Technical and Scientific Officer – Molecular - 28102

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 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.

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.

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

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.
The fish health team is a small national team with a high output and busy seasonal peaks of work. You will be able to work efficiently and effectively under pressure and within tight deadlines, whilst ensuring that your work, and that of others, is of the highest standard.
Please provide examples of this competency.

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.
You will need to liaise closely with the team, partner laboratories, and other expert external parties and be capable of giving clear, concise instruction, and be able to interpret and share complex information in an easily digestible manner.
Please provide examples of this competency.

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.
As laboratory lead for a key diagnostic discipline, you will have responsibility for daily laboratory operations, work effectively on your own as well as within the wider team. You will need to take decisions under pressure, solve problems and must have an ability to anticipate forthcoming issues and adjust actions as necessary.
Please provide examples of this competency.

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.
The Fish Health Team is responsible for the operation of several different diagnostic areas. We provide technical, regulatory and fishery management solutions based on data obtained through these areas. It is important you understand these disciplines, using molecular tools to inform outcomes.
Please provide examples of this competency.