exhaustive. The Job holder is expected to accept reasonable alterations and additional tasks of a similar level that may be necessary.

Essential Criteria:

It is important through your application and Statement of Suitability of 1200 words that you give evidence and examples of proven experience of each of the essential criteria (for full details of all essential criteria please refer to the attached job description):

Essential

• PhD in appropriate discipline or MSc and several years' postgraduate experience or Degree and substantial relevant experience.
• Good knowledge and practical familiarity with techniques for cell culture Quality Control
• Good understanding and experience of safe working practices
• Evidence of leading projects/project teams
• Previous experience in training project staff
• Experience of creating and giving presentations to a varied group of internal and external stakeholders

Desirable

• Several years' experience in area relevant to the project e.g. Cell Culture
• Specialist training/experience in specific methods required for the post
• Experience of having worked within a regulated environment (e.g. ISO9001 or ISO17025)
• Experience of managing a team without direct line management

  For full job description and further details, please click Apply Now.